Meet Beth Behar: Guiding Families Through Admissions

When you step into the Aaron Milken Center at Wise School, chances are you’ll find Beth Behar—Director of Admission and Middle School Placement—at the heart of the action, wearing many hats and connecting with families. “I joke that I have the longest title,” she says with a laugh. But her role boils down to something simple yet profound: welcoming families, nurturing relationships, and preparing students for their next step in life. Beth’s journey at the school began not as an administrator, but as a parent. “Both my kids went here and that’s how I got started,” she shares. “I was the VP or president at the preschool, and the job of elementary school admissions director was opening up, and the preschool director at the time encouraged me to apply–and by miracle of miracles, I got it!” Since 2008, Beth expanded her responsibilities, now overseeing admissions from preschool through elementary school and guiding sixth graders in finding the perfect middle school. 

Her favorite part? The relationships. “I meet these families when their children are four or five years old, and I get to know them over the years. Then, as the kids grow, I help guide them through their next transition into middle school. It’s truly rewarding to see them go from babies to young people with opinions and personalities.” Beth has seen shifts in how families approach Jewish day schools. “Parents today are more informed,” she notes. “They’ve done their research, and they’re asking deeper questions about programs and outcomes.” Another change she celebrates is the involvement of fathers. “At least half of the inquiries I get now come from dads. They’re just as involved and passionate, which is amazing to see.” 

Jewish Day Schools: A foundation for life 

Beth has noticed a shift in what parents are looking for in a Jewish day school, particularly in the wake of recent events. “After October 7th, the conversations with families have changed,” she shares. “Parents aren’t asking what they’ll miss by choosing a Jewish day school anymore. They’re asking for more—they want Jewish identity to be deeply ingrained in their child’s everyday experience, not just at home but at school too.” Beth believes Jewish day schools offer something unique: “We talk about Jewish values all day, every day, and that has a way of shaping kids into people who look at the world and think, ‘What can I do to make this place better?’” Another practical appeal? Jewish day schools streamline what used to be separate commitments. “With Hebrew and Judaic studies built into the school day, there’s no need for Sunday school or Hebrew school,” Beth explains. “Our school day is a little longer, but it means families can spend more quality time together outside of school.”

Beth speaks highly of her collaboration with Rachel Kaplan, BJE’s JKidLA’s Concierge for Jewish Education. “Rachel is an incredible resource,” she says. “She connects families to schools, provides insights, and helps us all work together. JKidLA fosters collaboration, not competition, between schools. At the end of the day, we all want to see families thrive in Jewish education, even if that means referring them to another school that’s a better fit.”

 

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Beth sees Rachel as an “untapped resource” for many families. “She’s like a free educational consultant. She knows every school, their programs, and their culture. If more families reached out to her, they’d save themselves so much time and stress.” If you’re exploring Jewish day schools, Beth’s top tip is simple: attend an open house. “We work so hard to make them a true reflection of our schools. When you walk onto a campus, you’ll get a feeling. Trust your gut! Every school will teach math and reading, but it’s about finding the right community for your family.” And if you’re still on the fence? “Even if you’re only 10% interested, go to an open house. It doesn’t cost anything, and it’s the best way to decide if Jewish day school is right for you.”

For Beth Behar, admissions is more than a job—it’s a calling. “I get to welcome families, watch their children grow, and prepare them for what’s next. I like to think I have the best job in the world.”

For more information about jKidLA, connect with Rachel Kaplan