ON THE MORNING OF JULY 16TH, MELAMEDET WAS BLESSED TO CELEBRATE A BEAUTIFUL MILESTONE. THE MELAMEDET TEACHERS-IN-TRAINING HAD FINALLY COMPLETED THEIR THREE YEARS OF COURSEWORK AND WERE ABOUT TO MOVE FORWARD ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO BECOME QUALITY JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHERS THROUGH OBSERVATIONS AND MODEL LESSONS IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND.
The students were celebrated with a beautiful commencement ceremony with meaningful and impactful speeches and words of wisdom from Rabbi Saul Kassin, Dr. Esther (Leventer) Betesh, Mr. Sammy Saka, Dr. Gayle Krost and the students themselves: Sally (Mizrachi) Choueka, Eileen (Franco) Dweck, Judy (Sitt) Elmann, and Mary (Jajati) Swed.
Friends and family came together to celebrate the momentous occasion and to support the young women who will Be’H be the conduits for the next generation of Jewish education.
Melamedet began four years ago with the goal of bringing more quality community Jewish educators into our community schools and after school programs.
The program aspired to bring women who would be role models inside and outside the classroom and make Torah not just another subject, but a genuine way of life. Looking at the four amazing women celebrated at the commencement ceremony — with Hashem’s help and the incredible support of teachers, board members, family and friends — Melamedet is set to accomplish just that.
As the students were working on steps to become Judaic studies educators, Dr. Esther (Leventer) Betesh, program director, was working on her dissertation in the field of Jewish education. One significant finding that she learned throughout her research journey was that many Judaic studies teachers have the capacity to play one of the greatest roles in the religious observance and spirituality of students- Just think of the sheer amount of time students spend with teachers. The impact that teachers have on our lives is tremendous and boundless — they are always worth investing in.
The Melamedet family all shared so much together and bonded in ways that will be cherished forever, through weddings and baby celebrations to late night conversations and meaningful events. Mary even got engaged thinking she was giving a Melamedet class that night — that’s how much this program has become a part of everyone’s lives.
Thank you to Rabbi Saul Kassin, Rabbi Joseph Dana, Rabbi Ovadia Alouf and Dr. Gayle Krost for their guidance throughout this journey. Thank you to the amazing Melamedet teachers Rabbi David Tawil, Rabbi Joseph Dana, Mrs. Tamar Braun, Rabbi David Massry, Mrs. Benjamin, and Mrs. Lisa Didia A”H whose neshama should have an aliyah. Thank you to Bet Rachel (Larchwood Shul) for graciously hosting.
A huge thank you to Mr. Sammy Saka who believed in Melamedet and is the true representation of what it means to do things leshem shamayim. Sammy always said that even if only one Judaic studies teacher came out of Melamedet, it would be worthwhile for the generations of students they would inspire. Melamedet can proudly say that Mary, Sally, Eileen, and Judy have already inspired countless students and Be”H” many more to come.
REFLECTIONS FROM STUDENTS
Sally (Mizrachi) Choueka:
Surrounded by teachers, family, and peers, the Melamedet graduation was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Judaic studies. Receiving our diplomas was a first step to passing on what we’ve learned, and what we are yet to learn. I am so grateful for the spaces, encouragement, and finally the launch into Judaic teaching that the program has provided. Sending out a warm thank you to all who made that possible, I am looking forward to teaching with confidence.
Judy (Sitt) Elmann:
Melamedet’s commencement ceremony was truly inspiring and a culmination of my incredible journey with the program. The support and mentorship I received throughout my time at Melamedet have been invaluable, shaping me into a confident and skilled teacher. The experience has not only enriched my knowledge but also fostered a strong sense of community and camaraderie among students. I’m grateful for the transformative learning opportunities, and I believe future students will find Melamedet to be a nurturing and empowering environment that propels them towards success.
Mary (Jajati) Swed:
Being a part of the Melamedet program for the last 4 years has been absolutely incredible. I learned so much, taught even more, and researched the true foundations of what it takes to be a sterling educator. The commencement ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the culmination of this chapter. Special thank you to all who played a part, as I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to teach with a renewed sense of passion and purpose.
Eileen (Franco) Dweck:
I’m so appreciative to Melamedet for the opportunity to pursue teaching Torah. The commencement reminded me of the imperative to teach Torah, enhancing the meaning of my goal and charging me up to achieve it. I’m so excited to see my fellow graduates continue teaching and growing. From them I learned so many different ideas and perspectives that I actively include in my teaching and I’m so thankful that they made me think about teaching in a whole new way.
Eileen (Franco) Dweck:
I’m so appreciative to Melamedet for the opportunity to pursue teaching Torah. The commencement reminded me of the imperative to teach Torah, enhancing the meaning of my goal and charging me up to achieve it. I’m so excited to see my fellow graduates continue teaching and growing. From them I learned so many different ideas and perspectives that I actively include in my teaching and I’m so thankful that they made me think about teaching in a whole new way.
To learn more about Melamedet please visit Melamedet.org and follow us on instagram @melamedet_.
