Principal Judy Levine

Judy Levine joined us as Religious School Principal in July 2007. She has been in school leadership roles for 10 years serving as Principal of Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Montclair and Vice Principal of Temple Har Shalom Religious School in Warren. Prior to that, she worked in teaching and administrative roles at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City.

Judy graduated from SUNY College at Buffalo with a Bachelor's Degree in History and earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education. She has actively participated in continuing Jewish education through the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), the Institute for the Study of Modern Israel of Emory University, the Whizin Institute for Family Education at the University of Judaism, and the StorahLab Institute.

Judy Levine was selected to be a participant in the Leadership Institute for Congregational School Principals in 2005. The Institute is jointly sponsored by the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Jewish Federation of Greater New York. This program provided Judy the opportunity to train with top leaders in the fields of Jewish learning, leadership and pedagogy.

Judy lives in Mapelwood with her husband Marty. Their daughter Robin is a student at Rutgers University.

July 2007 Bulletin Article

I am inspired by the dynamic energy that is present in the people of Monmouth Reform Temple. Although I have not yet met most of you, I met with the Religious Education Committee and clergy. I spent time learning the ropes from David Levinsky and met with the dedicated teaching staff as a whole and individually.

I'd like to introduce myself to you in a way that will help you to understand where I am coming from and how I hope to become a part of the MRT community.

My philosophy of Jewish education derives from "L'dor va dor", from generation to generation. Just as moving from generation to generation denotes time, Judaism changes through time, and Reform Judaism most effectively reflects the changes that modernity and America have brought to 21st century Judaism. I was a history major in college and have a healthy respect for the past. I truly believe that we build the future on the lessons of the past.

I have been in school leadership roles for 10 years serving as a principal in a small congregational school and a vice principal in a large one. I believe that the goal of education is to create a secure, curious, informed learner. Applying this to Jewish education is a natural process. As an educator, I strive to provide opportunities for learners to have a cultural, religious and intellectual experience of Judaism. Since Judaism is a way of life and a way of thought, I must supply many experiences to entice learners, including experiences with prayer, discussions about God, Torah and social justice. Most importantly, I must create an environment which encourages positive Jewish memories and invites families and congregants to join us on a journey of learning and growth.

Today's Jewish families have a wide range of priorities and challenges. A religious school must be welcoming and supply a rich learning environment where learners are recognized for who they are and are part of a community which values them and learning.

On the personal side, I am married and have one daughter who is a Rutgers student. We live in Maplewood (no it is not a difficult commute). My husband and I are avid movie goers. For downtime and relaxation I also love reading and am a quilter.

I hope to meet many of you during the summer. I'll be in the Religious School office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons after July 20. I will be keeping the RSPrincipal@MonmouthReformTemple.org e-mail. Please be in touch. Future articles will tell you more about what is happening at the Religious School.

Wishing you a healthy, relaxing summer, Judy Levine