Quotes from 2005 Awards Seminar Participants:

“After hearing Mr. Grinspoon speak and his wife address us at the ceremony, I realized the importance of letting others in my school and community know about the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards. It is important that Jewish educators realize that if they are dedicated and work hard, they can earn this award too. Award winners must expound on the merit of this award to their colleagues.”

“As a result of our sessions at the Awards Seminar, I acquired a whole new arsenal to add to my ‘bag of tricks.’ Much more than that, though, I came to know some incredible Jewish educators and to embark on what I hope will be a long relationship with colleagues whose enthusiasm for Jewish education I share very deeply. Because I feel so passionately about Jewish education, there were times in the past when I felt like a voice in the wilderness and I now know that there are others who share my passion.”

“The Seminar confirmed my belief that Jewish education is an important and worthy profession and one that I can be proud to be a part of.”

“Simply being invited to participate in the seminar gave the award a certain value…For me, one of the major goals of the awards program [was] to help the larger Jewish community value and respect its own educators.  Participating reminded me that I was part of a larger mission of Jewish continuity. As a busy teacher and school director, I so often get caught up in the day-to-day details of educating that I forget about the big picture. It was so nice to meet others dedicated to this mission and to feel part of a nationwide team of Jewish educators.”

“It confirmed my strong belief that Jewish education and values are important and essential for the survival of our traditions and way of life. It also confirmed my strong devotion to my teaching mission. As an award winner, I now realize that my effort and philosophy of teaching have been recognized and rewarded, which gives me more motivation to continue in the direction that I have always taken. This award has bolstered my self-confidence and better enabled me to convince others of my strong beliefs and direction in Jewish education.”

“I took away awareness of the broader vision of Jewish education. I took away the experience of learning with keen minds who are definitely excellent in Jewish education. I felt connected to this group, welcomed by this group, interwoven with this group; that somehow my contribution was valued and magnified 10 times over.”