WHC’s Tankel Tapped for Mandel Leadership Program

We are excited and proud to share that our own Stephanie Tankel, Director of Lifelong Learning, has been named to the inaugural cohort of the Mandel Educational Leadership Program. The Program “empowers Jewish educational leaders from across a range of settings to generate new visions of Jewish education, to grow in their leadership and to build relationships beyond their organizations as they bring their visions to life.” 

Stephanie was honored at her selection, saying, “the chance to engage with a dynamic and diverse cohort is so appealing. It means the possibility to challenge and strengthen my vision, enlivening and energizing me so I can continue to engage in this sacred work at WHC.” 

The 20 fellows of Cohort I were selected from a large pool of applicants. As a group, they include leaders from a range of educational settings: day schools, supplemental schools, Hillels, federations, start-up ventures, and convening organizations. Led by Rabbi Jethro Berkman, they will embark on an 18-month long program, comprised of three seminars in Boston, a study tour in Israel, and learning opportunities in between. 

According to the Program’s website, “fellows will engage with and analyze compelling, sometimes competing, approaches to Jewish education, inspiring them to sharpen their own visions and to create new ideas for the future of Jewish education.” In addition, fellows will develop leadership skills, and build their networks with other visionary educators. 

“While this cultural moment seems in contrast with a desire to be questioned and pushed,” Stephanie added, “I believe it’s precisely what the Jewish educational world needs. We must open minds and explore new potential to secure a meaningful future for the Jewish people.” 

“Right now, when Jewish engagement is evolving before our eyes, and as the pandemic contributes additional hurdles in myriad ways, this opportunity comes at the perfect moment. I’m personally and professionally seeking inspiration, motivation, and connection from fresh and new outlets. I’m eager to continue serving the Jewish community to the best of my ability; sometimes the right chevruta (partnership learning) or Fellowship cohort can offer precisely what is needed at a time such as this.” 

Mazel tov, Stephanie. We can’t wait to see what innovations you bring back. 

The complete cohort is below. 

Scott Aaron Associate Vice President for JUF Education Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago	Rebecca Milder Rabbi, Founding Director Jewish Enrichment Center
Adi Barel Associate Director of Jewish Studies Bialik Hebrew Day School	Laura Perpinyal Director of Congregational Learning Temple Chai
Micol Zimmerman Burkeman Recruitment and Leadership Development Associate; Director, Teaching Impact Fellowship Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion	Yehudah Potok Director of the Jewish Education Program Facing History and Ourselves
Mara Braunfeld Director of Children and Families Hadar Institute	Tamar Rabinowitz Dean of Jewish Studies and Hebrew Jewish Community High School of the Bay
Megan Doherty Rabbi and Director of Hillel Oberlin Hillel / Cleveland Hillel Foundation	Ana Robbins Executive Director Jewish Kids Groups
Tehilah Eisenstadt Director of Yachad and Family Engagement Congregation Beth Elo-him	Jonathan Shmidt Chapman Founder & Creator K’ilu Kits / Play-Along-Parsha / Aggadah Adventures
Suri Ganz Senior Manager Jewish New Teacher Project of New Teacher Center	Beverly Socher-Lerner Founding Director Makom Community
Amy Golding Head of School Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley	Stephanie Tankel Director of Lifelong Learning Washington Hebrew Congregation
Yael Krieger Director of Teaching and Learning Jewish Community High School of the Bay	Mason Voit Director of Education and Jewish Family Life Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale
Amy Meltzer Professional Learning Lead PJ Library	Ethan Zadoff Director of Professional Development & Chair, Department of History The Frisch School

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