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BALTIMORE, MD. (April 10th, 2019) �" Beth El Congregation of Baltimore announced today it has promoted Rachel Lurie to Director of the Downtown Preschool at Federal Hill and hired Jill Suffel to serve as Coordinator of Early Childhood Education at the Pikesville campus.

In her new role, Ms. Lurie will expand and manage the preschool curriculum, create engagement opportunities for parents, as well as organize Shabbat, High Holy Day and other holiday programs. Additionally, Ms. Lurie will be the primary point of contact for the Jewish families living in downtown Baltimore, including Federal Hill neighborhood and the other neighborhoods.

“I'm a proud product of Beth El! I attended Beth El preschool as a six-year-old, and had my Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation ceremonies at Beth El as well,” Ms. Lurie said. “I'm excited for the opportunity to engage the next generation of Beth El products at our Downtown Preschool.”

Ms. Lurie joined Beth El Congregation in 2014 as a preschool teacher and quickly rose to several supervisory and management positions. Her promotion supports Beth El's vision of engaging young Jewish families through their children.

“The Downtown Federal Hill Preschool strengthens our Jewish community by teaching parents and children the importance of the Jewish religion, values, and culture. The earlier a family begins their child's Jewish education, the more likely the entire family maintains a strong Jewish identity,” said Dr. Eyal Bor, Director of Education and the Rabbi Mark G. Loeb Center for Lifelong Learning. “Rachel Lurie innately understands both the needs of young parents as well as the developmental needs of young children.”

Beth El simultaneously hired longtime congregation member Jill Suffel to serve as Coordinator of Early Childhood Education. In her new position, Mrs. Suffel will support Mandy Barish, the Director of the Pauline Mash School for Early Childhood Education, in developing early childhood curriculum and will act as a liaison between parents and teachers.

“Early childhood education rooted in Jewish values helps the next generation maintain strong Jewish identities throughout their lives,” Mrs. Suffel said. “I have such a warm feeling for Beth El having been a member for many years, so I'm very excited for the opportunity to work hard in such a meaningful position for the congregation and school.”

Mrs. Suffel joins the School for Early Childhood Education after more than 21 years of experience in education, including 14 years working at Stevenson University and seven years as a grade school teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools.

“I'm so excited that Jill is joining our early childhood community.” Mrs. Barish said. “She is well known and respected throughout the Beth El and Baltimore Jewish communities, so I expect her involvement will expand the reach of Beth El's Early Childhood Education program.”

Rachel Lurie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology from the University of Tampa, with a specialization in holistic development. Mrs. Suffel earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Technology with a concentration in education from Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University). She also served as a board member for the congregation and her sons Logan and Benjamin will receive the Offit Award for outstanding community leadership.

ABOUT BETH EL (https://www.bethelbalto.com)

Beth El, a progressive and inclusive congregation affiliated with the Conservative Movement, fulfills the spiritual, educational and social needs of its members by nurturing religious practices and tradition, Jewish values and Tikkun Olam. Beth El Congregation is an engaging, vibrant, and inclusive synagogue community for today's modern Jewish families. We invite you to explore Jewish life at Beth El through traditional Jewish prayer and ritual, inspiring adult and childhood education, vibrant community celebrations and more.