Blog

By: Brandon Chiat

Often, the work of a Jewish educator goes unsung. That is no longer the case for Dr. Eyal Bor, Beth El Congregation's Director of Education and Lifelong Learning.

On November 12, at an Academic Convocation in New York City, Dr. Bor will receive the degree of Doctor of Pedagogy, conferred by the Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary in partnership with the Jewish Educators Assembly.

“The honorary doctorate is the highest honor one can achieve in the fi eld of Jewish education in the Conservative movement,” said Dr. Edward Edelstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Educators Assembly.

In reviewing candidates for this prestigious honor, Dr. Edelstein said he and his committee looked at the excellence of the individual's work, contributions to the broader fi eld of Jewish education, and leadership roles within their respective communities. Most importantly, recipients must demonstrate a commitment to innovation and the ability to inspire people beyond the walls of their own institution, said Dr. Edelstein.

“Dr. Bor is one of the most talented and creative Jewish educators working in the fi eld of synagogue education today,” said Rabbi Steven Schwartz. “His vision, willingness to take chances, and insistence on thinking out-of-the-box set him apart.”

Receiving such recognition from the Jewish Educators Assembly, the standard-bearer for Jewish education, not only validates Dr. Bor's work, but also Beth El's commitment to enriching the lives of its members.

“Dr. Bor has taken the Rabbi Mark G. Loeb Center for Lifelong Learning and transformed it into one of the best programs in the country for synagogue adult education,” said Rabbi Schwartz.

 

Although it is a personal honor, Dr. Bor said the award refl ects the achievements of Beth El's educational staff. “The credit goes to the clergy and lay leadership for being open to new ideas and to our staff for their tireless work,” said Dr. Bor. “Beth El's educational programs are now nationally recognized.”

 

The driving force behind Dr. Bor's work transcends denominational boundaries. “In recent years, Jews have turned away from religious practice,” said Dr. Bor. “Whether Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, or Reform, all congregations must join forces to come up with a new formula to make Judaism relevant, engaging, and meaningful.”

 

Dr. Bor's vision aligns with the Jewish Educators Assembly.

 

“Jewish faith enriches lives,” said Dr. Edelstein. “Jewish education helps Jews connect with their tradition as well as build for the future.”

 

Bridging the gap between Jewish tradition and education has been the guiding philosophy of Dr. Bor's work.

 

“He understands intuitively that synagogue life, and Hebrew education must change with the times to remain relevant and meaningful in people's lives,” said Rabbi Schwartz.

 

“The most important thing we can do as Jewish educators is to reach Jewish families and bring them back to our tradition,” said Dr. Bor. “If we don't do it now, we're going to lose them forever.”

 

Known around Beth El and Baltimore for his boundless energy, Dr. Bor's many gifts, including his flair for woodwind instruments, are receiving well-deserved recognition.

 

“He's kept Jewish education fresh by incorporating a broader spectrum of talents including music, which he uses for community engagement,” said Dr. Edelstein. “The honorary doctorate is a major milestone in his career.”