8 Teachers Honored for Strengthening Jewish Identity Globally

Eight teachers from seven countries are being celebrated for the kind of work that rarely makes headlines but shapes entire generations.

The Global Jewish Teachers Award, presented in Jerusalem in October, honored educators selected from more than 250 nominees across dozens of countries. Each winner received $2,500 from the Mayberg Foundation and recognition for strengthening Jewish identity and building connections to heritage and community.

The ceremony capped a four-day Global Jewish Educators Summit that brought together teachers, principals, and educational leaders for professional development, workshops, and site visits. The event was organized by Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and UnitEd, which works with over 850 Jewish schools in more than 50 countries.

Winners came from the United States, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, the UK, Russia, and France. Their selection reflected not just classroom excellence, but lasting influence on students, families, and communities.

Marina Grushevskaya of Moscow's Lauder Etz Chaim school exemplifies this reach. She has led the school's Judaica department since 1992, maintaining relationships with former students now living in Israel and teaching children of her earlier students. Alumni continue seeking her guidance decades later.

The Ripple Effect

The judges faced an unexpected challenge during selection. "Our greatest challenge was not finding eight educators worthy of the award but choosing only eight from so many exceptional candidates," said Limor Riskin, who led the review process at Herzog College.

The nominations revealed teachers working quietly to make education about more than knowledge transfer. They focus on identity, belonging, and helping students choose their own meaningful connection to heritage.

Meir Bunytow, director of Jewish education at Bet Hayladim in Mexico City, described his approach: "I hope my students leave with deep roots and, at the same time, the freedom to question, choose, and build their own path."

Rachel Fink of UnitEd said the award creates space to pause and thank educators whose extraordinary work often happens away from any spotlight. The recognition acknowledges that teaching shapes not just individual lives but the strength of communities across generations.

The program reflects Judaism's ancient tradition of revering teachers. As the Talmud teaches, while parents bring children into the world, teachers help them find purpose and meaning.

These eight educators prove that the most powerful legacy isn't built in a single moment but through decades of showing up, listening, and helping young people discover who they want to become.