STEM and Blossoms

“It’s not easy to find the right people,” Judy says, “and it’s not a nine-to-five job. But they’re so inspired! They set up their own WhatsApp chat and Zoom meetings, they’re constantly sharing new ideas, innovations, and discussing problems and accomplishments.”

Last June, CIJE mentors ran a three-day training program for 150 teachers in Fort Lee, NJ. The CIJE paid for their travel and lodging, and they learned a tremendous amount of new techniques and material. Afsoun Kohanshi attended the program last year and came away inspired. “I met science teachers from all over, from all backgrounds, and we shared ideas for projects and how to get the kids excited,” she says.

“We’re so supportive of teachers,” Judy says. “It was such a kiddush Hashem to see such a very diverse group of people gathered together. And there’s no competition: We all share a common goal, which is to help our children be successful while staying solidly within the Jewish world.

“That was always my parents’ goal — that my brother and I should be successful in the world, while remaining solidly attached to Yiddishkeit. They wanted us to serve the world and serve Hashem simultaneously, and make a kiddush Hashem.” Judy is clearly continuing to carry that torch.