Teacher Wins ‘Exemplary Educator’

By COLlive reporter

Mrs. Fruma Schapiro, a Judaic Studies teacher and Extra-Curricular Coordinator at Bais Chana / Ohel Chana High School in Los Angeles, won the Milken Outstanding Jewish Educator Award.

Presented by the Milken Family Foundation and the Builders of Jewish Education organization, this prestigious award is presented annually to only four educators among over 1,000 in Southern California.

Mrs. Schapiro, who has worked in the girls school for 19 years impacting over 1,500 students, will receive a $15,000 gift along with the other recipients at the formal Awards Luncheon in Kislev/December.

Running the school are Judaic Studies Principal Mrs. Yehudis Farkash, General Studies Principal Esther Pearl Kreiman, and Assistant Principal Mrs. Pessy Niasoff. The Executive Director is Rabbi Mendel Goldman and Board President is Rabbi Israel Bastomski.

As a Judaic Studies teacher, Schapiro inspires her students with her challenging and uplifting classes of Prophet Analysis, Chassidic Philosophy and Eras of Jewish History.

In addition, she was the creative director and playwright of original scripts and composer of uplifting song lyrics for the school’s Biennial Production, which benefits the school wide community for close to two decades.

Mrs. Schapiro also serves as an official mentor to her many students, caring for the overall development of each student – academic, religious, character, emotional, and social.

The award was announced at an assembly in the school on September 27 with participation of Milken Foundation’s Vice President Mr. Richard Sandler, Director of the Jewish Educator Award Ms. Dahlia Geilman, Executive Director of BJE Representatives Dr. Gil Graff, Director of Day School Accreditation Mrs. Arlene Agress, and Ms. Betty Winn, Director of Center for Excellence in Day School Education.

The Assembly began with an inspiring Rosh Hashanah address by Rabbi Mendel Schapiro, followed by Dr. Graff who introduced the Award Presenter, Mr. Sandler, whose announcement was greeted with great excitement and surprise.

Mrs. Schapiro expressed her love of teaching as a Shlucha of the Rebbe, connecting with her students and imparting the Rebbe’s message to prepare the world for Moshiach.

“Mrs. Fruma Ita Schapiro has made an incredible impact on my life,” said Mrs. Racheli Muchnik, co-director of Chabad of Oxnard, CA and Principal of Lamplighters Jewish Academy, who was in 11th grade when Mrs. Schapiro was hired.

“When she spoke, we listened, captivated, as words of wisdom came forth. She connected with each of us individually, invited us into her home, and brought Torah learning to life. She stimulated us intellectually, and cared for us emotionally. The relationships she built with all of us were deep and meaningful.”

Mrs. Rivkah Leah Gelb of Redondo Beach, CA, says it was her first time enrolling in an Orthodox Jewish all-girls school when she entered 10th grade at Bais Chana High School. She had previously learned in public school.

Gelb enjoyed participating in Mrs. Schapiro’s Bnos Chabad activities, Productions and Shabbatons. In the following two years, 11th and 12th grade, she learned in Schapiro’s classes, leading her “to really respect and strive to follow in her footsteps.”

“But it wasn’t until I chose her to be my mentor, after getting married, that I got to really glean and benefit from her wisdom and life experience,” Gelb says. “Her advice is sound and thought out, an indication of how she lives her life in a way that embodies the values and lessons she teaches. She is a huge role model and inspiration for my life and the way I conduct myself in my life and in my relationships.”