New Achievements and Staff in the Education Department of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El is proud to announce Alicia Gejman, Director of Formal Education, has completed the degree of Doctor of Science in Jewish Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. In addition, Karee Bilsky has joined the professional staff as Director of the Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School, and Tovah Goodman is the new Youth Community Director.

Dr. Alicia Gejman supervisors all three schools which comprise the Educational wing of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El: The Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Preschool, the Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School, and the Miriam and Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School. Together, the synagogue has the unique ability to educate children ages two through 18.

Dr. Gejman is a native of Argentina and lived in Israel for many years. While in Israel, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education Counseling from Bar-Ilan University and then a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from The Hebrew University. She also completed an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Washington University. She has held a number of professional education positions in the United States, serving as a bilingual school psychologist in public schools in both Maryland and Washington D.C. She also served as the Principal at West Suburban Temple Har Zion in River Forest and was the Director of Makor Or, Special Needs Center of the Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago. Alicia was awarded the title of "Conservative Jewish Educator" ('CJE'), and she holds a Principal’s License from the National Board of License for Teachers and Principals of Jewish Schools in North America. Her Doctoral dissertation was on Judeo-Spanish proverbs and on how to teach these proverbs to elucidate a deeper understanding of the Sephardic worldview. Reflecting on her studies, Alicia feels more grounded in learning, more equipped to develop curriculum and hopes to inspire lifelong learners.

Karee Bilsky joins the NSSBE team as director of The Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Preschool with a wealth of education and expertise in early childhood education. Karee most recently served as the Director of the Linda and Fred Wein Center for Gan Ami Early Childhood Education which is a program of the Harry and Rose Samson Family JCC in Milwaukee, WI. A graduate of Indiana University (BS - Early Childhood Education), Karee is a past fellow of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute and is an active board member for the National Jewish Early Childhood Network. She is a current member of the Coaches Catalyzing Change Community of Practice comprised of fourteen Jewish Early Childhood Professionals from across the country.

A published author in the field of Early Childhood Education, Karee previously served as the Director of Early Childhood Programs at Congregation BJBE in Deerfield, IL. A career early childhood educator over the past 17 years, she has also served as a Director, Assistant Director, Lead Teacher, and Kindergarten Teacher at a variety of organizations, including Bernard Weinger JCC, Gan Shalom Early Childhood Center, and the Mannheim School District. Karee is deeply familiar with and supportive of the Reggio Emilia inspired approach to early childhood development upon which our preschool curriculum is based.

Karee “believes in incorporating progressive techniques into the life of a Jewish Early Childhood school setting while fostering best practices in all areas of growth and development.” She is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to working with young children which believes that children are truly capable and competent. “When children are provided with the tools and materials that they need to succeed, and a voice to share in the learning of the classroom, tremendous growth and development can be seen, “says Karee. “I am focused on creating meaningful relationships with children, parents and educators, while building a community of learners.”

Tovah Goodman is coming to NSS Beth El as the Youth Community Director after working for the last two years as an Engagement Associate for Israel Initiatives at the Jewish United Fund in Chicago and recruiting for and organizing Masa Israel programming. Among her primary responsibilities were staffing trips to Israel and planning a curriculum to educate youth about Israel for Birthright and Ta’am Yisrael. She has worked at Jewish summer camp and taught in Conservative congregational religious schools.

Her skills in prayer leadership, song, theater, arts, digital media and photography enhance her talents as a Jewish educator and assist her in connecting with teens and Jewish youth. Her main responsibilities will be working with the M&M Club (K-1st), Shalom Club (2nd-5th), Kadima (6th-8th) , and USY (9th-12th).

About North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, founded in 1948, is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We are a Congregation of families and individuals who come together to pray, to study, and to create a warm and welcoming community.

Located next to Lake Michigan, in the "North Shore" area of greater Chicago, it is the spiritual home to 1100 families.

Beth El offers a variety of activities for everyone. The student education wing of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El consists of The Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Preschool, the Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School, and the Miriam and Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School. Together, the synagogue has the unique ability to educate children ages two through 18, with flexible scheduling, state of the art technology, and strong Hebrew and Jewish Studies curriculum. The school boasts a special needs program, family programming, and an excellent clergy and professional staff.

Through active participation in the diverse programs and activities offered by Beth El, members become part of the Beth El family. Come and see the range of exciting activities, membership plans, and people Beth El has to offer. Visit https://nssbethel.org/ for more information.

For school inquiries, contact Dr. Alicia Gejman at 847-432-8924.

For membership inquiries, Contact Jeffrey Baden, Executive Director, at 847-432-8900.