Congregation Beth Israel Welcomes New Education Director

Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains has announced that it has hired Gail Beckman Buchbinder as the new Education Director of its Religious School.

“The Search Committee was unanimous in selecting Gail Buchbinder as the best candidate to lead our school,” said David L. Feldman, President of Congregation Beth Israel. “Gail has a wealth of creativity and skills in teaching, programming, and administration in a committed Jewish environment. We are excited to welcome her into our close-knit synagogue family.”

Ms. Buchbinder has more than 35 years of experience in the field of Jewish education. She most recently served for 12 years as Education Director of the Religious School/Hebrew High School at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, NJ. During her tenure there, she incorporated technology into the classroom, created innovative family programs, devised new programs for special needs students, enhanced B’nai Mitzvah preparation, and integrated art and music into the curriculum.

Ms. Buchbinder is a graduate of Rutgers University and McGill University in Montreal, where she earned degrees in Hebraic Studies and Education. She also attended Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is an alumna of the Leadership Institute for Congregational School Principals, a joint project of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College, as well as an attendee of the Conference on Advancements in Jewish Education and the Jewish Educators Assembly.

“Gail is committed to maintaining the high standards that our congregation expects in our Religious School,” said Jacqui Gross, Chair of Congregation Beth Israel’s Education Committee. “At the same time, she comes to us with fresh ideas and capabilities to enhance our school even more.”

Congregation Beth Israel’s Religious School was one of the first three congregations in North America to be designated as a Framework for Excellence School by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The Religious School offers classes from pre-school through 11th grade, as well as special needs instruction. Religious School for grades 3-7 meets two days per week. Synagogue membership is not required for Religious School classes through second grade; alternatively, young families can join the synagogue at a reduced rate.

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, cultural, educational and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. It has an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club and youth group, plus a wide array of programs, ranging from adult education courses to social action opportunities.

To contact Gail Buchbinder, call (908) 889-1830 or send an e-mail to school@cbisp.org. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).