Temple Israel’s Chavaya program, is under the capable leadership of Rebecca Elkus-Ferst, the Director of Education: Youth & Families, who began her work here in July 2012.
Rebecca has developed the Chavaya program since its inception and worked alongside our clergy and team of Chavaya educators to ensure its relevance and accessibility in children’s lives. Rebecca attended college at Michigan State University and holds a BA in Journalism and a specialization in Jewish Studies.
In between college and graduate school she spent a year studying in Israel. While in graduate school Rebecca interned at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, A Living Memorial to the Holocaust and assisted in the creation of the Coming of Age During the Holocaust, Coming of Age Now pilot program. She served as the Assistant Director of Education/Youth & Family Programming at Congregation Habonim in Manhattan following her graduation from JTS from 2009-2012. During this time she piloted the congregation’s teen learning, social and social action program and developed curricular guides for the religious school.
Rebecca is a past fellow of the Leadership Institute: Shaping Congregational Leaders and Learners and Matan Institute for Education Directors, working on a communal approach to helping children with special needs.
You can reach Rebecca by either emailing, or calling her at (914) 235-1800 x 221
