Teacher of the Month

Gigi Kaminetzky

DKJA Teacher Wins Excellence Award

Among the honorees to receive the third annual national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education was Gigi Kaminetzky, a fourth grade Judaic Studies instructor at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton.

Mrs. Kaminetzky has worked as a Jewish educator for 40 years. She described her approach to teaching as "a personal aspiration that each of my students will become a knowledgeable Jew, a 'doer' in communal activities, and a mensch.." She further commented, "I hope that my students learn well the lessons of the Torah and use passion and dedication to apply these lessons to their lives."

The Jewish Education Service of North America, Inc., which promotes excellence in Jewish education across the continent, recognized Mrs. Kaminetzky's contribution to teaching at its national conference in Philadelphia in 2002. She was chosen because she has made a career commitment to the field of Jewish education, has contributed in an outstanding way to her day school or community, and exemplifies excellence in Jewish teaching.

Donna Klein Jewish Academy, a partner in serving the community with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, provides a unique educational experience that emphasizes the importance of Jewish learning and encourages academic excellence from kindergarten through high school. The Academy is located in Boca Raton on the Richard and Carole Siemens Jewish Campus of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.