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Four Los Angeles-Area Jewish Educators Receive $18,000 Awards in Surprise Celebrations

Exceptional BJE-affiliated Jewish day school educators honored by the Milken Family Foundation for their dedication to quality instruction 
 
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Four outstanding Jewish day school educators across Los Angeles County received an unforgettable surprise this month when they learned at schoolwide celebrations that they had been selected for the prestigious Jewish Educator Award, which includes an unrestricted $18,000 cash prize. Created by Lowell Milken in 1990, the initiative is a partnership between the Milken Family Foundation and Builders of Jewish Education (BJE) that recognizes educators whose work and commitment strengthen Jewish learning in greater L.A. Milken Family Foundation Executive Vice President Richard Sandler, joined by BJE Chief Executive Officer Dr. Miriam Heller Stern, notified each recipient in front of students, colleagues and school communities to recognize the educators’ contributions and impact. 
 
“Jewish education extends far beyond classroom walls. Outstanding educators, and the Jewish day schools they serve, prepare young people to be future community leaders and to lead meaningful lives,” said Sandler. “Becca Furer, Michelle Klein, Rabbi Mordechai McKenney, and Randi Moss represent the excellence happening in Jewish day schools every day. Their teaching of Torah connects students to their faith, community, and Jewish values and traditions they will uphold and pass down to future generations.” 
 
The 2026 Jewish Educator Award recipients are: 

  • Becca Furer, Director of Student Services, Sinai Akiba Academy, Los Angeles
  • Michelle Klein, Judaic Studies Teacher and Seminary Guidance Advisor, Valley Torah High School Girls Division, Valley Village
  • Rabbi Mordechai McKenney, Second Grade Judaic Studies Rebbe, Yeshivat Yavneh, Los Angeles
  • Randi Moss, Associate Director and Fifth/Sixth Grade Lead Teacher, Brawerman East Elementary School, Los Angeles

Recipient bios are available below this release. 
 
“I want my students to be seen. I want them to be valued. We are here [at Sinai Akiba Academy] to help them learn and help them stretch—so that they are able to go forth as independent, capable and competent learners,” explained Becca Furer when asked about what inspires her as an educator. “It really is part of the Kehila Kedosha concept of, “this is a family.” We work together. That really lights me up.” 
 
“It’s such a privilege to be in this profession,” said Michelle Klein while discussing her gratitude for the Jewish Educator Award honor. “The thing I love the most about it is that I maintain relationships with my students. It’s about building connections, and to have it [the Jewish Educator Award] come back this way is truly mind blowing. It’s an endorsement that this is something bigger than what we do every day, and that’s very special to be a part of.” 
 
Rabbi Mordechai McKenney expressed his appreciation for the Jewish Educator Award and the privilege to teach Torah every day. “The Torah not just stays in the classroom, but also extends wherever we go and we carry that with us,” he said. “We are that chain—that mesorah—that we have each ring strong to pass on to the next generation. What we’re doing is not really for one generation; it’s for many generations. To be able to contribute to that tradition is very special.” 
 
“I strive to create a classroom where students feel safe to ask questions, share their thinking, make mistakes, and challenge themselves, even when something feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar,” said Randi Moss as she reflected on the lessons she wants to impart on her students. “My hope is that my students leave my classroom knowing they are capable, their voices deserve to be heard, and they should never be afraid to take a chance on themselves.” 
 
The Jewish Educator Awards recognize exceptional teachers, administrators and other K-12 education professionals in the greater Los Angeles area who demonstrate a positive impact on BJE-affiliated day schools. The initiative provides public recognition and financial rewards honoring professionals’ proven commitment to education. A confidential committee of educators, professionals and lay leaders among the Jewish community select award recipients annually according to the following criteria: 

  • Exceptional educational talent and promise, as demonstrated by innovative practices in the classroom, school and community.
  • Evidence of originality, dedication and capacity for leadership and self-direction.
  • Commitment to influencing policies that affect children, their families and schools.
  • Strong, long-range potential for even greater contribution to children, the profession and society.
  • Distinguished achievement in developing innovative educational curricula, programs and/or teaching methods.
  • Outstanding ability to empower students’ character and self-confidence.
  • Skillful ability to develop Jewish children’s understanding of the connections between their religion and activities both inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Commitment to professional development and excellence, and the continuing Judaic and/or secular study necessary.
  • Personal involvement in responding to the needs of the Jewish and secular communities.
  • Criteria for administrators also include outstanding ability to attract, support and motivate committed education professionals. 

Community leaders and family members of the 2026 Jewish Educator Award recipients will come together for an Awards luncheon on Thursday, December 10. The inclusive event brings together leaders across L.A.’s Jewish community, from the most secular to the most Orthodox. 
 
For photos and videos from the events and information about the Jewish Educator Awards, visit www.JewishEducatorAwards.org. 
 
See more from the Jewish Educator Awards on social media: Facebook (MFF.org)| X (Milken)| YouTube (JewishEducatorAwards)| Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn) | LinkedIn (MilkenFamilyFdn). 
 
About the 2026 Milken Jewish Educator Award Recipients 
 
Becca Furer, Sinai Akiba Academy 
Becca Furer has been a beloved member of the Jewish learning community at Sinai Akiba Academy, where she serves as director of student services, for the past 15 years. Her work is vital to creating a positive learning environment for all students. 
 
Mrs. Furer sees outstanding results by using her vast knowledge of evidence-based interventions and data-driven, comprehensive support strategies. She leads a top-tier team of learning specialists who reinforce strengths, address needs, scaffold instruction by placing students in small groups, and promote social-emotional learning across Sinai Akiba, including the Early Childhood Center. Harnessing partnerships in a student’s educational journey, Mrs. Furer involves teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, and outside learning providers when applicable. This support system, rooted in Talmud Torah (academic excellence), has been used as a model and for partnership opportunities with other Jewish Day Schools. Mrs. Furer’s approach is also characterized by celebrating the unique contributions of every child (Derech Eretz: kindness and empathy) and encouraging all children to embrace Jewish learning and life (Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof: ethical responsibility). 
 
Michelle Klein, Valley Torah High School Girls Division 
The girls at Valley Torah High School benefit greatly from the guidance, care and encouragement from Jewish Studies teacher Mrs. Michelle Klein. Her steadfast leadership, encouraging nature and intentionality have positioned her as an academic and personal role model for Valley Torah students – especially her 11th grade Hashkafa (philosophy), 12th grade Chumash (the five books of Moses), and Yesodos HaBayis (Foundations of a Jewish Home) students. 
 
Mrs. Klein’s guidance is a pillar of 12th grade at Valley Torah, where she is also the 12th grade class seminary guidance advisor and mechanechet (mentor). She helps the girls transition to their next phase of Jewish life, whether that is continuing their education, going into the workforce, applying for seminary in Israel, or preparing for marriage and family plans. Mrs. Klein is known for her engaging discussions, assignments, and focus on critical analysis. Guided by her commitment to Torah, Jewish values, and mitzvot (good deeds), she helps her students navigate our complex world and discover their identities within it. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Klein serves as a Kallah teacher and the Rebbetzin of Young Israel of Northridge. 
 
Rabbi Mordechai McKenney, Yeshivat Yavneh 
For 14 years, Rabbi Mordechai McKenney has been dedicated to helping the students of Yeshivat Yavneh build the skills and confidence to engage meaningfully with Torah. As a second grade Judaic Studies rebbe, Rabbi McKenney makes the complexities of Torah language approachable and intuitive. Through his innovative ‘chop and box’ method, students decipher prefixes, suffixes and shorashim (roots). Engaging songs and mnemonics help them connect to the text, like Torah portions Lech Lecha and Va’yera. These portions on the story of Abraham and Sarah and the beginning of the journey of the Jewish people also represent the students’ own journeys into deeper Torah learning. His passion for accurate and fluent kriyah (decoding) is evident in his methods for breaking down complicated words and preparing students to read Chumash and siddur text with proper inflection and hav’ara (pronunciation). 
 
In practicing translation, students internalize the concepts, apply the teachings to everyday life, and strengthen their relationships with the Jewish community and G-d. In every opportunity, Rabbi McKenney imparts wisdom his students will cherish long after they leave his classroom. It is no surprise that his impact extends to children and adults throughout the community, including prospective parents who have requested his tutoring after admiring his kriyah lessons during open houses. 
 
Randi Moss, Brawerman East Elementary School 
Whether in the classroom or as an administrator, Mrs. Randi Moss has made it her mission to help every child realize his or her potential. Since joining the Brawerman Elementary community more than two decades ago, she has taught first grade, third grade, and has worked in multiple capacities across both campuses. She currently serves as an associate director and the fifth and sixth grade lead teacher at Brawerman East, where she draws from her deep understanding of Brawerman’s mission and culture to support academic excellence, social-emotional growth and Jewish learning. 
 
In every role, Mrs. Moss holds high expectations for students and colleagues. She differentiates instruction so all students can engage with challenging material while inspiring creativity and a desire to learn. At the heart of her approach is a belief that children can achieve greatness when they know they matter, earning the trust of students and families and creating lasting relationships. As a leader, she helps shape a positive culture of collaboration around student success. Mrs. Moss’ knowledge of Jewish traditions, values and history enriches students’ experiences and models a genuine love of Judaism, from generation to generation.