Staff of Bethesda Jewish Congregation

Director of Education
Chava Gal-Or

Chava Gal-Or comes to us having been the Director of Education in three different synagogues over the past 12 years as well as teaching many years before that. Living in many different cities has strengthened Chava's ability to meet people wherever they are, both location wise and in terms of learning needs. She has been a Jewish educator since she was 17 years old as an assistant in a Hebrew School classroom and has used the opportunity to teach in a variety of Hebrew School and day school classrooms to grow in the way she envisions within the field of Jewish Education. She received her BA and the better part of a MA in Jewish Studies from Baltimore Hebrew University with an emphasis in Jewish Education.

Chava's personal philosophy is to "Empower, Embrace and Engage Everyone."

Using Judaism as the scaffolding Chava inspires her staff to create classroom structures that show the value of B'tzelem Elohim, all are created in the image of God or godliness. She believes the best Jewish education starts with creating a community in the synagogue and the classroom that is based on those values that have been important to the Jewish people since ancient times. When students see themselves as a part of a community of learners they are more likely to stay on task and to focus on the information being learned.

For many years Chava was a fixture at CAJE (Coalition for Advancement of Jewish Education) conferences, greeting people as part of the Mazkirut, planning committee and implementing different aspects of the conference. In July 2003, Chava co-chaired the first ever Education Directors Conference for the Reconstructionist Movement.

Along with her love of Judaism, Chava has a passion for writing and has published articles about creating a non-toxic home environment and her family's adoption experience. Chava is blessed to have a beautiful family including her husband Michael, sons Aryeh and Dovi, and their three Jewish dogs!

Executive Director
Roz Young

Roz has been with BJC as a member or executive director for 7 years. She brings a passion for Judaism and a desire to serve the congregation with her each day. Being raised in a military family she understands how to make changes on the go and still have a true sense that it will always work out for the best. Coming from an interfaith family she understands the challenges faced by some of our congregants. As part of her 42 journeys she feels that this is a very special time for her and truly feels it is an honor and privilege to serve the community.