Amanda Lurer, M.A.H.L., M.A.J.E.
Welcome to Temple Beth Am

As the new Director of Education at Temple Beth Am, I would like to welcome you to our school and to our community.

In my capacity as Director of Education, I look forward to actively being involved with the Temple’s youth through the Religious School and BATY (Beth Am Temple Youth), our NFTY chapter.

My hands-on educational philosophy requires me to be in the classroom, involved with all family education programs (kallot), and, of course, all other school programs or specials.

I am committed to lifelong learning and am a firm believer that our Jewish education shouldn’t stop at the age of B’nai Mitzvah. In addition to working with our youth, I also look forward to working with adults in our new “Adult” education program, Lifelong Learning.

I grew up in South Florida and have been steadily moving north ever since. I received a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and a B.A. in Judaic Studies from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Immediately after college, I began the six year process of becoming a rabbi at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia area. While in rabbinical school, I also studied at Gratz College where I received a M.A. in Jewish Education. I am a member of NATE (National Association of Temple Educators), CAJE (Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education) and the RRA (Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association).

Prior to coming to Temple Beth Am, I served as a student rabbi at Beth Israel Congregation and Bristol Jewish Center in Pennsylvania. I have worked in a variety of settings teaching and running Jewish supplementary educational programs for students in grades K-12, as well as teaching college credit and adult education courses. I also serve as a United States Navy Reserve Chaplain.

In addition to getting to know all the members of the TBA Family over the next few months, I am excited about exploring Boston with my new Black Lab, Shadow. Please feel free to stop by my office anytime to introduce yourself; contact me at 508-872-8312 or email me just to say “hi” or with any questions.