Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles

The Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles, also known as Builders of Jewish Education (BJE), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching Jewish experiences and fostering high-quality Jewish education in the Los Angeles area.

History and Mission

Founded in 1937, BJE has a long history of promoting Jewish continuity and community engagement in Greater Los Angeles. Its core mission is to enhance the quality, increase access, and encourage participation in Jewish education throughout the Jewish communities of the region[3].

Programs and Services

BJE works closely with over 140 local Jewish schools, providing support from early childhood through 12th grade. It offers a diverse range of educational programs and resources, including:

• Education Support: BJE connects families and children with a broad range of Jewish educational opportunities.
• March of the Living Program: BJE operates the largest March of the Living program in the United States, engaging teens in experiential education.
• Positive Education: Training and certification programs for educators in Positive Education to promote well-being.
• Project EnAble: Offers reduced-cost clinical support for students with learning needs in Jewish elementary schools.
• Service-Learning Programs: Develops service-learning initiatives for teens[1][2].

Leadership and Governance

The organization is led by an executive director who plays a crucial role in strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach. After 31 years of leadership by Dr. Gil Graff, BJE is preparing for a transition, positioning itself for future growth and impact[2]. The board of directors oversees governance practices, ensuring ethical conduct and performance assessments[3].

Impact

BJE has established itself as a trusted entity in Jewish education, contributing significantly to Jewish continuity and community development in Los Angeles. Its programs reach tens of thousands of families, children, and teens annually[1].

References

Though not provided here, references can be found in the sources cited within the text.

[1] https://www.jewishfoundationla.org/grant-org/builders-of-jewish-education/ [2] https://drgtalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BJE-Executive-Director.pdf [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-4280178 [4] https://www.bjela.org [5] https://www.instagram.com/buildersofjewisheducation/p/DHRG243uiRE/