Education Director, Miriam Schaffer

Miriam Schaffer grew up in Israel. At age 12 her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Judaic Literature from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies (now Siegal College of Judaic Studies).

Miriam has been involved in Jewish Education for many years and has held numerous positions in both synagogues and day schools as a teacher and Administrator.

In both congregations in Cleveland where she worked,  she instituted innovative changes and revised the Hebrew curriculum. Her creative programming and her hands-on involvement with teachers, students and parents led to increased enrollment. This pattern continues in Temple Shaarei Shalom as the Religious School enrollment is now close to 300 students. Miriam is a member of NATE and received her RJE (Reform Jewish Educator) title at the NATE convention in 2005. In addition she is a graduate of the Mandel Foundation’s Teacher Educator Institute (TEI), a special program for  Jewish educators that prepares participants to create new models of professional development for teachers in Jewish schools.

While in Cleveland, Miriam was a member of the National Licensing Committee and served as chair of the Educational Director’s Network. Currently Miriam is involved in the CJE of West Palm Beach. Miriam and her husband Bernie, the parents of two sons are currently living in Boynton Beach and are happy to be part of this growing Florida community.

mschaffer@templeshaareishalom.com