Educator Testimonials
On our teen programs:
"I cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work and dedication ensuring that our Jewish teens are informed and educated through the work of Panim. The kids haven’t stopped talking about the trip. We had fun, got an education, had experiences that we never would have had otherwise, and got to experience Washington DC in a new and different light. From the concert to street Torah – everything was amazing!!!!
I learned so much personally and had a wonderful time. The program was inspiring and I cannot imagine a more productive Washington experience. The passion that you both have for all of the issues presented on the program came through loud and clear. Your love of what you do is infectious and I so appreciated your enthusiasm and your eagerness to share your knowledge and expertise. Yasher Koach to you both and to all those who work with you.
You have given an amazing gift to so many and one that most of my students would certainly not have the opportunity to receive at any other time. Thank you so much. I hope and pray that you always have the desire and strength to continue your good works!!!! - Nancy Steinberg, Chicagoland Jewish High School
"The interaction of the students and their reactions to the controversial topics presented on the Panim el Panim seminar provided lessons in education and personal growth that a regular classroom experience can only dream of attaining." — Rabbi Ronald Levy Yeshivah of Flatbush High School Brooklyn, NY
"Thank you for a wonderful Panim trip. The entire Panim staff should feel confident they are making significant differences in the lives of our Jewish youth. We really appreciate you so much and look forward to many years of a continued and enduring relationship." — Eliyahu Krigel, Midrasha: B’nai Israel Jewish Studies Program, Congregation B’nai Emunah, Tulsa OK
"This past year's Flatbush group was really motivated by the homeless outreach/experience they had. When they came back to school, they created a Reaching Out Commission (like a club) to try and motivate their fellow students. They contacted the national coalition for the homeless and arranged to have speakers come to the school to talk to our 10th and 11th graders. They also organized a sock drive for the NYC coalition for the homeless which garnered over 320 pairs of socks in about two weeks." — Justin Engel, Yeshivah of Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY
"I thought you should know that everyone—students and faculty—has returned with a rave review of the PANIM experience. I mean RAVE! Possibly the event talked about most: the concert at Kennedy Center. Thank you for all of your efforts towards making it such a worthwhile experience for the students." — Dale Griffith, Chicagoland Jewish High School
"I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful experience. I think all of our students got a lot out of the program and I look forward to coming on Panim in future years." — Roman Marchenko, Chicagoland Jewish High School
On our PD offerings:
"Not only have I learned the theoretical background for Jewish service-learning, but I now have a community of resources to continue to work with and learn from." – Elisha Frumkin, Bethesda, MD
"I learned that service-learning is so much more than annual mitzvah days. If we truly want our children to learn the value and importance of service, especially in a Jewish context, it behooves us to put the time and effort into creating a comprehensive program. I also learned that a really good service-learning program isn’t something you decide on today and do tomorrow; doing it well necessitates a strong commitment of time, money and resources." – Jennifer Singer, Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation Communiteen, Sarasota, FL
"I now have an overview of what Jewish service-learning means, the planning components, and how to plan a program with meaning." – Sherri Groper, Bureau of Jewish Education of Orange County, Irvine, CA
"I loved the variety of presenters, the enthusiasm the conference generated from the participants, and the quality of materials (and the density). I didn’t feel that anything was 'watered down' – each day felt full and rich. Thank you!" – Jill Stepak, Temple Sinai, Washington, DC