Aviezer Gellman Receives an "Award of Excellence"
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
MEMPHIS, TN (4/25/07) – Mr. Aviezer Gellman, Dean of Jewish Studies at Memphis Jewish High School, has been recognized by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) for his outstanding work as an educational Shaliach (emissary). “Avi” was chosen from a pool of 70 Shlichim who work in the United States. He was chosen to be recognized for his contributions, not only to the Memphis Jewish High School, but for the work that he does in the greater Jewish community, as well. Only one other Shaliach in the United States was awarded this “Certificate of Excellence.” In addition to Gellman, there was also one recipient from Canada, two from Europe, one from South Africa and Australia, and two from Latin America.
“Aviezer came to the Memphis Jewish High School with an enormous amount of experience in teaching and administration at the high school level in Israel, and he has adapted and contributed immensely to the initial success of our school,” said Ms. Adrian Weissman, head of school. “He has the unique ability to meet students at their own level and to maximize their potential when it comes to Jewish studies. With respect to his ability to interact and befriend teenagers, he is ‘like a magnet.’ Whether in school or outside school, he relates to everyone in a most positive manner. He has been an excellent role model, not only for Memphis Jewish High School students, but for other teenagers in the community, as well,” added Weissman.
Monte Eiseman, student council president at Memphis Jewish High School, commented “Mr. Gellman knows everything. He can quote you anything from the Mishnah and the Bible.” Jessica Rubin, also a Memphis Jewish High School student said “I am impressed, but not surprised. He is an amazing Jewish educator.” Leor Reef, when asked what he thought about Gellman’s award, said “He is a great inspiration for young adults in developing their Jewish identity.”
Gellman and his wife Shlomit have an open and warm household and regularly invite members of the community for Shabbat. He can be seen regularly at the Jewish Community Center and is always participating in community events.
Andy Groveman, president of the Memphis Jewish High School says, “Avi has exhibited an exemplary work ethic and management skills. He has been an intricate part of the Memphis Jewish High School team as we prepared materials to finalize our national accreditation for our school. He is always engaging students about Israel, whether it is in a formal classroom setting or at the JCC or in Schul. It is a part of his very being. He has led a class trip to Washington, D.C. where our students visited the Holocaust Museum which helped prepare them for their participation in a communitywide Yom Hashoah program that was held at the Jewish Community Center. On behalf of the Memphis Jewish High School, we could not be more proud of Aviezer and Shlomit.”
For more information about Memphis Jewish High School visit www.mjhschool.org or call 901.767.4818.
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