2023 Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award Recipients
YOUNG PIONEERS HOME | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
Learn more about the recipients of the 2023 Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award who demonstrate a commitment to new ideas and the use of innovative approaches to inspire children and families in their community.
Pamela Alcala, Camp Ga'avah
Pam Alcala (she/her/ella) is an aspiring artist, hopeless idealist, and the Program Coordinator for Camp Ga'avah. Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Pam has spent the last 20 years living on Long Island, NY. At Camp Ga'avah, Friedberg JCC’s LGBTQ Camp, Pam helped to revamp the arts program and has become the year-round camp care coordinator. She developed a curriculum that includes a multidisciplinary educational approach that utilizes the creative arts to allow participants to better comprehend Jewish values in their daily lives. Previously, Pam used her skills as a Social Worker and Jewish Educator to build and strengthen leadership skills and promote JEDI work.
Rachel Barnehama, B'nai Jeshurun
Rachel Barnehama is the Associate Director of Family Life and Learning at B’nai Jeshurun. Through immersive experiences, fostering learning and connection in the classroom, and building a team of early career educators, Rachel finds ways to reach everyone through their own unique pathway. This past year, Rachel’s innovative Shabbat-focused programming has allowed for students and families to grow their relationship with Shabbat through music, services, learning and community. Rachel converts passion into profession as she pursues her love for communal Jewish education and helps learners ignite their Jewish spark.
Shira Kobren, Central Synagogue
Shira Kobren is the Manager of Family Engagement Music and Central Tots at Central Synagogue, where she works to share the joys of Judaism with her young students and their families through music, dancing, video, and interactive celebrations. She is passionate about sharing a Judaism that children and their grown-ups can learn from and enjoy together. Shira is also a singer, songwriter, and bandleader, and has performed all over the tri-state area. With her band, “Shira & Friends,” she has released two albums: “B’yachad” (2020) and “When You’re A Kid” (2012). Shira’s music has been published by Transcontinental Music Publications and it is sung in synagogues throughout the country.
Tziri Lamm, Yeshivah of Flatbush High School
Tziri Lamm is a veteran educator with 15 years of experience teaching in day schools with a background in English, educational technology, and computer science. A self-described educational optimist, she focuses her instruction on building critical thinking skills and developing creativity. She is the incoming Director of General Studies at Barkai Yeshivah High School (opening September 2023). She previously created multiple meaningful experiences at Yeshivah of Flatbush High School such as the “Little Red Box,” which is a kindness initiative whose mission is to spread positivity across our school. She lives in Brooklyn with her three children.
Yali Szulanski, The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
Yali Szulanski is an educational wellness consultant, teacher, and writer. She is the Youth Director of The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, and a rabbinical student at Yeshivat Maharat. She is also the founder of The “I Am'' Project/ The Neshima Initiative, through which she integrates emotional wellness practices in schools, camps, and Jewish organizations. She works with individuals, families, and communities to create a shared language of emotional wellness and spiritual fortitude. Yali’s vision is to create healing, inclusive, and evolving spaces that foster individual and community growth. She lives, teaches, works, and learns joyfully in Riverdale with her family.
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING OUR WORK