Eliana Light - Young Pioneers Award 2017 Recipient

RETURN TO YOUNG PIONEERS HOME | RETURN TO 2017 RECIPIENTS

Sara Duani | Andrew Paull | Rabbi Mara Young | Adam Metzger | Eliana Light

ELIANA LIGHT, PARK AVENUE SYNAGOGUE

Eliana Light is the Director of Music Education at Park Avenue Synagogue. She has put out two albums of original Jewish music, A New Light and Eliana Sings (About Jewish Things!). Her songs have been featured on PJ Library compilations and are used by educators, song-leaders, and clergy all over the country. Eliana has performed and taught throughout the United States, including at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial, the NewCAJE Jewish Education Conference, Limmud New York, and the DeLeT Masters Program. She is also the author of Hebrew in Harmony, a curriculum published by Behrman House that teaches prayer and Hebrew through music. Eliana received her Master’s in Jewish Experiential Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2016.

From the Recipient:
"While my job is that of song-leader, I consider myself an educator first. Being recognized by the Jewish Education Project is confirmation that music is powerful, that singing together is deep cognitive, emotional, and spiritual learning. I am truly honored and humbled."

Reflections from Colleagues:
“We are beyond thrilled that Eliana Light has won the Young Pioneers Award. The passion and dedication she brings to her work with learners of all ages, from newborn-adults, heightens our programming and gives our congregants access to wonderful Jewish music. She is as creative as she is talented and we are so glad she is part of the Park Avenue Synagogue Team.” - Jamie Diamond, Director of Young Family Education at Park Avenue Synagogue

Summer 2021 Update:

Eliana Light envisions a joyful, vibrant, heart-centered Judaism that speaks to the soul and moves the spirit, reminding us that we all are One. She offers professional development to educators, clergy, and lay leaders to elevate and deepen their prayer gatherings, allowing them to offer more meaningful experiences to more people. She is also a sought-after songwriter and performer of catchy, content-rich tunes for all ages, and has put out three albums of original music. Eliana received her Master’s in Jewish Education from The William Davidson School at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2016 and is currently based in Durham, North Carolina. 

"Being a Young Pioneers Award recipient connected me to so many incredible mentors and colleagues. I feel so grateful to be in The Jewish Education Project's orbit!" Eliana said.