By Gefen Miller
Bracha Rutner’s love and deep commitment to Jewish education was evident long before she assumed the position of head of school at Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School last July.
She succeeds Dr. Zipora Schorr, who led the school for nearly a half-century.
A Silver Spring native, Ms. Rutner is a graduate of Stern College in New York and Nishmat’s Keren Ariel Institute, with advanced studies in Talmud and education administration.
She previously served as head of school at Yeshiva University’s High School for Girls in New York.
Ms. Rutner – who is a Jewish spiritual law consultant at Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silver Spring – holds a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University, a master’s degree in education administration from St. John’s University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education administration from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.
What drew you to the field of education?
In ninth grade, I had this wonderful Judaic studies teacher and she really set an example for me of what Jewish education should be. That was what really got me thinking about education, and from then on I taught informally and formally, and just fell in love with it.
How would you define your experience as a Jewish educator?
Jewish education is one of the most important aspects of our faith. It connects young people to the Torah, to Israel and to themselves — their heritage. There’s something so beautiful about the fact that in our tradition, doing a small thing like giving credit to someone where credit is due can bring about the Moshiach. That is why I enjoy studying Talmud as well. Different rabbis provide their perspectives and opinions in one place.
Working in Jewish education, I like to think I help the children do the same.
What drew you to the position at Beth Tfiloh?
Beth Tfiloh is a very unique school in the way it is so diverse in its levels of observance [among students] and there is so much respect for every single one. It is one of the only schools that goes from preschool to 12th grade, and knowing that I could potentially guide a child from ages 2 to 18, being such a big part in their life, I felt this was the position for me.
What was your reaction when you received news that you got the job?
I was literally speechless when I got the call from administration. I didn’t know the whole [Beth Tfiloh school] board would be there as well. I found that I couldn’t say anything. It was incredible to hear.
What do you find different in the two communities where you’ve taught?
In New York, the culture is very fast-paced and competitive. That’s just the way things are over there. However, in the Baltimore community, I find that life moves at a slower pace and that members of the community have such deep roots to it. [Someone’s] parents, grandparents and great-grandparents could have been members of the same community. It’s really quite interesting.
Do you see any similarities?
Both the communities I’ve lived in were very warm and inclusive, and in the Baltimore community especially, I find that the families and students that welcomed me were especially nice. They really made me feel like I was at home.
Dr. Zipora Schorr is an icon in local Jewish educational circles. What is it like working with her?
Dr. Schorr has so much experience and knowledge to share. Working with her is such a pleasure, and her insight is always so valuable.
What changes do you envision for Beth Tfiloh?
For the next part of the 21st century, with the rise of A.I. and the aftermath of Oct. 7th, Jewish education is undergoing a lot of change, and I want to guide Beth Tfiloh through these next steps.
A lot of families that felt welcome in the community before the war [in Gaza] now feel nervous, and I would like to make the environment better prepared for that. I want to deepen the connection between the students and myself, as well as the staff.
What are some things about the school that you would like to continue?
What I like best about BT is its diversity and focus on Jewish values. There are so many students from different backgrounds, and I want to maintain that same sense of respect and derech eretz [way of the land] everyone has already.
Where do you see Beth Tfiloh in the next decade?
Growing, an even larger school than it already is, an example for Jewish schools everywhere. To continue its amazing work, its diversity and preparing the next generation of Jewish leaders in the community.
Gefen Miller is a Jmore editorial staff intern.
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