GREETINGS FROM THE EDUCATOR 

There is no greater gift, no greater concept in Jewish life than the study of Torah. It is the breadth and depth - the aleph to tav – of our existence. As our people has evolved, so too has our understanding of Torah and all of its teachings. Even in ancient times, the concept of Torah transcended the written word of Mosaic Law, and emerged as a body of teaching and expression that has informed all of Jewish life. 

Acknowledging and accepting the sanctity of Torah as a way of life, remains an essential part of our tradition and brings us protection and shelter. To study and to teach Torah is a significant responsibility of being Jewish. This task is not limited to time spent in Religious School, but defines our earthly existence. We welcome learners of all ages to – as we like to say at GRS - BE TORAH!

Rabbi S. Joan Glazer Farber
email: rabbifarber@grs.org

BIOGRAPHY:  Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber, R.J.E. was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York Campus, in 1984. She received her Masters in Education from New York University the same year. Rabbi Farber has served congregations in Tampa, Florida; Tarrytown, New City and Florida, New York. In her previous positions, she was both pulpit rabbi and educator. When Rabbi Farber joined the GRS staff, she made the decision to focus her rabbinate on education. Rabbi Farber has been Director of Education at GRS since 1997.

Within the Religious School, Rabbi Farber emphasizes learning through experience and has instituted class trips, special craft projects and yearly themes. The curriculum is a goal objective based program,which focuses on holidays, Bible, history and values and Mitzvot. The new Midrasha Program for seventh through tenth grades encourages advanced study through electives and independent study.

Rabbi Farber is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Temple Educators. She is the educational consultant to the UAHC Northeast Camps, Eisner and Crane Lake in the Berkshires and has participated in developing the informal educational programs for the camps. Rabbi Farber is also on the Clergy Advisory Committee for Planned Parenthood of Hudson-Peconic.

Rabbi Farber is married to Andrew R. Farber. They have three children: Miriam, Adam and Yael.