Rabbi Krawatsky featured as one of the area's "top Jewish teachers"

Paying Tribute to Educators
By Linda L. Esterson
Photo Rebecca Gardner
[Excerpted from the March 2007 issue of "Insider"]

Teachers have an incredible impact on our children at every stage of their development. Good teachers listen to their hearts and find unique ways to reach out to our children.

Here's a look at five of the area's top Jewish teachers and a little insight into what makes them special.

Rabbi Shmuel Krawatsky says he hasn't worked a day in his life. That's because he loves what he does. He's a 5th and 6th grade Judaic studies teacher at Beth Tfiloh Community School, and he sees the fruits of his labors every day.

"To see the kids grow, to see the kids make the right decisions and see that you've had an influence on their decision making is an incredible reward," Krawatsky says. In turn, if a student fails in making a right decision, he takes it personally, especially after his immeasurable investment of energy and love in to each student.

"I can give them their roots and their wings and hope they can fly," he says.

Krawatsky imparts the importance of Judaism, of Jewish values, Jewish identity and points out their strengths, their purposes and connects them to God. He continues the connection as he hosts students for Shabbos meals, and since there are only 52 a year, barbecues on other days.

Students return to Beth Tfiloh, where he's taught for four years, and seeks him out. Many he never thought he's impacted. Such thoughts drove him recently to call his 6th grade teacher after 17 years. He thanked him for being an inspiration, for having a positive attitude, a love for his students. He recalls seeing this teachers at his bar mitzvah, after he had walked 45 minutes on a cold February Shabbos, and having an incredible feeling of pride overcome him because this special teacher paid tribute to him.

That same feeling arises when his students visit.

"To see them happy and proud Jews, that's when I know I've really met my goal," he explains.