Northridge, West Hills Jewish Schools Surprised With Cash Award

A Jewish day school in Northridge and another in West Hills were recognized Tuesday with a $15,000 cash award for their contributions to education and traditional values. 

Osnat Bernstein, a middle school Hebrew teacher at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, a K-8 Jewish community school, and Benny Ferdman, a founding artistic director and performing arts teacher for grades 9-12 at New Community Jewish High School in West Hills, were surprised with their top Jewish Educator Award prize during assemblies.

They were greeted by Milken Family Foundation Executive Vice President Richard Sandler, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation and Dr. Gil Graff, executive director of Builders of Jewish Education.

"The Jewish Educator Awards call upon others in the profession to emulate the high standards of those we honor today – educators whose intelligence, scholarship, creativity and compassion help guide children to greater success, while preserving the heritage that gives meaning to that success," Sandler said.

Check out the photo gallery of the recipients getting their awards. All photos credit of the Milken Family Foundation.