Elizabeth—The Jewish Educational Center has named Pinchas (Pinky) Shapiro as executive vice president. This news comes as the 75-year-old Elizabeth, NJ-based institution undertakes a series of bold appointments and organizational enhancements.
The announcement, made Tuesday by JEC Dean Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, along with Board of Trustees President Dr. Steven Singfer, was met with smiles and great excitement. “It is,” said Singfer, “a natural progression to the work we as a board have started, and builds upon the positive momentum evident in all three divisions with the start of the new year.”
As executive vice president, Shapiro is set to provide leadership in support of the JEC’s mission by promoting excellence and efficiency and overseeing critical functions. He will lead an executive team and advance a mission-driven, student-oriented, transparent and collaborative environment.
Academic policy will continue to be set by the dean in consultation with the principals of the school’s three divisions—the JEC Lower School, Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy and Bruriah High School. The executive vice president will work with the academic leadership to manage policy implementation and ensure that educational goals are being achieved. He will also work with the PTA, parent body and broader JEC community to ensure that the school is meeting and exceeding expectations.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to preserve and advance the legacy and vision of our illustrious founder, Rav Pinchas Mordechai Teitz, z”l,” said Shapiro. “An excellent Jewish education is the birthright of every Jewish child, and I look forward to safeguarding that promise for the next generation.”
Shapiro is a proud parent of third-generation JEC students and, as the son of Jewish educators, has a keen appreciation and great respect for the yeshiva day school system.
“I am honored to be working alongside some of the most dedicated and talented educational and administrative professionals I have ever encountered,” he said, “and I am eager to get to work with such a high-caliber staff and engaged parents.”
Prior to being named executive vice president of the JEC, Shapiro contributed to the school’s development, communications and operations as a parent volunteer.
“Pinchas’ contributions have always been invaluable,” said Singfer. “As president of the board, I have had the good fortune of working with him on many occasions and am thrilled to welcome him in this new capacity. He brings a record of success that is bolstered by personal dedication to the JEC. This is a huge boon for our school.”
Shapiro expressed equal enthusiasm: “I have spent my professional career immersed in the world of corporate and organizational restructuring and administration. As a parent and community member, as well as husband of a proud Bruriah graduate, the JEC is my home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply my skills to the betterment of the institution and the communities it serves. As we celebrate 75 years of excellence and unparalleled achievement, I firmly believe that the best days of the JEC are yet ahead.”
Committed to a life of study and personal development, Shapiro received his master’s degree in Jewish studies with a concentration in Medieval Jewish history from Touro’s graduate division; studied organizational behavior at the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts; political management at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management; political science at Yeshiva University; and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He studied at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh in Israel, and received semicha from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, shlit”a.
With the appointment of Rabbi Ami Neuman as principal of the Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy earlier this year, and Rabbi Uzi Beer, who recently assumed the helm as principal of the JEC Lower School, and alongside Rabbi Joseph Oratz, the beloved principal of Bruriah High School, as well as a team of seasoned administrators and department directors, Shapiro joins a group of professionals who are committed to advancing the JEC to the pinnacle of Jewish day school education.
“Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, the dean of our wonderful institution, and I are truly excited. We have a terrific team in place and Pinchas is a man of vision, who possesses a remarkable skill set, and equally important, if not more so, is a person of impeccable character,” said Singfer.
“The beginning of the school year brings renewed spirit and energy to the JEC,” he said. “We look forward to a wonderful year ahead and beyond. The future of the JEC is bright!”
