Englewood, New Jersey – Teach NJ’s annual fundraiser took place on June 3, hosted by Rebecca and Benji Markoff. The event, catered by Grillfather and featuring a live musical performance from the Agaves, drew members and supporters of the Jewish community who are deeply invested in Teach NJ’s mission.
Attendees heard from Teach NJ leadership, community lay leaders, and New Jersey legislators who discussed recent ongoing efforts to bring transformational legislation to our community. Those who spoke called for the Jewish community to increase their advocacy efforts to bring about critical change.
Teach NJ Executive Director Katie Katz expressed gratitude for Teach NJ’s progress so far and the need to keep the momentum going to achieve their goals. “Our communities had terrific election results, but there are still candidates that need to be elected,” she said. “When legislators tell us that we need to wait our turn, we need them to understand that our time is now. If there is one thing that we have seen over the last 18 months, it’s that when we stand up and stand together, we are unstoppable.”
Assemblyman Reginald Atkins expressed the importance of unity across all communities in New Jersey, regardless of religion or race, to improve education for all students whether they attend public or nonpublic schools. He emphasized that this unified front is sure to result in more affordable and quality education for all.
Assemblyman Gary Schaer, a prime sponsor of the Student Support Act and the first Orthodox member of the New Jersey Assembly, addressed the importance of advocacy, how it’s imperative to stand up against antisemitism, and the need to improve education for yeshiva and Jewish day school students.
“During my time in the legislature I’ve learned that you need to stick with a plan,” he said. “If there are any stumbling blocks placed before you, you walk over them. Together we can achieve our goal, which is the maintenance of our own community.”
Schaer concluded that change requires active participation through voting and showing up to advocate in Trenton, the state capital.
Reflecting on the event’s success, host committee member Natalie Jonas remarked, “This evening highlighted the incredible dedication of our community. I was proud and inspired to see so many leaders and supporters come together with a shared vision for the future of Jewish education in New Jersey and I am certain that our goals will soon become reality.”
The barbecue reinforced the message that continued support and advocacy is essential to bring unprecedented growth to New Jersey’s greater Jewish community.
“The Jewish community has to be heard—this is our battle, our fight,” said Teach Coalition founder and CEO Maury Litwack. “We should not have a situation where people are worried about whether their state senator is going to listen to them. That is preposterous. It is time for us to use our voice.”
For more information about Teach NJ and how to get involved, please visit teachcoalition.org/nj.