I am a writer and educator, game ranger and conservationist, and this combination makes me somewhat unusual in the Jewish community. My educator role is primarily as Head of Education at The Academy of Jewish Thought and Learning, which is a Modern Orthodox programme in South Africa, dedicated to accessible and engaging Jewish education for adults. Since 2012, we’ve inspired a love of Jewish learning and fostered intellectual curiosity within the South African Jewish community and globally through innovative programming and accessible atmosphere. We blend traditional Jewish texts with modern perspectives, leveraging technology to expand our reach.

As Head of Education, I help to shape The Academy’s vision and implement its educational initiatives. My role includes curriculum development, teaching, and fostering a dynamic learning environment. I design courses exploring Tanach, Jewish thought, environmental ethics, and contemporary issues. I am passionate about bridging Jewish tradition and the natural world, encouraging ethical reflection on our relationship with the environment from a Jewish perspective. My other love is that of Tanach – the Hebrew Bible – and I have played a key role in developing many of the courses that the Academy is known for, from Tanach – A Bird’s-Eye View (looking at the bible from 40,000 feet up) to in-depth courses on the books and characters, from the book of Joshua to women in the Bible and where women can be part of Jewish community and halacha today.

I also view myself as a student of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, and was honoured to become a Sacks Scholar in 2024. Sacks Scholars comprise a group of educators, academics, and leaders that study and develop the teachings of Rabbi Sacks, ensuring that his messages remain relevant and accessible to future generations all over the world. I have been privileged to pass on his message of nuance, tolerance, faith and complexity.

I believe my nomination for the Investec Professional Excellence Award recognises my dedication to Jewish education, my innovative curriculum approach, and commitment to fostering a vibrant, thinking, questioning and inclusive Jewish community. Furthermore, my focus on environmental ethics demonstrates a commitment to using Jewish thought to address current challenges. My work at The Academy and beyond has impacted countless lives, and I am confident I will continue contributing significantly to the South African Jewish community and beyond.

Vision: There is much work to be done still here in the field of Jewish education for adults. To a large extent many Jewish adults’ Jewish education ended in high school. My vision is twofold: first, to create a community of thinkers, where Jews can learn, question and become truly adult Jews. Secondly, to become Jews that think twice before using yet another plastic cup, that help to heal the world. As South African Jews, we all love the Kruger – why don’t we love the natural world in general enough to stop polluting it?