Meet the new director of Long Beach's Betzalel Learning Center

For the past five years, Erica Fuchs has been a teacher at the Gural JCC Early Childhood Center in the Five Towns. Now she has been appointed the new director of the Betzalel Milstein Jewish Learning Center, a collaborative initiative among the BACH Jewish Center of Long Beach, Lido Beach Synagogue, and Temple Israel of Long Beach.

The Betzalel Milstein Center has offered after-school religious studies to dozens of Jewish children, ages 5 to 13, in Long Beach since 2017.

Rabbi Benny Berlin, of the BACH Jewish Center, expressed his enthusiasm for Fuchs' new role, saying he believed she could positively impact Jewish learners for generations.

“We’re very excited for Erica to serve as our next director of the Betzalel Milstein Jewish Learning Center,” Berlin said in a statement. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the role that will help inspire the next generation of Jewish Barrier Islanders with a love for the richness of their Jewish heritage.”

During her tenure at the Gural JCC, Fuchs got to know many families in the community, including Berlin’s. That connection influenced her decision to take on her new role.

“When Rabbi Berlin approached me about working with him at the Betzalel Milstein Jewish Learning Center, I knew I had to be a part of it,” she said.

Fuchs will be responsible for creating dynamic programming for the children, developing and implementing the curriculum, and managing assistant teachers.

While the core curriculum, which focuses on teaching the Hebrew alphabet and about Israel, Jewish holidays, mitzvot, Jewish pride and Jewish values, is largely established, there are plans for innovative ideas and programs to enhance the children’s learning experience.

Fuchs' experience is not limited to early-childhood education. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a registered dietitian, and earned a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She taught children, adolescents and adults to make healthy lifestyle choices and to adopt therapeutic diets, which helped her develop the ability to adapt to different audiences.

“I learned really fast that it doesn’t matter the topic you’re teaching,” she said. “But you have a narrow window to captivate your audience and engage them.”

One of Fuchs’ main objectives in her new position is to help children connect with their Jewish heritage, culture and identity. She highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and community for both the kids and their parents.

“All this is possible by engaging the children with hands-on activities, and having fun and laughing as well,” she said. “It’s going to be a fantastic year.”

The center’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement is reflected in its approach to education. By welcoming children from all backgrounds and levels of observance, the BMJLC aims to create a diverse and supportive learning community.

The center emphasizes that religious education extends beyond the classroom, with educators who act as both teachers and Jewish role models. The school functions as a partnership among the home, the rabbi, teachers and family, with small class sizes to facilitate education tailored to meet the needs and goals of each child.

The role of director holds significant meaning for Fuchs, who respects the efforts of Rabbis Berlin and Elly Krimsky, of Lido Beach Synagogue, and acknowledges their commitment to Jewish education.

“They really have the best interest at heart for the entire neighborhood,” Fuchs said. “I’m just fortunate enough to be a part of bringing their visions to life.”