As a young girl I had always dreamt of being a lawyer though my dream changed drastically in my seminary year in Israel. After learning abroad and facing new challenges I contemplated what kind of mark I wanted to make in this world. I wanted to be able to inspire those around me to become their own leaders as my father has done his entire life. Rabbi Darren Blackstein has been a teacher for over twenty years, teaching both his students and his children. From my father I have learned to live by certain values. After watching my father dedicate himself to teaching others, I was inspired to follow in his footsteps as an educator. I know that Emunah, with five children's residential homes, is changing the lives of children just as my father and I have aspired to support children and ensure their success.

 

I attended Stern College as a member of the Legacy Heritage Jewish Educators Project, receiving my BA in Judaic Studies with a concentration in Jewish Education. I received my MS from the Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education & Administration. I taught Chumash and Navi at the middle school of Westchester Day School and taught in Hollywood, Florida at Brauser Maimonides Academy. I am passionate about teaching, and learning from, my students. In Florida I taught Tefila, Navi (Shmuel Aleph & Bet), and Chumash (Sefer Bamidbar) to separate classes of girls and boys. In addition to teaching in a formal setting, I have also worked in the field of informal education. I have worked as the Youth Director at Shaare Tefillah in Teaneck, the head of Sports at Camp Regesh, a special education teacher at JESC in River Edge, and an NCSY advisor in Oakland, CA. I have been privileged with many opportunities to educate children and cannot wait to share innovation with each and every one of you to help more students! While I enjoy teaching all subjects, my particular passion is to teach Tefila. My goal is for students to be able to genuinely connect to our Creator. If educators are able to empower more students to feel that they want to pray instead of feeling like they have to pray then we can truly foster the continuation of our messorah (tradition) of the next generation of Jews.

 

Miriam is currently learning one on one with girls and boys virtually all over America to ensure continued learning for all of the Jewish children that she can during these times.

 

Once we have faith (Emunah) in Hashem we can do anything and I know Emunah instills this faith in their children too!