MJCCA’s Gorsetman Honored with National Leadership Award

Talya Gorsetman, director of the Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning at the Marcus JCC, was recognized at the 24th Annual International Melton Directors Conference in Boca Raton.

The Director’s Award for Sustained Growth and Innovation recognized Gorsetman’s guidance at the head of the Brill Institute, Jewish Atlanta’s largest adult education program. It offers classes to more than 450 students at 15 locations, including the MJCCA, several synagogues and Chabads, and day schools.

“It was truly a thrill to receive an award from Melton for innovation and sustainability,” Gorsetman said. “I am blessed to be working in a job that gets a daily dose of appreciation for what we do.”

The program’s educators include respected scholars, rabbis and educators, and classes are flexible, with a range of daytime and evening options.

“Talya was specifically lauded for the work she has done to sustain the growth of her Melton community of learners and the innovative ideas she brings to her work,” Rabbi Rachel Bovitz, executive director of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, said in a release.

MJCCA Chief Program Officer Hope Chernak also praised Gorsetman for her passion for education and her awareness of the impact it has on her students.

“She continues to develop new ideas to reach different audiences of Jewish adults and bring them into her learning community,” Chernak said in the release. “Talya and her staff provide the community with exciting courses taught by gifted teachers.”

Gorsetman very proudly explained how education at the Brill Institute enhances its students’ connection to Judaism.

“Ninety-nine percent of our students reported that their identification with Jewish traditions, values, ideas and experiences has been enhanced by the classes they take with us,” Gorsetman said. “Our students are constantly sharing with us how committed they have become to Jewish education through text study.”