Director of Education, Joan Perlman

Joan Perlman is thrilled to have joined the Beth El Temple Center community as Director of Education in July of 2018.

Joan has been in the field of Jewish education for the past 20 years, having served as Director of Education at Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington, MA, and as Director of Education at Congregation Kerem Shalom in Concord, MA. Joan received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Simmons University in Boston. She has studied extensively at Brandeis University and Hebrew College, and will receive a certificate in Professional Leadership from Hebrew College in the spring of 2022. Joan is also involved in several Communities of Jewish Educational Practice in the Boston area.

Joan has a very deep passion for Jewish education stemming back to her childhood. She fondly remembers attending Hebrew School as one of her favorite things to do. She brings her infectious enthusiasm and love for Judaism with her to Beth El Temple Center and hopes to transmit this fervor to her teachers and students. She believes in creating a warm and welcoming Religious School environment in which students can develop a positive Jewish identity and a lifelong connection to their faith.  Joan hopes to serve as a facilitator and role model for our students and their families as they embark upon and continue their religious, spiritual, and educational Jewish journey.

A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Joan currently lives in Marlborough, MA with her husband, Walter, her two daughters, Ruth and Samantha, and her two dogs, Brayden and Colby. When not at BETC, Joan enjoys time with family and friends, walking with her dogs, word games, and a good book or movie. Joan would like everyone to know that her office door is always open and she encourages you to visit her!