Rachel Dovek
2nd Grade Sunday
Originally from San Jose, California, this is Rachel's fifth year as a BETC teacher and her first as both BEFTY advisor and Summer at BETC Coordinator. She received her B.A. from Brandeis University with a double major in Politics and Education Studies and a triple minor in Legal Studies, Social Justice and Social Policy, and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. Rachel literally grew up at URJ Camp Newman in California, spending 12 summers as a camper and staff member. She also spent a summer at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in the Machon Kaplan program. In 2021, she interned with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston. Currently, Rachel is a Commonwealth Corps Employment and Partnership Coordinator at More Than Words in Boston. Rachel is passionate about Jewish education and helping her students find their own Jewish passions. She strives to work for social justice and is excited to show her students how their voices can impact the world. When she's not working, Rachel enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and baking.
Jill Tapper
Kindergarten Sunday
4th Grade Hebrew (Kitah Bet)
Jill has been teaching kindergarten and Hebrew at BETC for over 11 years. She graduated from Brandeis University and Suffolk University Law School, and completed further coursework in Jewish education at Hebrew College. She is also a trained Teacher/Naturalist for Mass Audubon and a Mikveh Guide at Mayyin Hayyim. "I love seeing the connections students make with Judaism and other parts of their lives, and sharing what I know (and don't know) with students," says Jill. "Sharing holiday traditions and philosophical discussions is also special. I enjoy teaching the students I knew as kindergarteners once again in 4th grade, and seeing how they've grown in so many ways. The "aha" moments make it worthwhile." In her spare time, Jill enjoys the ocean, reading, baking, and cooking. Gardening and being in nature also make her happy.
