Director of Beth El religious school to retire after 11 years
By Lauren Matthew
May 9, 2008
In her time at Temple Beth El Religious School, Phyllis Mintz has played a major role in the education of hundreds of children.
Mintz, who has been the Oakhurst school's director for 11 years, will retire at the end of the term. She will be honored with a special Shabbat service on May 9 at
"It has been an honor to work together with Phyllis to bring the love of Jewish learning to our students," said Beth El's Rabbi Gordon Yaffe. "With Phyllis in charge of our school, I always knew that the children's best interests would remain a top priority."
Mintz, of
"It was a crazy schedule, but I loved it," she said.
She said she considers Dr. Barbara Rossof, former Educational Director at Congregation B'nai Israel, as her mentor. Rossof, she explained, was always a friend and a help, and never wanted to take the thanks for that.
"I really have her to thank for all she taught me," Mintz said. "Jewish education was always a very big part of my life. I never thought of doing anything else."
Mintz said that she kept with her work at the religious school because she loves Judaism, and loves working with children above all.
"Why do we stick with something? We stick with something because we love it... you really need to love your job," she said.
"I have derived so much pride from the children," she continued. "When they lead services from the bimah, I am just as proud of them as their parents are. To see the smile on their faces when they realize they can read Hebrew is an indescribable moment."
Mintz said that she will miss the children more than any other part of the job.
"I would like to think that I have created a warm, nurturing, safe, friendly, and fun place for the children to come to," she said. "I hope I have instilled a love for Judaism in them and have helped them to become mensches."
But there are other aspects of Temple Beth El that she will miss.
"Rabbi Yaffe has been a very big part of my life," Mintz said. "He's always been there as a friend."
Although she will be retiring, Mintz will still be an integral part of the Jewish community. She plans to spend time with her husband of 43 years, Barry, as well as with their children and grandchildren. Her husband, she said, will retire in November, and then the couple "will become snowbirds." Mintz also plans to do volunteer work.
"I would love to work at a synagogue on a volunteer basis," she said.