Mazel Tov!

VBS congratulates beloved VBS ECC teacher Sara Leon, recipient of the Builders of Jewish Education (BJE) 2023 Lainer Award honor for Early Childhood Educators.

Sara Leon has been a teacher at the Valley Beth Shalom ECC for 21 years. However, she has been a part of the VBS community since she was just 1 year old, as her parents were active temple members, and she herself is a graduate of the VBS ECC. After graduating from UCLA, Sara spent many years working in and managing some of Los Angeles’ most famous restaurants, and eventually she ran all of the studio service operations at Universal Studios. Once her children were born, Sara knew in her heart that she wanted to help other children - to be a part of their growth and development, and educational achievement. This led Sara back to Valley Beth Shalom and the ECC. Sara believes that each child’s educational foundation starts with instilling a positive self-image and a joy for learning. Sara has been married to her husband Danny, another VBS ECC graduate, for 33 years. Together they have two children, who are also both graduates of the VBS ECC and Day School!

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Simha and Sara Lainer Distinguished Educator Awards for Early Childhood Educators

The Lainer family is renowned for its philanthropic, intellectual and cultural endeavors benefitting Jewish life through Jewish education. To highlight the critical role that Jewish educators play in our children’s lives and in perpetuating Jewish traditions and values, the Lainer family created "The Simha and Sara Distinguished Educator Awards” for early childhood educators. Cash awards of $2,500 each are presented annually to three exemplary educators from BJE-affiliated early childhood centers who have been teaching at least 7 years in a BJE-affiliated school.