Lauren Chizner, a Jewish educator for almost 30 years, came aboard in September 2024 as Sid Jacobson JCC’s Director of Jewish Life and Learning.
She continues to serve as the Religious School Director at Port Jewish Center in Port Washington and Temple Beth El of Huntington, where she shares her deep passion for Judaism.
Lauren earned a joint master’s degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Prior to her current roles, Lauren spent six years as the Director of Education at Temple Beth El of Great Neck, and served as an Educational Consultant for SAJES (now known as The Jewish Education Project), working with congregations across Long Island.
In addition to operating out of synagogues, Lauren worked eighteen summers as the Director of Jewish Life at URJ Crane Lake Camp, where she brought Judaism to life for all campers and staff. Lauren was also the liaison for all Israeli staff at camp.
Lauren has had the privilege of serving as the administrator for Project Understanding, a non-profit grassroots organization on Long Island, founded by Roger Tilles and the late Fr. Tom Hartman. Project Understanding has provided a vehicle for Catholic and Jewish high school students to gain a greater knowledge of their own and each other's religion through experiences on Long Island. The program culminates in a journey to Israel.
Lauren is originally from Houston, Texas. She and Rabbi Todd Chizner met during their first year of study at HUC in Jerusalem. Together, they are the proud parents of Jacob, Jed, and Rachel.