Laura Underweiser grew up in Cedarhurst, where her family belonged to Temple Beth El.  She looked forward to attending High Holiday services with her family, especially with her grandparents who lived in the Bronx. Although she did not attend formal religious school as many girls did not at that time, spending holidays together with family and close friends created a lifetime of memories and traditions.

 

​Laura attended Number Six School and Lawrence Middle School, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1993. Her education continued at Hofstra University where she received her bachelor's degree in psychology. She received her Master’s in elementary education from Queens College.  She has been teaching for the NYC Department of Education since 1998, with a short break while her children were young. 

 

​Laura currently lives in Hewlett with her husband Heath and their daughters: Paige, who is 15, and Julia, who is preparing for her Bat Mitzvah. It is very important to Laura and Heath that they remained in the Five Towns area where they both grew up to be in close proximity to their families. This ensures that holidays can continue to be celebrated in the same way they were as Laura grew up. 

 

​Laura and Heath chose HERJC Nursery School for their daughters based on recommendations from friends and neighbors. When it came time to select a school for religious education for the girls, HERJC was the natural choice. Being part of an egalitarian community was very important to them as a family.  Laura wanted to be certain that her daughters would receive a Judaic education and be able to participate in all aspects of synagogue life.

 

​Laura first became involved by participating in youth and family programs. As Paige’s involvement grew deeper, so did Laura’s. When Paige began reading Torah prior to her Bat Mirzvah, Laura began attending Shabbat morning services. With the influence of Kinder Kantors and Hazzan Zakarin’s encouragement, the girls took on more leadership roles during Shabbat services and Laura became a regular. She enjoys sitting with friends and the new friendships created through synagogue life. 

 

​HERJC has become more than just a place for prayer for Laura. She currently serves of the co-chair for the Board of Education. In addition to that, she has filled the role as RSPA president. Laura has been a part of many committees over the years, some of which include Membership, Chanukah planning, and the Rabbi Search Committee. Laura also sits on the Board of Directors and has recently been nominated to serve on the Executive Board.

 

Laura looks forward to many years of involvement at HERJC. She thanks those who have helped and encouraged her. It is an honor for her to be included among the previous emerging leaders who have influenced her growth along the way. This special group includes Rachel Cooper, Elaine Garver, Tamar Barbash, and Rebecca Osder. 

 

Laura also wishes to congratulate her fellow honorees, Hazzan Bonnie and Moshe Zakarin, Lisa Cohen, and Joan and Jimmy Berkowitz.  Laura looks forward to celebrating with these esteemed honorees on May 27th.