the 2010 Virtual Journal - Westchester Day School

JANE GRAUER
FACULTY AWARD RECIPIENT
Jane Grauer, also known as “Morah Jane,” is a 1980 Honors
Graduate of Barnard College where she double majored in art
history and education. She later received a Masters of
Education in Gifted and Talented Education with a minor in
Special Education.
In 1996, after having worked for the publisher of the
renowned artist, Yaacov Agam as well as teaching and
serving as principal of the Hebrew Institute Hebrew School (and as her two boys, Sam and Mati
were in day school a full day), Jane agreed to sub for a kindergarten teacher out on maternity leave.
Almost fifteen years later she remains in kindergarten, performing a labor of love each and every
day.
Described as a dynamo by some (hyperactive by others) her class is action packed and never dull.
Together with Sue Moskovich (a/k/a Morah Sue), they present a warm, nurturing, close and caring
environment for each and every child, their parents and extended family. Once a student, you are
permanently labeled one of “hers” by Jane. As she explains, “You cross the threshold of the door to
my classroom and you enter my heart forever.”
Jane is proud and honored to be a part of the kindergarten team, which is as passionate and
dedicated to teaching as she is. Ably guided by Susan Chasan, WDS Early Childhood Director, Jane
experiences the joy each day of working alongside Co-Honoree and dear friend Miriam Dollman and
the talented Shani Wilk. She also expresses her gratitude to Rabbi Einzig and Mrs. Francine
Greenberg for their support and to Rachel Goldman for her hard work to keep WDS running
smoothly and efficiently.
Equally committed to her community and Israel, Jane has been honored by the UJA Women’s
Campaign, Westchester Hebrew High School and the Hebrew Institute of White Plains for her
volunteer activities. Perhaps her finest achievement was an invitation from then Jerusalem Mayor
Uri Lupolianski to deliver $10,000 raised for Israeli kindergarten security systems through a
project started in her kindergarten at WDS.
In 1980, Jane married Josh Grauer, a 1970 WDS graduate, at The Hebrew Institute of White Plains.
Officiating Rabbi was Rabbi Murray Grauer (and then future father-in-law), a long-term WDS Board
Member and one of the founding supporters of the school from its early years and, thereafter, over
the next forty years. Each of Josh’s siblings also attended WDS, David Grauer ’65, Debbie Grauer
Finkelstein ’75 and the late Sheri Raskas, z”l, a graduate of the 16 person class of ’62 and in whose
memory Jane dedicates this Journal Bio. With enrollment of William Major and Tali and Kira
Benovitz in the Gannon Program, the Grauer Family is celebrating their 4 th generation of
involvement at WDS!
In grateful recognition for the privilege of being a part of the WDS “family” of administration,
rabbis, faculty, staff, children and parents, Jane extends her most sincere thank you to everyone for
this special honor.
Last, but most dear, Jane thanks the Almighty for the blessings of Sam, (an investment banker) and
Annie (a 5 th-year pre-med student at Stern College), Mati (junior at Yeshiva University), her mother,
Mrs. Marlene Schechtman, her in-laws, Rabbi Murray and Francine Grauer and the entire Grauer-
Raskas-Finkelstein extended and still growing families.
May we all continue to grow from strength to strength!