Deborah Tract

Deborah E. Tract, Director of Lifelong Learning, joined the Temple Or Elohim A Community Reform Congregation in July 2013. She has over 30 years’ experience in Jewish Education, as well as Jewish not-for-profit work. Prior to joining TOEACRC, Deborah completed a decade of service as Director of Education at Temple Beth Elohim, Old Bethpage, NY.
 

Deborah has created innovative programming and provides children with a Jewish educational plan that fits their needs. In addition to overseeing the Religious School, Deborah has also led informal Jewish Education via Youth Groups; bringing them together, strengthening friendships and building community. Not only does Deborah ensure that children and teens receive a proper Jewish Education, she also creates community-wide programs. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Deborah never had to close the school, as she recreated her programs to make sure students had the option of receiving their Jewish education, whether it was in-person or virtually. 

Deborah is a graduate of Adelphi University School of Social Work and has worked in various not-for-profit agencies. She was the Assistant Director for Nassau County Supervised Visitation and a fundraiser for United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York, Long Island Women’s Campaign and Long Island Business and Professional Women.
 

Deborah is a "graduate" of the Leadership Institute for Congregational School Principals, a joint program of Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute for Religion and the Jewish Theological Seminary, a professional development program for Jewish Educators. Deborah also completed the Jewish Leadership in Congregational Schools (TLC's).

As a daughter of a Reform Rabbi, who served over 40 years at a Long Island Congregation, and a mother who was a Reform Jewish Educator, they paved the way for Deborah’s career path. Deborah is committed to creating an educational journey that is based on hands-on experiences that will give children a foundation for lifelong learning and community.

Deborah is a Zionist and spent two years studying at Haifa University. She has traveled to Israel many times and is fluent in Hebrew. She considers Israel her second home.

Deborah has been the President of the Long Island Temple Educators (LITE) since 2016. She is a member of The Association of Reform Jewish Educators. Deborah has held numerous positions on Parent-Teacher Association School Boards and PTA Council. Deborah resides with her husband and children in Huntington, NY.