4 minute read
Celebrating the Legacy of Debby Block
August 2024
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Center for Jewish Education proudly celebrates the remarkable career and enduring legacy of Debby Block as she announces her retirement from her role as program coordinator at the Center for Jewish Education. Born in Ohio and later moving to Montreal, Canada at the age of 16, Debby brought a wealth of experience and passion when she, her husband, and their two sons relocated to Charlotte in 1993. Her journey here began almost immediately as she became a teacher at the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, where she quickly became a beloved figure.
Over the past three decades, Debby’s dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have left a profound mark on the greater Charlotte Jewish community. She served as director of both the Charlotte Jewish Preschool and Temple Israel Religious School where she shaped the educational experiences of countless children, instilling in them a love for learning and a deep connection to their Jewish heritage. Notably, during her tenure as director of the Temple Israel Religious School Debby’s commitment to inclusive education led her to help start Tikvah Charlotte, a religious school for children with special needs.
Around 2010, Debby brought her talents to the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and later to the Center for Jewish Education (CJE), where her roles included program director, interim director, storyteller, and PJ Library coordinator. At the heart of Debby’s work is her unparalleled passion for storytelling. She has the unique gift of bringing stories to life through the use of puppets, songs, and other interactive methods, making them more than words on a page. Her storytelling sessions have captivated the hearts and minds of young children, leaving a lasting impression that many carry into adulthood.
“I feel truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Debby over the past eight years. She has taught me so much about our Jewish community, Jewish education, the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library, and the art of engaging adults, families, and children in high-quality, captivating programming,” said Lisa Garfinkle, operations and project manager for the Center for Jewish Education.
Miss Debby hosts at least 500 story times per year for preschool and elementary-aged children. If you walk with Debby anywhere at Shalom Park you are sure to be stopped by multiple people giving their greetings, just saying hello, or stopping her to chat. Children especially will make their excitement known by shouting “Miss Debby!!” at the top of their lungs as she passes by. “I remember doing that myself as a kid,” says Jessica Goldfarb, one of Debby’s former students and current Federation employee. “I’m incredibly thankful to Debby for the impact she had in creating such excitement for learning — in both me and in the kids today.”
Beyond her professional roles, Debby Block’s volunteer contributions have been equally valuable. As vice president of Hadassah, she founded the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival in 2005, serving for years as its chair and curator of films. Her involvement extended to initiatives like “6 Weeks, 6 Books” for the Shalom Park Freedom School, which she spearheaded for 12 years.
Even as Debby steps into retirement, her influence will continue to shape the community. The playground she helped construct will remain a place where children play, families will enjoy the legacy of the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival she founded, and future generations will experience the magic of her storytelling through recorded stories.
Debby Block’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will endure. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is profoundly grateful for her years of service, her unwavering dedication, and the joy she has brought to the community. As we celebrate her incredible achievements, we look forward to the lasting impact her contributions will have on enriching the Greater Charlotte Jewish community for generations to come.
