12. Mrs. Rookie Billet - Creating an Atmosphere of Trust and Conversations in our Homes

Mrs. Billet started off as a college professor and ended up switching to Jewish education after going through a very painful time in her life. This episode comes with a trigger warning as we learn about Mrs. Billet’s strength overcoming loss of a child, and how she parented and supported her children during that time. One of the most remarkable things about Mrs. Billet is her growth mindset, taking such a tragic event, and using it to propel her to make her life more meaningful. We will discuss a major change in her approach to education because of a line in a book. Mrs. Billet went on to become a teacher and then administrator, having great impact on every institution that she was involved in. It is very clear throughout the episode how knowledgeable and passionate Mrs. Billet is, and how she used her passion to help her students connect to the Torah and Hashem. Mrs. Billet took pride in creating an atmosphere in her home that was open to conversation and a place of trust.

Mrs. Rookie Billet is a well known Jewish educator, as well as past rebbetzin of one of the biggest shuls in country, at Young Israel of Woodmere. Mrs. Billet was the Assistant Principal at HALB’s high school for girls, SKA for 9 years, the Principal at Ma’ayanot (6 years) and ended her career as Principal in the Shulamith Middle School. After retiring, Mrs. Billet and her husband made Aliyah and I want to give a huge thank you to Mrs. Billet for taking the time our of her trip to new york to see her children and grandchildren, to talk JEDucation.

Highlights:

"Moving forward, not on" - mentality in dealing with challenges

Goal as Jewish Educator

Difference between educating High School and Middle School aged children

"Do it well or not at all"

Parenting advice: Being authentic when talking to children, and creating space for them to talk to you about anything

AMAZING idea and mashal on Tefillah

Should parents be involved in their children's peer groups?

Change of her approach over the years

Most proud aspect after years as Jewish educator

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