On Friday, September 26 at 10:15 am, the entire de Toledo community gathered in the gym for our all-school T’fillah. The T’fillah went routinely: two seniors delivered heartfelt Drishot Shalom, Mr. Stein and the Shirei Yedidot band performed unique renditions of the prayers, and several speakers shared meaningful anecdotes about the upcoming Jewish holidays. The T’fillah carried the same uplifting atmosphere as it always does.

As the T’fillah drew to a close, students and teachers began to gather their belongings and prepare to transition to their next classes. At that moment, Mr. Shpall stepped up to the podium to introduce a special guest, and the energy in the room shifted. Instantly, everyone snapped to attention, curious to hear what would follow.

Mr. Shpall welcomed Dr. Miriam Heller Stern, the CEO of the Bureau of Jewish Education, who spoke briefly about the importance of education and the values upheld by the Jewish community. She then introduced Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President and Trustee of the Milken Family Foundation.

Mr. Sandler shared the mission of the Milken Family Foundation and described the significance of the Milken Jewish Educator Award, a prestigious recognition given to only four outstanding educators across K-12 Jewish day schools each year. The award honors excellence in teaching, leadership, and the ability to inspire students through a deep connection to Jewish values.

As Mr. Sandler began describing the impact and character of this year’s recipient, the audience grew still, listening closely. He spoke about an educator whose work had left a lasting impression on students, colleagues, and the school as a whole. The crowd, hanging on to every word, was anxious to hear who the unnamed educator was. After long anticipation, Mr. Sandler announced the recipient of the award: Jared Stein.

The crowd of students and teachers cheered with excitement, but not surprise. Mr. Stein has been teaching at de Toledo High School for the past 17 years, and has positively influenced hundreds of students through his passion, mentorship, and dedication. Even those who haven’t had him as a teacher recognize his constant presence and deep significance within the school community.

When speaking with Mr. Stein, he explained how important this award is to him, “It’s proof that not only is there always room for music in the Jewish educational world, which is an important statement as well, but that there is a featured recognition of it. It also serves as a thank you to all the kids who play in the band and shows the success of their hard work, and the school is elevated by the award.”

He continued on to say, “I love this school for everything it is, and hearing Dr. Powell [founder of the de Toledo High School] talk about it, and who we are and what our culture is is so inspiring. It really resonates through me that the work we’re doing is a part of something much greater because of the attention paid to the story of who we are and where we come from.”

Reflecting on the moment Mr. Stein’s name was announced, Head of School, Mr. Shpall, described the energy in the gym as unforgettable: “To see the immediate and authentic joy that everyone had when his name was called was just truly great,” he said with a smile. “I hope this sends the message to Mr. Stein how much he is appreciated and beloved by his colleagues and students, and what a deep and indelible impact he has had on our community.”

Mr. Shpall added that the recognition was about more than one teacher; it reflected the values that define de Toledo itself. He emphasized that the award truly recognizes the culture of the school and the environment it works to uphold every day.

Aidan Radd, a junior at de Toledo who has participated in two of Mr. Stein’s bands and had him as a teacher, reflected on his experience:  “Mr. Stein had a very effective way of getting the entire class to work as efficiently as possible. He wasn’t too strict but wasn’t too laid back, but with the mix of both, and connecting to the students but also being firm allowed us to run really efficiently and get a lot of work done.”

When asked why he believes Mr. Stein deserves the award, Aidan added, “My teacher deserves this recognition not only for his own talent in music, but in his extreme talent for inspiring others and teaching them how to hone their talents in a band.”

After the applause faded, the assembly was dismissed, and classes resumed, it was clear that the morning’s celebration was about more than an award. It was a testament to the heart of de Toledo High School: the teachers. Teachers orchestrate an environment where students and staff come together in perfect harmony. By striking the right chord between guidance and inspiration, their efforts compose something truly remarkable each day.