Children signing brachot in American Sign Language (ASL). Students harmonizing with hand-drumming while singing Oseh Shalom. Kids laughing while playing drama games they learned at day camp. ASL interpreters at community events. What’s going on?
Sharon Serbin is going on.
The director of education at Congregation Beth El, Serbin moved from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Virginia Beach in the fall of 2022, bringing her many talents to enrich Tidewater’s Jewish community. Despite experiencing a gradual hearing loss, and then full deafness by age 18, Serbin has learned to embrace life to the fullest.
Serbin’s innovative ideas and visionary approach have enhanced programs at Beth El. She excels in fostering partnerships, making everyone feel valued, and inspiring a love for learning.
A gifted educator, motivational speaker, artist, and creative specialist, Serbin says she is passionate about helping others expand their knowledge and strengthen their connections to Judaism. A recipient of the 2018 North American Harold Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, Serbin has worked in the Jewish education field for more than 30 years. She advocates that Jewish education should not be limited to only Religious School but rather used as a daily opportunity to build a strong community.
“I used to say I was building bridges, but that means each synagogue or organization is separated from each other with only a bridge to connect them,” says Serbin. “Instead, we need to think of it as a community, a village, where everyone knows each other. Just like a close-knit village, neighbors help neighbors, share each other’s joys, celebrate accomplishments, and come together in support during times of hardship or sorrow.”
This summer, Serbin volunteered at Camp JCC, fostering a partnership between Congregation Beth El and the Simon Family JCC. She worked with campers once a week as the drama specialist and volunteered to do the facepainting for the special Israel Day at camp.
“I love working with the kids and counselors at camp. We’ve been having a blast! In addition to being fun, creative drama encourages the campers to step out of themselves and pretend. Imagination is empowering. It’s inspiring to watch these kids awaken to a new facet of themselves,” says Serbin.
In addition to her camp involvement, Serbin participates in Lifelong Learning workshops, Moon Circles, joint congregational events, and more. During the 2024-2025 school year, she will teach various workshops including Judaism Through Art, ASL, Creative Education Learning, and Storytelling, both through the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and/or Congregation Beth El.
Serbin invites all of Jewish Tidewater “to view ourselves as a village. In the wise words of Mr. Rodgers,” she says, “‘Won’t you be my neighbor?’”
Building more than bridges
