Peninnah Schram

Jewish Educator and Writer

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Peninnah Schram has been working with the Jewish community for decades as an educator, writer, and guardian of Jewish lore and culture. She has served as a mentor to rabbinical students as well as other educators and writers. She has been contacted by numerous writers to review their work for accuracy or to provide scholarship for their work in many different ways. Peninnah has also received awards from across the Jewish spectrum, too numerous to list here.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Peninnah has participated in fora on the radio and in person. Every summer she participates in a yearly meeting of teachers and folklorists, always being asked to lead seminars and give convocations. As a tenured professor at Stern College, she inspired her students, many of whom are still in touch with her years later. She constantly works towards creating safe environments, both as an educator and as a guest lecturer in front of varied organizations. Her daughter, who made Aliyah, jokes that wherever she travels with Peninnah, someone always seems to turn up who knows her because of all the roles she has played! And there is no one who responds more joyfully—and with an appropriate story—than Peninnah. Also, her father was a hazan, so she grew up infused with a Jewish spirit and a love for Jewish learning, which she has carried throughout her successful career.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Peninnah Schram’s articles, videos, testimonials about her, books she has written, etc. are too numerous to list.