Answering the Call: Miami Educator Joins Israel’s Rebuilding Efforts
Posted on 07/18/2025 @ 06:00 AM
While most teachers were starting their summer vacations in Florida, Lee Levy-Friedman, a beloved Early Childhood teacher at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach, packed her bags and flew to Israel — to volunteer as the war continued and amid the unexpected escalation with Iran.
Lee traveled to Israel at the end of June as part of a grassroots effort led by Livnot U’Lehibanot ("To Build and To Be Built"), an Israeli nonprofit that’s been combining service, spirituality, and Jewish learning for over 45 years. Since October 7th, Livnot has restored more than 300 homes and public buildings in the Gaza Envelope and northern border communities.
But Lee didn’t take this journey alone. Behind her stood the full support of her school community.
Temple Beth Sholom parents and colleagues rallied around her, launching a fundraiser that covered the cost of her trip.
“The parents at school were looking for a real, meaningful way to support Israel,” Lee said. “When they heard I was planning to volunteer with Livnot, they were incredibly supportive. Their excitement turned into action—and they made this possible.”
During her time in Israel, Lee volunteered at Kibbutz Dorot near the Gaza border, and at Kibbutz Misgav Am and Kibbutz Dafna in the Galilee.
She also joined Livnot’s unique educational program in Tzfat, which blends physical rebuilding with spiritual exploration, tours, and community engagement. Normally designed for young adults under 40, the program has recently opened up to older volunteers in response to the current crisis.
“It was a transformative experience,” Lee reflected. “I found meaning, community, and a deep sense of belonging. I reconnected with Am Yisrael / The People of Israel, Eretz Yisrael / The Land of Israel, and the educational mission I care so deeply about.”
Meeting evacuees returning to rebuilt homes, working alongside Israelis and fellow diaspora Jews, and connecting with families and children in affected areas — all of it left a lasting impact.
Her message to others in Miami and beyond: “Don’t wait. Come. See it with your own eyes. Be part of it. You’ll receive more than you can possibly imagine.”
At CAJE, we are so proud of Lee and her Temple Beth Sholom community for supporting her on this incredible journey and for so beautifully valuing a long-time, dedicated Jewish educator.
If you are an educator with a great story or you want to nominate an educator for a future profile, contact Rabbi Efrat Zarren-Zohar, CAJE’s Executive Director: efratzohar@caje-miami.org
