‘Lifelong learner’ to lead nat’l education group

Hedda Morton is an avid learner, always open to discovering and mastering new things — especially when it comes to Jewish education.

“I’m a staunch believer in lifelong Jewish learning, and I live it,” she told NJ Jewish News in a recent phone interview.

That passion will stand her in good stead in her new position. Morton, the director of congregational learning at Adath Israel Congregation in Lawrenceville, was elected president of the Jewish Educators Assembly, the association of educators and educational administrators working with the Conservative movement in North America and Israel.

Her installation took place in College Park, Md., on Jan. 26.

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Morton said she sees her role as “serving as the leading voice of the organization, and overseeing the operation of the board.” She will also be intimately involved in planning its 60th anniversary celebration.

Morton, who came to the 300-family congregation in Lawrenceville nine years ago, will continue her position there while handling her new role. “You know what they say — if you want something done, ask a busy person,” she said. Most of her work with JEA, whose offices are in Cedarhurst, NY, will be done by phone and e-mail.

She was a vice president of the JEA and served as chair and cochair of its national conference for four years. She’ll work closely with JEA’s executive director, Edward Edelstein, just as they did on the conferences.

Rabbi Daniel Grossman, the leader of Adath Israel, described Morton as “a joy to work with,” always avid to learn and to share what she learns, and someone who can exercise leadership without being competitive or territorial.

“I believe in empowering as many people as possible and working collaboratively with them,” she said. “The vision, policy, and direction come from the president working hand-in-hand with the members.”