Lily Kawer

The Talmud says that "the true guardians of a community are the teachers." Lily-or ''Morah Lily" as she is known to the first grade at Chicago Jewish Day School-exemplifies what it means to be a guardian of her community.

"When your child has Lily as a teacher, you feel as though she is your child's personal tutor and coach," a Chicago Jewish Day School parent wrote. "Despite having a classroom full of kids, she is aware of the nuances of every child's needs, personalities, and learning style."

Lily brings the joy of learning to life, stoking her students' curiosities every single day, such as when she led her students on a mission to deliver apples along with encouraging notes to local community helpers in honor of Rosh Hashanah. Students leave Lily's classroom knowing the importance of taking care of the world.

Parents call Morah Lily ''a gift" to Chicago's early education community who has touched hundreds of children through her work. She fosters a classroom environment where every child feels valued.

AGE:
27

PRIMARY GIG:
First Grade General Studies Teacher at Chicago Jewish Day School

ON THE SIDE:
Crafting enthusiast, sunshine chaser, Chicago explorer, summer nanny and tutor, fitness sculpt instructor!

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Hmmm. Let’s go with something funny. Owen Wilson?

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
In small ways that add up. I like to braid challah every Thursday night. I like to use my leftover challah for challah French toast. I love making matzah toffee during Pesach. I compliment strangers when I notice they are wearing a Bring Them Home necklace. I wake up every Friday and the first thing that comes out of my mouth to my roommate is wishing them a “Shabbat Shalom.” I go apple picking during the high holidays and dip them in honey when I get home. I watch Hebrew lessons on my phone when I go for walks on the lake. I am kind of all over the place, but the small things that I do help me feel grounded in my Judaism.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Live in the moment!!! Life is too short to spend time yearning for yesterday or being too excited for tomorrow. Soak up what is in front of you and be grateful and lucky for every second that passes. Surround yourself with the people and the things that make you happy because that will help you appreciate where you are in the moment.