Metuka Benjamin has spent nearly five decades as a visionary, innovative education leader. She was among the founders of the education system at Stephen S. Wise Temple Schools in Los Angeles. Under her leadership it grew to encompass an early childhood center, an elementary school, a religious school, and Milken Community Schools, the nation’s largest non-orthodox Jewish secondary school, which serves grades 7 through 12. When Milken Community Schools became fully independent in 2012, she was appointed its President.

Mrs. Benjamin created Milken’s Tiferet Israel Fellows Program and the Nofim Integrated Israel Curriculum. Models that have been emulated widely, these intensive programs represent the most in-depth Israel-education experience available to secondary-school students anywhere. They are part of the school’s Israel Institute, which also encompasses curriculum staff development, advocacy training, and an extensive speakers program. Through these programs and others, Mrs. Benjamin is committed to preparing the next generation as knowledgeable and passionate advocates for Israel.

Mrs. Benjamin served as a member of the Jewish Federation Partnership program, serving on its steering committee; she is the recipient of numerous awards – Tel Aviv University, Hebrew Union College; the Milken Family Foundation Educators Award; was named Teacher of the Year by the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education; received the highest honor from the State of Israel for her contribution to Jewish education in the diaspora; she lit the Massuah(Torch) on Mt. Hertzl on Yom Hatzmaut; is International President of American Friends of Assaf Harofeh Medical Center; is an active advocate and fundraiser for a number of Israeli causes, including the Israeli Air Force, Atidim, Ayalim, and the education system of the city of Ariel.

A graduate of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, she holds MA degrees in education from both institutions. She was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the American Jewish University.