132nd Anniversary Dinner Dance Honoree: Carla Rothman

Woman of Valor

As a devoted Synagogue member for more than three decades and a Life Member of Sisterhood, Carla Rothman’s life’s work personifies “L’Dor V’Dor,” in which she believes strongly. She has a deep commitment to children’s education and is passionate about empowering the next generation of young Jewish leaders. Carla’s passion for Jewish education continues the strong values she shared with her family and late husband, which she continues to pass down to her three beloved grandchildren, Juliana (11), Keane (9) and Gideon (4). 

She is the proud parent of her son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Ilona. Matthew sang in Park East Synagogue’s original childrens’ choir, trained for his Bar Mitzvah with Rabbi Harold Einsidler and Rabbi Arthur Schneier officiated at his Bar Mitzvah. 

Carla received her BA in Economics and Education and MS in Education and Library Sciences from Hunter College. She taught grades K-8 and served as a school librarian in the New York City Public School system. Carla’s enthusiasm for education is also informed by the training she received early in her career through the IAHP (Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential), where she learned specialized teaching methods geared towards children with brain injuries, observing firsthand the power of high-quality instruction to transform lives. 

A regular attendee at Shabbat and holiday services, Carla can recall joining Toby’s Children Service and learning many of the prayers when her son was young. Today, she is a generous supporter of Park East Sisterhood and Toby’s Children Shabbat Services programs.

Beyond Park East, Carla is a member and supporter of Manhattan Sephardic Congregation, a supporter of Chabad Upper East Side and their Friendship Circle for individuals with special needs, and a member of CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America) and AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). She is an ardent supporter of Israel, a founder of Ben Gurion University of the Negev and a supporter of Hadassah International’s Medical Center at Ein Kerem.

We look forward to honoring her at our 132nd Anniversary Dinner Dance on June 8!