King David teacher recognised globally

Every teacher hopes to leave a lasting mark on their pupils. For Tal Kattan, deputy head of school and head of Hebrew at King David Primary School Linksfield, his impact has been recognised far beyond his own classroom. 

Kattan stands out as the only South African to receive a Global Jewish Teachers Award this year. 

The Global Jewish Teachers Awards recognise outstanding educators working in Jewish schools around the world. They celebrate teachers who make a significant contribution to Jewish education, particularly by strengthening Jewish identity, inspiring pupils, and building meaningful connections to Israel and Jewish life. 

Of the more than 200 teachers nominated, only eight were selected as recipients of the award. 

“I see the recognition as a reflection of the importance of Jewish education and the role it plays in shaping a child’s identity and sense of belonging,” Kattan says. “It is about giving children a strong connection to Hebrew, Israel, and Jewish life, and helping them understand what it means to be part of the Jewish people in the world they live in today.” 

Kattan says he was overwhelmed when he found out that he was one of the recipients. 

“Finding out that I had been selected as one of only eight educators from around the world, and the only one from South Africa, was an incredible surprise. I felt incredibly proud, but also very humbled,” he says. 

Being the only South African awarded makes it particularly special for him. “I feel very proud to represent King David and our community on an international stage,” he says. “It is a real honour to see Jewish education in South Africa recognised on an international platform, particularly at a time when the role of Jewish educators in strengthening identity, connection, and continuity is so critical. I hope the recognition also highlights the very many dedicated Jewish educators across South Africa who do this important work every single day. 

“At the same time, the award is a reminder of the weight of the responsibility we carry as Jewish educators. It means so much to know that the hours and hours of dedication and investment that go into elevating Hebrew in the school, bringing Israel closer to our students and strengthening Jewish life are being seen not only within our school community, but now on a global stage. There is also something very special about that recognition coming from South Africa. Our Jewish community may be small, but it has a strong voice and continues to make a significant contribution to Am Yisrael. To have the work being done here recognised internationally is something I am incredibly proud of.” 

Kattan believes a great teacher needs to combine knowledge and high standards with genuine care, passion, and humility, creating a classroom where children feel comfortable asking questions and remaining curious. 

He believes Jewish educators have a particular responsibility as links between generations, passing on thousands of years of Jewish history, tradition, language, values, and faith, while inspiring pupils to carry them forward in their own way. Teachers should also serve as role models, demonstrating respect, derech eretz, integrity, and pride in Jewish identity through their everyday actions. 

At King David, Kattan impresses upon his pupils that Hebrew is a living language and doesn’t exist only within the walls of the school campus. 

“Hebrew should not begin and end when the lesson starts. It should be heard, spoken, seen, and enjoyed throughout school life,” he says. 

This is done not only in the classroom, but by bringing Israel and Jewish life into the everyday life of the school. 

“The ‘yoms’ are particularly important in the identity formation of our students. Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and Yom Yerushalayim give children opportunities to understand our history, feel connected to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, and locate themselves within the story of the Jewish people.” 

The attacks of 7 October brought an added and very real dimension to this work, he says. On the first anniversary of 7 October, pupils produced a music video of Eden Golan’s song Hurricane. This year, the school has produced a unity song and video, largely in Hebrew, bringing pupils together around a shared message of achdut (unity) and connection.