Tali Cohen Carrus

Tali Cohen Carrus  has spent two decades shaping inclusive Jewish learning environments and transforming how schools approach disability inclusion and belonging. As Senior Director of Programs at Gateways: Access to Jewish Education, she partners with educators and communities to move beyond accommodations toward true inclusion.

 

The Covenant Foundation recently honored Tali with the prestigious 2025 Pomegranate Prize, which recognizes exceptional emerging Jewish educators. "On a personal level, it is deeply meaningful to be honored in this way. At the same time, I see this recognition as an important affirmation that advancing accessible Jewish education is worth investing in and celebrating."

 

Tali credits her Schechter Westchester education for providing the foundation for the skills and background she still draws on today. “I feel very fortunate to have had such a rich Jewish day school education... Learning Talmud with Rabbi Sosland stands out in particular… When I later found myself in other Jewish learning spaces, such as at Pardes, I realized just how well-prepared I was to engage at a high level.”

 

Tali also shares, "A big part of my professional journey stems from what wasn’t present in my day school experience—peers with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities... That realization sparked my passion for helping Jewish institutions become more inclusive of a wider range of learners.” Today, she leads with that same passion, ensuring every student has a place to belong: “Over the past 20 years, progress has been made, but there is still much more to do to ensure that families who want a Jewish day school education for their children with disabilities have access to it.”

 

Her advice to current students focused on tikkun olam?: "Keep leaning into the things you care about, even if others tell you to ease up... What I’ve learned is to advocate with confidence while also meeting people where they are and staying patient with the process. Change takes time, but persistence truly makes a difference."