Josh Morrel

In high school, learning an extra language is a requirement, but Glenbrook North High School students clamor to learn Hebrew because of Josh Morrel. Josh, better known as " Mar Morrel" to his students, has expanded the Hebrew program from 50 to 90 students. He teaches about Israel's technology and culture in Hebrew, has brought Yom HaShoah programs and Israel Day to GBN and is the co-faculty sponsor for the school's World Language Department Honor Society.

In his field, Josh represents other Illinois Hebrew teachers on the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, for which he serves on the executive board and as a volunteer coordinator. He will present at upcoming conferences for ICTFL and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

He also educates young people as the education director at Ezra Habonim Niles Township Jewish Congregation. Additionally, he mentored students in JUF's Write On for Israel program for five years, and still speaks at some seminars.

Age:

33

Primary gig:

Modern Hebrew language teacher at Glenbrook North High School and the co-faculty sponsor for Glenbrook North's World Language Department Honor Society

On the side:

Education Director at Ezra Habonim Niles Township Jewish Congregation

Relationship status:

Single

Celebrity doppelganger/who would play you in a movie:

Adam Sandler, David Schwimmer or Jerry Seinfeld

Something most people don’t know about me:

I can name every Oscar winner for Best Picture since 1965.

How do you Jew in Chicago?

I try to be as positive of an influence as I can on my students whether it be through my students at GBN or Ezra Habonim. I lead Shabbat morning children services for Ezra Habonim Niles Township Jewish Congregation every Saturday and donate tzedakah to various Jewish causes in the Chicagoland area. I also run a Holocaust Remembrance Event every year on Yom HaShoah at Glenbrook North High School.