CARING IN THE CLASSROOM TEMPLE TO HONOR TEACHER FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE.

Byline: MARK KELLAM Valley News Writer

Students have changed a lot in the past 40 years, said teacher Sonia Liberman.

``They're completely different. Today, kids in the fourth and fifth grades know so much,'' she said. ``I have to catch up each week of my life to be on top.''

Liberman has taught Hebrew and Jewish social studies classes at Temple Ahavat Shalom since it opened in 1966. As the temple prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Liberman is receiving special recognition for her lengthy career and devotion to teach children.

``I, myself, never thought that I should be honored because I love what I'm doing,'' she said.

Liberman will be recognized during a special Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the temple, 18200 Rinaldi Place, North- ridge. Among those expected to attend the service are several of her former students.

Liberman, 72, said computer technology is just one of the major changes she's seen during her teaching career.

She's also seen students at a younger age becoming more aware of what's happening in other parts of the world, particularly the political climates.

They're also very involved in helping others by supporting organizations such as Special Wish and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Liberman began her career as a vocational nurse in Israel in 1951. In 1975, she earned an associate's degree in liberal arts from Los Angeles City College. In 1977, she earned a bachelor's degree in Jewish studies from the University of Judaism. She then went on to receive a master's degree.

Among her past honors, she received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Her lengthy career as a Jewish educator includes teaching Hebrew and Jewish studies at Stephen S. Wise Temple Day School, North Hollywood High School, Temple Emanuel Community Day School, Valley Beth Shalom Day School and Nursery School, Temple Beth Shalom in Whittier and Temple Beth Ami in Reseda.

Her successful career is a dramatic change from her childhood, when she was orphaned after the Nazis murdered her parents and older sister and brother during World War II.

Liberman, who was 7 years old at the time, had been sent to live with a farmer before the massacre in her town in Poland. The farmer hid her from the Nazis and raised her as his own daughter.

After the war, Liberman joined other Jewish orphans who were transported to Palestine, which eventually became Israel. She finished her schooling there.

Rabbi Barry Lutz of Temple Ahavat Shalom said he appreciates Liberman's dedication to teaching.

``Sonia's commitment to the Jewish community, and especially to our children, is unparalleled,'' he said. ``She teaches with energy and enthusiasm that is limitless. When I want a new teacher to understand what teaching in a religious school is all about, it is to Sonia's room that I send them. There, they come to understand what love of Judaism and dedication to our future is all about.''

Fran Krimston contributed to this story.

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Sonia Liberman, third from left, with members of her family, from left, grandson Will Liberman, 5; granddaughter Hannah Liberman, 11; son Adi Liberman, 48; husband Sam Liberman, 81; and granddaughter Emma Liberman, 8, at a family celebration.