Outside the Classroom

By Rabbi Ed Romm
Director of Education and Campus Programs
The United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center

An important aspect of Jewish education is not only what goes on in the classroom, but rather, what takes place "outside." It is about community, identity, supporting each other and friendships.

I have been involved in informal education for many years and have worked with just about every age from young children through mature adults. I have seen the wonderful things one can accomplish and the impact made on people's lives.

Recently our NOAM (Noar Masorti) Youth Movement in Israel celebrated 30 years with a large reunion in a beautiful camping site near Ben Shemen. As the founder and first director of Noam, I was thrilled to see how the youth movement had grown over the years and to have met the spouses and children of our first members. Thirty years ago, at the time of founding our Israeli Masorti Youth Movement, I said that a youth movement is not "kids’ games" but a very serious enterprise and responsibility, impacting on people's lives and the shaping of their personal identity for many years to come.

As our North American Conservative Movement focuses on contemporary Jewish life and the changing Jewish community, personally I am grateful to USY, Ramah and KOACH for their ability to evolve. It means a lot to me both as a participant and a Jewish "professional," and to where I am at today. I know that these feelings are shared by thousands across the globe.

In Israel, I see the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, our "Center On Campus Program" (KOACH in Israel), the Conservative Yeshiva and Nativ as fertile ground for meeting challenges of a new generation of Jewish leadership and community.

From my vantage point in Jerusalem I am proud of you for your leadership in North American college campuses and empathize with your challenges.

[Posted 12/16/09]