Last fall I joined USCJ to explore innovative approaches and partnerships that can engage newer generations of adults as we engage with younger generations to help cement the movement. Talent abounds in our Movement, so our efforts to blaze new pathways for people to connect with Conservative Judaism has been accelerated by the enthusiasm of rabbis on and off the pulpit, and those who seek to proliferate the Torah of Conservative Judaism.
I am no stranger to the Conservative Movement. I am a USY and Camp Ramah alum, as well as a lifelong member of USCJ congregations. I care deeply about the beauty and meaning we can find – uniquely and communally — in the balance of modernity and masorah/traditional Judaism.
Leading junior congregation and teaching religious school throughout college put my USY and Ramah leadership skills to the test. However, my real passion for Jewish engagement came from my first full-time Jewish job at my synagogue. I was hired as the youth and media director. While it may seem like a funny combination of portfolios, there is a significant commonality. It’s all about building relationships.
Over my career, I have had the benefit of learning about Jewish engagement, leadership and education from my work with individuals, families and groups in a wide variety of Jewish communal settings. I am grateful to be at USCJ where I can couple my professional expertise in engagement with my enthusiasm for strengthening the Conservative Movement – a movement built and experienced by people with support from our institutions.
Fun Facts: I am married to Steven Weisman, my high school sweetheart. We first became friends in kindergarten at our small Jewish day school in Hampton Roads, VA. We raised our two children, who are now emerging adults, in Gaithersburg, MD. While my favorite leisure activity is spending time with family and friends (I’m an extrovert!), I also enjoy music, cooking, independent coffee shops, fitness classes, collecting honey, and Shark Week on Discovery TV (not a sponsored promotion, I promise!).
Reach out; I’d love your help building relationships across our Movement.
