Raz Newman, director of Israel programs at the Mandell JCC in West Hartford, was among 50 Jewish professionals representing 41 Jewish organizations throughout the northeast who convened in Washington, D.C. in mid-November to share ideas and pick up tips from experts about effective and creative ways to engage Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni and young Jewish adults. Hosted by NEXT: A Division of Birthright Israel Foundation, the meeting was designed to strengthen NEXTwork – the national network of professionals and leaders working directly with Birthrighters and young Jewish adults.

“Bringing together engagers for serious learning and professional development opportunities is powerful,” says Morlie Levin, CEO of NEXT. “These engagers interact directly with Birthrighters, so it is critical that we support and resource them in ways that improve their skill set and knowledge about engaging young adults. We want them to leave these convenings filled with new ideas, new connections, and concrete strategies for shaping the Jewish journeys of young adults.”

The Northeast Regional Convening – the second held in 2014 – is part of NEXT’s strategy to work with communities and leaders across the country to create compelling opportunities for Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni and young Jewish adults to engage in Jewish life. Throughout the year, NEXTwork convenings bring engagers from different organizations together to further advance the skills, strategies, tools and careers of the people who actually make Jewish journeys happen.

CAP: Mandell JCC Shaliach Raz Newman speaking at the NEXTwork conference.