JCC Association of North America is proud to announce the third cohort of The Martin Pear Israel Fellowship, an 18-month program that immerses JCC professionals in a comprehensive learning experience, including in-person gatherings, web-based education, and an impactful Israel experience, followed by six months of project implementation. The fellowship aims to develop and retain JCC talent, helping to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to Israel and Jewish communal life. Named in memory of Martin Pear, z”l, the beloved longtime CEO of Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale, Arizona, the fellowship reflects his enduring belief that Jewish professionals should be deeply committed and connected to Israel.
“We are very excited to begin the third cohort of the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship and look forward to their journey,” shares Dr. Andi Meiseles, director of the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship and senior advisor for Jewish education at JCC Association. “Building on the incredible dedication demonstrated by members of the first and second cohorts, members of the third cohort will continue the important work of engaging with the complex realities of Israel and forging their own deep, lasting connections to the country and with one another. I am thrilled to watch them embark on what has been a transformative experience for program alumni. It is also wonderful to welcome them into what has blossomed into the larger “family” of Martin Pear fellows which has already made a tremendous impact on their communities.”
“The Martin Pear Israel Fellowship has been truly life-altering, marking one of the professional highlights of my 30-year career,” said Michael Blanchard, senior director of marketing and member experience at the Weinstein JCC in Richmond, Virginia, and a member of the second cohort of the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship. “As someone who describes my religiosity as “Jewish-adjacent” and proudly considers myself an ally, this experience has deeply influenced my work at the JCC and in the broader Richmond community. It has given me countless opportunities to speak about Israel from a personal and informed perspective, especially during such challenging times. By sharing my understanding and experiences, I’ve been able to humanize Israel’s people in a way that goes beyond the headlines, offering a more nuanced view to those who might otherwise rely solely on the media. This fellowship has not only enriched my own journey but has created a ripple effect that strengthens the connection between Israel and my local community.”
The cornerstone of the fellowship is an intensive, nine-day seminar in Israel, anchored by monthly education sessions before and after the Israel experience. As a final component of their participation, Pear Fellows implement a project that brings Israel to their JCC in a new and purposeful way. Their project implementation overlaps by six months with the next cohort, so they can execute and report on their projects, evaluate the entire experience, and interact with the newest Pear Fellows.
Reflecting on her experience as a member of the second cohort of the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship Ellen Daniel, marketing director at the Mayerson JCC of Cincinnati, Ohio, said: “Being a part of the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship brought Israel to life for me. While I understood theoretically the significance and history of the modern Jewish state, I was unprepared for the richness and depth of understanding I would come away with—and the appreciation for the complexity of the Israeli psyche. From breathing in the holy sites to making music in the Judean desert and praying for the safe return of the hostages at the Nova music festival site, I am forever changed.”
With more than 10,000 full-time professionals, over 20,000 part-time staff, and 17,000 seasonal staff, the JCC Movement is the largest employer on North America’s Jewish communal landscape, and JCC Association is devoted to developing the talent of the JCC workforce and continuing to attract the best and brightest to the movement’s work.
The Martin Pear Israel Fellowship, a key offering of JCC Talent and the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Center for Jewish Education, is open to full-time employees of any faith and from any area of a JCC. Applicants must be interested in building a career in the JCC Movement and able to commit to remaining at their current JCC for at least two years. The final cohort each year includes professionals who look to thrive, both individually and collectively, within the rigorous program. The Pear Fellowship is made possible by a generous, multi-year gift to JCC Association.
The third cohort of Martin Pear Israel Fellows will comprise these individuals:
Jodi Michelle Cutler is a writer, producer, and the arts and culture director of the Mandel JCC Palm Beaches, where she is responsible for the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. Among her many professional accomplishments, she has published four books in both English and Italian. Her novel “Rally Caps,” co-authored with her father, Stephen J. Cutler, became a film starring Judd Hirsch and Amy Smart, now streaming on Peacock. From the moment in 1997 when her son was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, Cutler has dedicated herself to finding the most suitable tools for improving quality of life for such disabilities, rising to a high-level of professionalism as a consultant and advocate for inclusion rights through various international initiatives and an online forum that offers support to over 16,000 families navigating hearing loss journeys. After 25 years in Tuscany, Cutler now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, with her children, Jordan and Sofia.
Reva Fox is the arts and culture director at the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a position that combines her two passions—the arts and the Jewish community—and lets her use the arts to tell Jewish stories and bring together a diverse community. She previously served as Milwaukee’s first PJ library coordinator and as a theater production supervisor at Kohl’s Wild Theater at the Milwaukee Zoological Society. Fox holds an MFA in directing and has been a professional director and actor in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, and Milwaukee. She is a founding member of several theater companies, including Milwaukee’s Bard and Bourbon.
Sarah Howman is the digital marketing and advertising manager at the Charles Schusterman Jewish Community Center/Jewish Federation of Tulsa in Oklahoma. She previously was a public-school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, and served in the Teach For America 2020 Corps. She is a proud supporter of Israel and has visited three times in her adult life. Howman is honored to have been chosen as a Martin Pear Israel Fellow and is eager to expand the Israel programs at the Charles Schusterman JCC and learn from other JCCs. She looks forward to connecting with and creating a network of fellow nonprofit Jewish professionals and visiting Israel for the intensive seminar.
Keren Ludvig is the chief program and community engagement officer at the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA in Montreal, Canada. She previously was an educational technology consultant in Montreal’s Jewish schools and director of program services at the local Jewish senior center. Ludvig earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Toronto and is an alumna of JCC programs in Ottawa and Toronto.
Michaela Norman is the development manager at JCC Association of North America, where she supports grant writing and management, corporate partnership development, and individual giving. She previously held development positions in nonprofit newsrooms and a veteran service organization. Norman earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American studies from Colby College. She grew up going to summer camp through 92NY and currently lives in Brooklyn with her partner and two cats.
Sydney Reynolds is the manager of youth programs at the St. Louis JCC’s Creve Coeur campus, where she oversees the fitness facilities KidZone, the after-school club, and the Vacation Days camps, among others. She also assists in managing the summer camp’s aftercare program. Reynolds previously taught in public schools and the JCC’s early childhood department. She appreciates how the JCC has helped her professional growth, and she always works to bring new program ideas to the table for kids of all ages.
Ari Rothman, marketing director for the Tampa JCCs & Federation (TJCCF), supports programs, events, and the overall mission of the combined Federation and JCCs. By leveraging creative messaging to drive engagement of members, guests, prospects, and donors, he strengthens the health, education, culture, and welfare of the local Jewish community. Before joining the TJCCF, Rothman spent 25 years in marketing positions that supported retail, restaurant, and consumer packaged goods. He also co-owned a small, local advertising agency focused on social media. In recognition of national programs that supported his clients, Rothman received multiple Who’s Who in Shopper Marketing listings from the Path 2 Purchase Institute. He and his wife, Trisha, are passionate about fostering a welcoming and inclusive JCC community in which individuals can connect and grow, helping to enrich Jewish life in Tampa.
Rachel Ruth is the director of adult programs at the New Orleans JCC. She oversees all adult programs including Alzheimer’s Care and Enrichment (ACE), Active Adult, Creative Arts, J University, and the Volunteer Corps, providing opportunities for the Baby Boomers of New Orleans to engage with the community. In her free time Ruth enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, and reading. Ruth has extensive programming experience and is excited to increase her repertoire with new ideas.
Melissa Seltzer, senior director of arts and culture and Jewish life at the JCC of Greater Baltimore, oversees the J Life platform, which creates joyful Jewish experiences through large-scale celebrations and intimate experiences that help families connect to themselves, community, the J, and Jewish tradition. She curates the Gordon Center Family Season and co-founded and oversees arts education programs. Seltzer began her career at the J in 2010 as a graduate intern while pursuing a master’s degree in Jewish communal service at Baltimore Hebrew Institute. In recognition of her commitment to the community, Seltzer received a Na’aleh Friedman Fellowship and the Annette Saxon Impact Award and was named an Association of Performing Arts Professionals Emerging Leader. She recently completed Na’aleh’s Elevate supervisory cohort. The heart of her work lives at the intersection of creating and connecting that is rooted in Jewish wisdom. Seltzer and her husband live in the farm-surrounded suburbs with two young sons who are students in the JCC’s ELC.
Sara Simon is the operations director at JCC Metrowest Camp Deeny Riback (CDR) in West Orange, New Jersey. She previously was the director of enrollment management at a private high school, also in New Jersey, and taught at-risk students in California. Simon is a graduate of Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, where she earned a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. She competes alongside her husband in endurance sports, including triathlons and marathons. They have three boys, ages 9, 12, and 15, who are lifelong CDR campers.
Bogdan Zsholobchuk is the office manager and director of membership at Kings Bay Y in Brooklyn, New York, where he oversees enrollment, administration, communication, financials, and operations for programs including early childhood, camps, and community events. Using his strong background in customer service, client relationship management, and sales, he develops and implements strategies to drive membership growth and retention while ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. Originally from Ukraine, Zsholobchuk earned a bachelor’s degree in business communication with a minor in marketing and graphic design from Baruch College. He was actively involved with Hillel in college, where he developed a great interest in connecting with Israel and Israelis.
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About JCC Association of North America
JCC Association of North America leads the JCC Movement, the most expansive and inclusive platform for Jewish life in the U.S. and Canada, which comprises more than 170 Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps (JCCs). By virtue of its size and scope—serving more than 1.5 million people weekly, in person, and online—and with guidance and support from JCC Association, the JCC Movement dynamically influences efforts to create Jewish community, vibrant Jewish life, and intentional and measurable Jewish outcomes in local communities and across the continent. Learn more at JCCA.org or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Please note that JCC Association of North America should not be referred to as JCCA or the JCC Association but initially as JCC Association of North America and as JCC Association in subsequent references.
JCC Talent elevates JCC professionals and lay leaders and the workplaces they serve by offering experiences and initiatives that enhance Jewish knowledge, foster cultures of inclusion and belonging, and strengthen the JCC Movement’s talent infrastructure. Learn more in the JCC Resource Center or email [email protected].
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