By Michael Miklofsky
When college students embark on the pursuit of higher education, they often move out of their family homes and are left to their own devices. Among their considerations for how to build their future is whether to form, or continue nurturing, a religious identity.
Jewish Arizonans on Campus was first formed in 2005. It was an outgrowth of student interest in higher Jewish education that started at the Phoenix Community Kollel, where rabbis and other educators provided instruction.
Rabbi Jordan Brumer and his wife, Risa, were selected to start development of JAC.
“At the time, they were looking to expand that and create a full-time position [for] someone who would focus on providing educational opportunities for students at the university,” he says about the organization, which became independent of Kollel one year later.
“We now have over 120 students who study with us [between Arizona State University and the University of Arizona],” Jordan says. “Our focus is always on educational programs.”
Over 100 of those students are involved in the Maimonides Leaders Fellowship, a 10-week program in which students study with rabbis and other Jewish educators. Students have 20 hours of classes throughout the semester that focus on Jewish philosophy, Jewish wisdom and training students on how to make a difference in the Jewish community.
The fellowship is one of two major learning opportunities offered by JAC. The second program is a one-on-one study program with JAC staff and is led by the JAC rabbis and their wives.
Rabbi Mitch Goldstein and his wife, Chana, run programs inside their family’s home, which also serves as the JAC house at ASU in Tempe.
“My husband and I work hand in hand and have a very 50/50 marriage,” Chana says. “Mostly, he works with the guys and I work with the girls, probably because guys are often a mystery to me. But, to be honest, it’s because we want our students to have both strong male and female spiritual leaders and role models.”
Mitch and Chana moved with their family to Tempe from Toronto to initiate development of the JAC home. After having graduated from law school in England, Chana turned her focus to educating students about Judaism and worked with Hillel, among other organizations.
“We were pretty set on the idea that really campus is where it all happens,” Chana says. “Campus is when a young Jewish adult is on their own. You don’t live under your parents’ roof anymore and, really, it could be make it or break it for your Judaism. No one is going to make you go to, for example, Rosh Hashanah services, a Shabbat dinner or an Israel event. You have to choose it. You have complete free will. For that reason, we think it’s extremely important to introduce Jewish students on campus to really positive Jewish wisdom, which is so practical to their life.”
At the University of Arizona in Tucson, the JAC home is overseen by Program Director Sophie Gibly. Sophie grew up in Tucson and graduated from ASU, where she participated in JAC and Chabad programs and learning sessions.
Sophie discovered the organization, in the same way that many students have, when she came across representatives of the organization at a campus event. Sophie specifically remembered first approaching the JAC table during ASU’s Passport Fair, which is held at the beginning of every semester to provide information about clubs and organizations.
“I met Rabbi Brumer at the JAC table and signed up,” she says. “When a student signs up, the JAC staff calls to meet with them for coffee, and then they are able to form a personal connection with the students. From there, it becomes easier for students to attend events and to hang out. Easier, meaning it’s more comfortable, it’s not awkward.”
Since starting in her position in the fall of 2015, Sophie says that she feels she is getting as much from the organization as she puts into it.
“It gives me the opportunity to form very genuine connections to students,” she says. “The University of Arizona JAC house is really focused on quality over quantity. We make sure that students who are involved get a very fulfilling and true, rich experience.”
Before JAC, Jewish students at ASU and UA had two primary options for places to learn, pray and get involved with the Jewish community on campus: Hillel and Chabad, with each student center offering a unique way of engaging the student population.
“Each organization has a different flavor,” Sophie says. “I think JAC is very focused on creating a very homey, very welcoming community.” JAC at UA offers weekly Shabbat dinners and other social and educational events.
To learn more about JAC, visit myjac.org or find them on Facebook at JAC – Jewish Arizonans on Campus. The ASU JAC home is on 69 W 13th St., Tempe; JAC at UA is at 2146 E 4th St., Tucson.
