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Julia Nielsen
Head of Jewish Informal Education Program (JiEP) at JFS School
Professional Background
Julia Nielsen is a dedicated professional in the field of Jewish education, with a rich tapestry of experiences that span various roles and responsibilities in informal Jewish educational settings. She currently serves as the Head of the Jewish Informal Education Program (JiEP) at JFS School, where she channels her passion for Jewish education into creating engaging and meaningful experiences for students. Julia's journey in the realm of Jewish leadership and youth programming has equipped her with a unique skill set, making her a prominent figure in her community.
Education and Achievements
Julia's academic journey is characterized by a strong commitment to Jewish studies and education. She pursued her Master's Degree in Experiential Jewish Education at The Davidson School of Jewish Education, part of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. This advanced degree provided her with a framework to blend her passion for Jewish culture with active learning methodologies, which she expertly applies in her current role.
Her undergraduate studies at Yeshiva University included a BA in Sociology, Studio Arts, and Jewish Studies. This multidisciplinary background has enabled Julia to approach education from various angles, incorporating artistic expression and sociological perspectives into her programming. Furthermore, Julia deepened her Jewish education at Machon Maayan, where she honed her understanding of Jewish traditions and values, further solidifying her expertise in this field.
Notable Experience
Over the years, Julia has taken on numerous roles that highlight her versatility and unwavering commitment to youth engagement. Before her current position at JiEP, she served as Co-Director of Programme at the Forum For Jewish Leadership Summer Internship, where she played an integral role in shaping the experiences of young Jewish leaders. Her hands-on approach and nurturing spirit have made a lasting impact on the participants of such programs.
Julia also excelled as the Assistant Director of Youth Engagement & Camping at Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton/Manhattan Beach. In this role, she worked closely with youth to cultivate their connection to Jewish life through various engaging activities and programs. Her time as Director of the Tween Division at the Gateways Passover Program further exemplifies her ability to create inclusive and enriching experiences for diverse groups of Jewish youth.
As a Synagogue Educator for the Religious School at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Julia deepened her instructional skills and developed curriculum that resonated with students of all backgrounds. Her early experiences, such as working as a Camp Outdoor Adventure Nature Summer Specialist and a Passover Day Camp Counselor across various organizations, grounded her in the fundamentals of youth engagement and leadership.
Julia's dedication to youth programming extended beyond summer camps. She made significant contributions as the Director of Teen Programming at the Hudson Valley Granite Passover Program, showcasing her leadership in a vital segment of youth education. Additionally, her roles as a graduate intern for the Center for Family Life at the JCC in Manhattan and a graduate assistant at Yeshiva University provided her with the foundational skills necessary for her ongoing commitment to community engagement and support for families.
Julia has also taken on leadership roles in organizations dedicated to shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders. As the Advisor Coordinator for Southern Region at NCSY, she was responsible for empowering advisors and fostering a supportive community for teens. Julia's involvement with NCSY included several summers working as a staff member for The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), where she inspired participants to connect with their Jewish identity through experiential learning.
Achievements
With a career filled with diverse experiences and responsibilities, Julia Nielsen has established herself as a leader in Jewish education. Her ability to engage youth and foster their connection to their Jewish heritage has made her an invaluable resource in her community. Julia's work has helped numerous young individuals understand and appreciate their cultural identity, contributing significantly to the Jewish community at large.
Through her various roles, Julia has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Her educational background, combined with her extensive experience working with youth in different capacities, positions her as an expert in experiential Jewish education and community programming. Julia continues to inspire and influence the next generation of Jewish leaders, making her an integral part of the Jewish educational landscape.