Beth Rodin Named New OSRUI Associate Director

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Dear OSRUI Community,

We have just concluded another successful summer at camp filled with the laughter, song, and joyful Jewish moments that have been the hallmark of OSRUI since 1952. As we shared in the spring, after 21 years of leadership, Susan Alexander announced that she would be retiring this fall as camp’s Associate Director. Susan’s deep commitment to camp, our campers, and staff, has been felt by thousands in our community. Throughout camp’s history we have been fortunate to have many outstanding leaders serve camp as part of the year-round staff, and we are committed to going from strength to strength in our camp leadership.

Today we are excited to announce that Beth Rodin will step into the role of OSRUI Associate Director this fall.

Beth is no stranger to OSRUI, having grown up at camp as a camper, counselor and rosh eidah (unit head). Beth has worked for NFTY – The Reform Jewish Youth Movement – for close to 15 years, and currently serves as the NFTY Managing Director where she supervises a team across North America creating meaningful programming and experiences for thousands of youth annually. She is a strong builder of community and programming, an exceptional mentor of staff, and an expert at creating safe, meaningful, immersive Jewish experiences for youth. Beth is well-respected both nationally and at home in the Midwest as a leader in the community and we are thrilled to welcome her home.

In her new role, Beth will work with Solly in leading the OSRUI year-round camp and NFTY team, building relationships with the 100 Reform congregations in the Upper Midwest, and working with the thousands of campers, staff and NFTYites across our region. In the summer, she will work with our staff and faculty to ensure the continued success of our programs and work. And year-round, Beth will be a critical partner in shaping programming for the community in our region for youth, teens, and families.  Susan and Beth will working side-by-side through November to ensure a smooth transition; Beth can be reached at brodin@urj.org .

You can read more about Beth and her background below. Please join us in welcoming her to the OSRUI team.

L’shalom,

Solly        Steve  
Solly Kane, Director      Steve Wolf, Chair – Board of Governors

 


Beth Rodin is so excited to be returning home to OSRUI.  Her Jewish journey and love for camp started right here in Oconomowoc while “staffing” synagogue retreats as a toddler when her parents were the youth group advisors for Congregation BJBE.  A long time camper, staff member, unit head and faculty member at both OSRUI and the URJ Kutz Camp, she has been an active member of the Reform movement for as long as she can remember!

Beth is currently the Managing Director for NFTY – The Reform Jewish Youth Movement. She has served on the NFTY team for almost 15 years including time as Regional Advisor for NFTY’s Chicago Area and Northern Regions, Program Director, and NFTY Board Advisor. During her time in NFTY, she has championed the development of our partnership and collaboration with fellow youth movements and other organizations. In her current role, Beth partners closely with both headquarters and field staff to bring NFTY’s vision to life.

Beth received degrees in Political Science, Jewish Studies and Hebrew Language and Literature from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and holds a Masters in Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus College in Chicago. In building on her favorite time at camp (six summers in Moshavah), Beth spent a year pursuing her passions for adventure and teaching as an outdoor education instructor in Southern California.  Beth currently lives in Skokie with her husband Sam, their sons Charlie and Joey, and a dog and a cat who (sometimes) tolerate each other.