Spotlight: Jeff Grossman

Growing up, Jeff was a Chanich, Madrich, and Rosh Ken with the Tnuah. Today he is a parent of two Madrichim at Shomria, and is a member of the Board of Directors, sitting on the Education Committee.

What is your most memorable Hashomer Hatzair experience?

• Yedid was a life changing experience for me.

How have you grown from Hashomer Hatzair? 

• Hashomer Hatzair provided me with a close group of well grounded friends at a time in my life when I really needed to be surrounded by supportive, caring people. My father passed away when I was 14, I started going to mosh when I was 15. I was definitely rebelling in school and struggled academically. Hashomer Hatzair definitely challenged me intellectually. There were people in my kvutza who went on to some of the best colleges and universities in the world and I was never made to feel like I didn't belong, or couldn't "hang". I gained confidence and grew and matured academically as a result of my time in the movement. I eventually went on to thrive in college and graduate school.

Any advice to current Shomrimot? 

• Soak everything in Mosh has to offer, you will make lifelong friends, learn the true meaning of tikkun olam and what it means to be a mensch.

What are you up to these days?

• I am a vice principal at an elementary school in NJ.

Anything else you’d like to add?

• Chazak ve’Ematz!

Want to submit a spotlight? Click here!