Education
For Fred and Jill Lewis, their Jewish National Fund-USA story began with a ripple that expanded into a multigenerational circle of impact.
It all started with Rachel, their eldest child, who experienced a semester abroad at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel over a decade ago. It was a transformative experience that opened her eyes—and theirs in turn—to the power and importance of Zionist education. Their next daughter, Natalie, attended in 2018. Both returned with a profound connection to their Jewish heritage.
“I remember Rachel calling us from Muss, saying she was living the history,” Fred recalled. “Not just the painful Holocaust, which we emphasize in Diaspora Jewish education, but the triumph of 3,000+ years of our people’s story and origins in Israel.” The Lewises understood that this connection to the living, breathing land and people of Israel was vital and beneficial for helping American Jewish teens connect to their heritage and reach their full potential as advocates and leaders.
Muss’s unique curriculum stands out for its immersive philosophy and commitment to academic excellence. Students learn about Jewish history not only in the classroom but on-site at historical landmarks dating back to the time of the Tanakh, in the order in which the events occurred.
“It’s an awakening experience to learn the grander tapestry of our history,” Jill said. “They come back with a voice, knowing how to talk about a Judaism that impacts them, impacting others in turn.”
Fred and Jill were blown away by their daughters’ evolutions, and it inspired their own deeper involvement—Fred and Jill wanted to enable more teens to access the life-changing experience that Muss offers, so they established a grant to fund needs-based scholarships. Eager to have even more of a voice in the future of Jewish engagement, Jill joined the Muss board.
“There’s no better reward than hearing about young Jews who weren’t engaged before and now, after Muss, are forever changed,” Fred said.
The Lewises are furthering their commitment to creating an impact by co-chairing, along with Amy Berko Iles, the Jewish National Fund-USA retreat, Your Jewish Roots … Our Jewish Future, in Carlsbad, CA. Focused on multi-generational discussions of Jewish priorities, Jewish values, philanthropy, and our collective connections to Judaism and Israel, the retreat is a opportunity for families to connect and set intentions. With sessions with a genealogist and a Rabbi in residence, participants come away with action-oriented ideas for living out their personal Jewish values.
Together with her co-chair, Jen Marzouk, Jill is working on building a vibrant national alumni network for Muss that will keep graduates engaged and offer them the opportunity to share the Muss magic with more teens, amplifying Muss’ impact and strengthening its legacy for generations to come.
Through Jewish National Fund-USA, the Lewises ensure Zionist education reaches more families, strengthening the next generation’s ties to Israel and their identity.
“Anyone thinking about how to support our people should consider supporting Muss,” Fred urged. “Whether your kids went there or not. It creates Jewish leaders, and we need them.”
The Lewis family story illustrates how one family’s experience can ripple outward, a circle of impact impacting a tide of change.”
To learn more about Alexander Muss High School in Israel, visit amhsi.org
To learn more about Your Jewish Roots… Our Jewish Future contact Diane Scar at [email protected]
Back