Shomrei Torah is thrilled to welcome MARISSA MERKER as its new Kadima Youth Group advisor. Of course, Marissa needs no introduction to Shomrei Torah since her parents (Alan and Cindy) and grandparents (The Hon. Sylvan & Lee Rothenberg) are long-time, active members of the shul. Marissa had her Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation at Shomrei Torah and was a Hebrew School Tutor while attending its Hebrew High School.
A graduate of Wayne Valley High School, Marissa is now a Sophomore at Ramapo College where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology with concentrations in Elementary Education and Middle School Science.
Marissa has had a lot of experience working with children and teenagers in the last few years. As a counselor at The "Y" Summer Playschool for over 6 summers, Marissa developed a great relationship with the children, the Y staff, and the families who sent their children to that program. Some of those children are now eligible to join Kadima which serves children in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Marissa currently also works in the Y's Babysitting Room and is one of the staff members who run birthday parties at the Y. She was a member and Regional President of BBYO, a Jewish Leadership Program. BBYO opened a lot of doors for Marissa, allowing her to go on The March of the Living, a two week Holocaust Remembrance trip to Poland and Israel, during her senior year of High School.
Marissa is very eager and excited to put all of her experience and spirit into invigorating Shomrei Torah's Kadima Youth Group this year!
Kadima, which is the Hebrew word for "forward," has chapters and regions throughout the world. Shomrei Torah's chapter will be meeting once a month, most likely on either on Thursday or Sunday nights, depending on the day that is best for majority of its members. Local activities will include sports and games, arts and crafts, bowling nights, leadership activities, community service projects, fun ways to celebrate various Jewish holidays, and much more. The goal is to inspire Jewish youth to explore, celebrate and practice ethical values, Jewish life, Zionism and community responsibility.
Shomrei Torah belongs to the Northern New Jersey Hagalil Region which has some forty-eight chapters. In addition to the local activities, all Kadima members (a/k/a "Kadimaniks") can attend regional, national and international conventions, dances, and athletics and just about any other kind of social, educational, charitable, cultural, artistic, and religious activity imaginable.
All Kadimaniks receive Kol Kadima, a magazine that reports on special themes, coast-to-coast programs, games, and information about Israel, social action projects, and Jewish ethics. Parents of Kadimaniks receive Ma'asei Yaldeinu (The Parents' Newsletter).
Kadima's dues for the year are $36 for Shomrei Torah members and $54 for non-members. Checks should be made payable to Shomrei Torah with the word "Kadima" written on the "Memo" line and mailed to: Shomrei Torah, 30 Hinchman Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470-2314. For more information about Kadima, contact Marissa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Let's really welcome Marissa and enroll our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders NOW!
