Jody Rosenbloom

Bio

I retired in 2015, after 18 years as the Director of Lifelong Learning at the Jewish Community of Amherst. Most recently from 2020-2025, I was a consultant for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation as a member of the leadership team developing the Havurah Initiative. Prior to moving to Western Massachusetts, I worked for 15 years at Temple Israel, a 2000 household, Reform synagogue in Minneapolis, MN. I have taught and administered Jewish educational programming across all age levels. My time at both Temple Israel & JCA, included navigating logistics during building renovations which involved hosting classes in alternative locations. I also helped on-board several rabbinic hires. From 2015-2020, I served on the Lander Grinspoon Academy board. My Jewish journey includes having attended Talmud Torah/a community supplementary school, Jewish day camp, three years living in Israel, and professional development spanning Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements. I participated in an intensive 2-year program with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) from 2004-06. With a BA in Urban Studies and an MA in leadership development, I view my 30+ years in Jewish education as essentially community building. For relaxation, I like to garden, play Maj & Rumikub, and cook. My husband, Joel Kaminsky and I moved to Northampton in 1997 when he began teaching in the religion department at Smith College. You may have attended his adult ed classes at CBI. We are long-time active neighbors to CBI and joined in 2025.