06/17/2021
Five Questions with Alex Rogoff, Masa Israel Teaching Fellow
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In the midst of a global pandemic, Alex Rogoff of Beachwood was experiencing one of the most transformational years he's ever had. As a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow (MITF) in Tel Aviv and Beit Shean (Cleveland's sister city in Israel), Alex spent 10 months teaching English to children in schools – both virtually and in-person. MITF is a post-college volunteer program that’s part of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s I-Connect initiative designed to create deepening connections for young adults with Israeli life and culture.
This isn’t the first time Alex has been to Israel through Federation, as he previously traveled the country on a Birthright trip and spent eight weeks in Tel Aviv as an Onward Israel participant a few summers ago. It was hard for him to leave Israel after Onward, but he knew he’d be back and when he found out about MITF, he jumped at the opportunity.
What was this year like for him? Here’s “Five Questions with … Alex Rogoff”:
Q: How did you discover the Masa Israel Teaching Fellow program and why did you want to participate?
A: I was living in Cleveland and didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my degree in International Relations, specifically in Middle East Conflict Resolution. I was speaking with Rabbi Nosanchuk (of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple) and he introduced me to Rivki Ebner at the Federation. She told me about the MITF program and there was this immediate connection. This program just felt right. And the ability to move to Israel and immerse myself was too good to pass up. I also felt like this is a chance to give back to the country and teach in these communities that felt like a second home. Israel has always held a place in my heart and I was longing for something different.
Q: What was your experience like teaching?
A: Because it was the pandemic, I didn’t know if I’d even be able to fly to Israel, but I left just before they closed the travel borders. Immediately, I get on the ground and I’m taken to an apartment for quarantine in Beit Shean. But it felt right. I looked out of my balcony and saw Mount Gilboa and the beautiful sites of Beit Shean. During the first six months, we had three lockdowns, but I didn’t take anything for granted. This was an opportunity of a lifetime.
As for the teaching itself, I taught in Tel Aviv and Beit Shean. I was working in the Tomer School in Beit Shean. The ability to work with kids in 4th-6th grade and help teach them English was one of the most amazing and rewarding things. My first day, I told them I was from Cleveland and I became almost like a rock star.
Q: What was the best part of this experience?
A: Just the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of Beit Shean. This community is incredible and this area is so unique. You have the Sachne (Gan HaShlosha National Park), 40 different natural springs, Mount Gilboa. But you really have to interact with the people – they’re amazing. There’s dance, music, food. Just connecting with the families in Beit Shean was incredible. The city’s history is so special.
Q: How have you seen your connection to the Federation grow through this experience?
A: This opportunity really opened my eyes to what the Federation does. I was able to meet with the partners in Beit Shean – Efi, Dorit, Avigail – being able to see them every week has been so nice to have this connection not only to Beit Shean but to Cleveland as well.
Q: What will you take from this opportunity that you’ll be able to use in your future career?
A: The biggest thing I want to take away is what I can do for my community. The way I was able to make an impact in Beit Shean and interact with the kids in the school was so special. I had so many emotions ending this program, but I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and begin my career in foreign policy in Washington, D.C. I was here for myself, but if I was able to make a difference in just one person’s life, I’ll be happy. Who knows where life takes you, but the opportunity that MITF gave me is something I’ll never forget.
For more information on the Masa Israel Teaching Fellowship program, contact Rivki Ebner at rebner@jcfcleve.org or 216-593-2921.
Apply now to become a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow! Spots are still available for Fall 2021. COMPLETE THE INTEREST FORM >>
