www.reformjudaism.org.uk

Reform Expands Fundraising Efforts

Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Monday, 26 October 2009

The Movement for Reform Judaism has announced the appointment of Adam Overlander-Kaye to the post of Fundraising Director. The appointment reflects the Movement’s aim to build on successful fundraising foundations, with a particular focus on projects benefiting young people.

Mr Overlander-Kaye has a strong understanding of the needs of students and young people, having worked both for the Bnei Akiva youth movement and for UJS.

Originally from Manchester, Adam is currently Fundraising Manager for UJIA. Following his graduation from Birmingham University in 1995 with a Degree in History & Social Sciences, Adam spent a year working for the Bnei Akiva youth movement before working as an Informal Jewish/Israel educator for UJIA's Education Department for over 5 years. During this time he completed an MA in Modern Jewish Studies at Leeds University and a Certificate in Professional Leadership from Brandeis University. In 2002 he became Director of Education at UJS until moving into fundraising at UJIA.

Adam, his wife Jessica and daughter Ayala have been actively involved members of Alyth Synagogue (North Western Reform) since Jessica was the youth worker there in 2004 and Jessica and her family have been members since 1998. Adam and Jessica have recently taken on the responsibility of organising a young families’ chavurah and are regular attendees of the main service, Kuddle-Up Shabbat, Kollot – an informal monthly minyan - and the new ‘Big Bang’ which describes itself as a high-octane, participative, musical experience with song, guitar and percussion.

Adam commented: “Before going into fundraising, I worked for many years with students and young people. I believe this puts me in a unique position to understand what the Reform Movement is attempting to achieve by investing heavily in youth at all ages. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in enabling these fantastic programmes to thrive and grow.”

Reform Movement Head, Rabbi Dr. Tony Bayfield said: “Adam’s combination of professional education, fundraising experience and commitment to Reform Judaism, marks him out as yet another superb addition to the Reform Movement team.”

For further details, please contact Andrea Newman, Public Relations, the Movement for Reform Judaism.