Spotlight on Julia Markson
Thursday, 08 September 2011
Spotlight: A series of articles profiling Reform Movement members and their work in the wider Jewish community. Julia Markson is a member of the board of the Movement and has a life-long involvement with Reform Judaism. Here she shares her Jewish journey and discusses her work for the Movement.
Have you always been a Reform Jew?
Yes. My grandparents were founder members of Alyth. I was born and bred in Wimbledon, where my father sat on Council. I became involved with the youth group and therefore with the wider Reform community – my knowledge of life north of the river improved immensely as I travelled to other synagogues for YASGB (now known as RSY-Netzer) meetings.
I went on several weekends away, ostensibly studying Jewish life and values. After leaving school I spent six months in Israel on a kibbutz ulpan, where I learned Hebrew and had a great time! Upon my return, I started teaching at the cheder at Wimbledon. During this time, I studied for my bat mitzvah, which took place when I was 20. Julian (who I met through YASGB and therefore have a lot to thank the Movement for) proposed on that day – not many people can say they got engaged on their bat mitzvah!
What do you think you can do for the Movement for Reform Judaism?
I am responsible for the Southern communities and I view my role as a conduit between the lay leadership of the synagogues and the excellent professional staff at the Sternberg Centre and to try and improve communications between them. I am not sure that all Chairs and Councils realise the range of skills and help that is available to them – from the development of the smaller communities, to the specialised knowledge of the Human Resources Department, as well as the full range of youth and education programmes.
Why did you join the Council of West London Synagogue?
The first time was because I was involved with the Education Committee, being a teacher of six years olds for more than 14 years, and I was also a member of the Burial Committee. When I rejoined Council a few years later it was as a Warden. Being a Warden was one of the most fulfilling times of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting members and welcoming prospective ones to services, as well as working closely with the rabbis to ensure the smooth running of the religious side of things at WLS.
Outside of your Jewish life, what other interests do you have?
Julian and I have two daughters; one of whom has just turned thirty and works for Vodafone, and the other lives and studies in Sydney. She is a long way from home, and my love of travel means that we do try and visit her as often as we can. I am a qualified secretary and have worked in retail and not-for-profit organisations over the years, including the British Friends of the Hebrew University. I spent a long time working in the family firm, Markson Pianos. I am now a free-lance PA and have several clients on my books. Julian and I enjoy visiting the theatre and I play bridge when I can.
Do you have any involvement with the wider Jewish community?
Whilst working for the British Friends of the Hebrew University, I visited Israel several times, meeting many very talented academics and students. I studied the two year Melton course, which is franchised under the auspices of the University. I have recently become involved with the Bnei Brith Leo Baeck Lodge, but have yet to make my mark with them.
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