Spotlight on Mark Kravitz, Newly Appointed Board Chair
Posted on 09/13/2024 @ 06:00 AM
As the newly appointed Chair of The Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), Mark Kravitz is eager to bring his passion for Jewish learning front and center.
In a post-10/7 world, Kravitz knows now is the time to reevaluate, reenergize and redefine Jewish education, and Miami is the place to do it.
“We must meet the moment and respond to Jews where they are today and education has always been the way to do that,” asserts Kravitz. “Israel education has been complementary or supplementary to Jewish education for many years and my goal for CAJE is to help integrate Israel education and Jewish identity into all aspects of Jewish education. Only then will students learn about the beautiful and varied heritage, culture and rituals our people have celebrated for millennia. This knowledge will strengthen their Jewish identities, encouraging them to live loudly and proudly Jewishly.”
As the son of former Federation President Steven Kravitz, the ancient Jewish custom of l'dor vador (from generation to generation) was an integral component of Mark's adolescence, and since then, he has passionately paved his own path.
Kravitz’ journey through Jewish Miami began at Scheck Hillel, which he says, “defined my Jewish priorities and provided a fantastic foundation of Jewish education and leadership skills.”
Upon returning home to Miami from New York City in the aftermath of 9/11, Kravitz felt lost and disconnected from his Judaism. He credits his husband, Jonathan, with bringing him “back into the fold,” grounding himself once again in the Jewish ritual and learning of his youth.
Jonathan and Mark with their children Ava and Hershel
From there, he began his involvement with Federation, eventually taking on a wide array of leadership roles over the past 20-plus years.
As Chair of the Jewish Volunteer Center, he created Seasons for Giving, the annual Jewish community volunteer days, which focus on serving the non-Jewish community on Christmas and during the days leading up to the holiday. He also chaired Federation’s Ben-Gurion Society, CAJE’s Day School Committee and the Miami Jewish Film Festival in its nascency.
“Federation impacts more Jewish lives than any other Jewish organization in the world,” says Kravitz. “That’s why its partnership with CAJE is so critical. Federation can pivot on a dime and will help CAJE do the same when it comes to their curriculum guidance and oversight in our Jewish day schools.”
Kravitz believes that historically, Jewish education and identity have been centered around the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), but that no longer works in a post-10/7 world.
“Of course, it is important to help others and do good in the world, but it has become so watered down,” he explains. “Today, we need to put Israel first. We need to teach our children and young adults about the history of Zionism, about the many inventions and discoveries made by Jews, about everything Israel has contributed, and continues to contribute, to our world.”
While it is nearly impossible to teach faith, Kravitz contends the same result can be achieved by creating a robust base of Jewish knowledge from early on.
“But there must be a nuanced approach, explaining the facts and history from every angle, from every point of view,” Kravitz insists. “This is our opportunity to provide the next generation with everything they need to know so they are armed with information to respond to the outrageous lies and anti-Israel bias flooding today’s social media. When we embrace our identity and heritage with pride and confidence, we invite others to do the same, fostering understanding, empathy and solidarity across cultural and religious divides.”
In addition to his leadership role at CAJE, Kravitz serves on Federation's Planning and Distribution Committee and the BeWell Miami Committee. He is on the Board of Directors of The Jewish Education Project, a national nonprofit whose Mission is to inspire and empower educators to create transformative Jewish experiences.
Kravitz is an alumnus of the Wexner Heritage Program and National Young Leadership cabinet. Outside of his Jewish involvements, Mark is involved with The South Florida Symphony and various LGBTQ+ causes. An attorney by trade, Kravitz is President of Jenco Properties, a real estate investment firm based in South Florida.
Judah Ben Tema used to say: At five years of age the study of Scripture; at ten the study of Mishnah… At eighty the age of (spiritual) strength…
Pirkei Avot 5:21
CAJE is thrilled to welcome Mark Kravitz as its newest chair right in time for its historic 80th anniversary year!
