Our Mission

Marom began as a grassroots operation led by three inspired and dedicated people, Rabbi Joe Wernik, Doron Rubin, and Sophie Fellman Rafalovitz. They saw the need within the Masorti movement to organize a place for people 18 and older and had the vision to create a youth group, connecting young adults to Israel, Zionism, and Masorti Judaism. What they didn’t realize is they were about to start a global revolution for Masorti young adults.
With no idea whether their plan would work, they decided to host a small gathering for college students, to see if there was interest. Shocked and surprised, 70 students showed up for the simple meal and lecture! This was their sign that they were definitely on to something.

As the movement caught on they started visiting Jewish communities around the globe. The group was greeted with a warm welcome in Europe and Latin American and here they met many good people along the way that opened their doors and hearts to their message and ideas. There they created a connection between the different communities successfully gathering young adults together for the first time.

One of the most outstanding programs Marom started was to bring participants for long-term programs in Israel. This allowed them the opportunity to teach and influence the youth that came, while participants had the chance to learn and absorb Israeli culture.

From its humble beginnings until today Marom has strived to create a family atmosphere that its founders hope will continue in all aspects of the organization. Marom recognizes the challenge of trying to keep Masorti values and Halacha while at the same time accepting everyone as they are. It is important to preserve the continuation of Marom as an integral piece of the Masorti movement.

Masorti Judaism strives to achieve an atmosphere of inclusion and welcome. It doesn’t matter how much Judaism a person observes, everyone is welcome. It is also a pluralist movement and recognizes the importance of offering full opportunities to men and women in all areas of Jewish life. Israel is central for us and for all Jews and is the historic heartland and homeland of the Jewish people and the spiritual center of the Jewish world. As part of Klal Yisrael and the whole Jewish community, we affirm the need to stand together and to express our solidarity with our fellow Jews and with Israel. We seek to work for our common good, and for the good of all humanity, in a spirit of partnership and trust.