71 Graduates in Class of 2009

After two years of studying together, the tenth graduating class of the Gratz College Florence Melton Adult Mini-School gathered together at with their families and friends on June 15 for their graduation ceremony.

Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum, President of Gratz College, welcomed the group with words of pride and encouragement for continued Jewish learning.

Liz Nover, Director, shared an update on the “State of Melton” and urged all to keep up the momentum by enrolling in Melton Graduate classes and joining the global network of Melton Alumni.

Dr. Jerry Kutnick, Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of Continuing Education at Gratz College, was the guest speaker. He has overseen the Melton program in Philadelphia since its inception in 1998. 

Graduates Nina Bonderow, Larry Kagel, and Randi Raskin Nash shared their reflections on their Melton experience. All of the teachers presented their students with Certificates of Jewish Learning from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The students and faculty represent a wide array of religious affiliations and levels of observance. 

Gratz-Melton faculty members Rabbis Cynthia Kravitz and Gerald Fox offered their thoughts and wishes for the graduates, and Rabbi Margot Stein led the assembled in song.

The 71 graduates are part of a family of thousands of Melton students in over 60 sites around the world. Mazal Tov to these participants in the Jewish conversation. 

The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School is a project of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is supported locally by Gratz College and by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

The community is invited to sample Melton during “Camp Melton”, at Gratz College the week of July 27. For more information, please contact the Gratz-Melton office at 215-635-7300, x 143 or LNover@gratz.edu.