Rayna Lifland is carrying on deep familial roots as a third-generation Jewish northern Virginian. She educates Jewish teens as Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation’s youth engagement coordinator, a role she began in July.
The Reston resident graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a minor in Jewish studies. During college, she pursued her passion for Jewish education as a Hebrew school teacher at Congregation Olam Tikvah in Fairfax and Congregation Beth Israel in Charlottesville.
Lifland served as a Springboard fellow at UNC Chapel Hill Hillel for two years before returning home.
Tell me about your Jewish upbringing and background.
I was raised Reform Jewish. I went to Temple Rodef Shalom [in Falls Church], which I believe is the biggest congregation in the state of Virginia. I participated in Hebrew school and Sunday school, I had my bat mitzvah there, I was also confirmed there in 10th grade. I also went to day camp there for years and years, since preschool or kindergarten, and I ended up working there too, so I’ve had a lot of involvement at the temple. It’s actually really cool — my mom grew up [in the area] and my grandparents are members [of Temple Rodef Shalom], so it’s a whole family tradition.
What brought you back to Fairfax?
Right after college, I moved to North Carolina, and I worked at UNC Chapel Hill Hillel, but I got the job here in Reston at NVHC, and that’s what brought me back. I just really wanted to be close to family and friends. It was hard being away from everyone; I felt kind of lonely, so it was really exciting to have the chance to come back here, where I’m from.
What are your responsibilities as NVHC’s youth engagement coordinator?
A lot of what I do is planning. We have a teen program, so I plan sessions for them. Sometimes it’s fun, social; sometimes it’s more educational. We just did an event centered on Yom Kippur and what they can do to make Yom Kippur meaningful for them. We also do fun things like bowling, tie-dye and barbecues. I plan out lesson plans for Hebrew school or Sunday school. I teach sixth and seventh grade, which is a really pivotal age for exploring their Judaism near their bar or bat mitzvah, so I think it’s a great chance to be able to educate the kids.
Are there challenges working with this age group?
It’s hard because they are so busy. They have school, homework, after-school activities, so it’s hard for them to fit Judaism into their busy schedules. I think it’s meaningful for the ones who do come, and they really get a lot out of it. Not only is it educational for them, but it’s also a great way for them to bond with their Jewish peers.
How does your experience as a Springboard fellow relate to what you do today?
It really helped me meet the students where they’re at. With college students, it’s a little different because when they come to Hillel, it’s their choice, whereas with teenagers, it’s not necessarily their choice. It’s really a matter of meeting them where they’re at and trying to see what they want to get out of their Judaism. Do they see [Hillel] as a communal thing to be with their friends, to meet people who are also Jewish? Or do they feel like they’re not Jewish enough? Which, to me, isn’t a thing; anyone who’s Jewish is Jewish enough. Some students might not know a certain prayer or how to celebrate Shabbat, but I let them know that there’s no right way to practice Judaism. I think that’s a big thing and something I want to get across to the teens. Some of them are a little self-conscious, like they don’t really know a lot, so they feel a little bit intimidated. I meet them where they’re at and let them know it’s OK and it’s also OK to ask questions.
You taught Hebrew school when you were in college. Why?
First of all, I wanted to get experience because I knew that Jewish education was something I wanted to do after college, so that was a big opportunity. It was really great to get to know the fifth graders, and I also helped with the high school program. It was great to experience Hebrew school from the other side, as the teacher, because I had been so used to going as a student. It was definitely a lot of learning on the job, like “How do I keep these kids engaged?” and “How do I make sure they’re behaving and that they’re getting something out of Hebrew school?”
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
My main goal is to build relationships with the students. That’s something that I was able to do with college students because a big part of the job as a Springboard fellow was doing coffee chats. With high school students, it’s a little different. A lot of them can’t drive, they have school during the day and their schedules aren’t as flexible, so the one-on-one is a little bit harder. My goal is to start building relationships with them and getting to know them as people, learning more about what they want from the teen program and keeping them involved and interested in Jewish life.
