The Heart of Jewish Learning
Ohev Shalom’s adored director of youth and family education is stepping down after three decades of cultivating young minds
Amy Geboff, the beloved director of youth and family education at Congregation Ohev Shalom, is retiring after 30 years of heartfelt service to the Jewish community.
In addition to directing the synagogue’s religious school, Amy supervises its youth group, teen, and family programs.
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Penn State and a master’s degree in social work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yeshiva University in New York.
Putting Down Roots
With a degree in horticulture, it’s no surprise that Amy loves plants. But she adores kids even more.
“Growing up, I was a babysitter. I was a camp counselor. When I went through college, I taught Hebrew school,” she says. “I’ve always loved working with kids.”
She served as the youth director and program director for the JCC in Youngstown, Ohio, before she and husband Eric moved to Orlando in 1995 with their three young daughters. The Geboff family joined Congregation Ohev Shalom, and Amy ran two programs for the JCC in Maitland – a singles event and a family program.
Then, about six months after the Geboffs arrived in Central Florida, the synagogue’s leadership asked if Amy wanted to serve as its education director.
“I thought they were crazy,” recalls Amy. “I told them I didn’t know anything about running a school, curriculum, pedagogy. I was basically a camp director. They said that was okay, and the rest is history.”
Amy started as a part-time religious school administrator, and her role at Ohev Shalom grew alongside her kids (which include twins).
“It was important to me that our daughters were afforded as many Jewish experiences as I’d had, to grow their Jewish identity,” she says.
Sowing Seeds of Love
Because Amy believes parents are key to a child’s success, she began adding family programs to the congregation’s offerings. When her oldest daughter was in high school, she became Ohev Shalom’s director of youth and family education.
Under Amy’s leadership, the congregation’s USY (United Synagogue Youth) chapter grew to be one of the strongest in the region. She also started a madrichim (counselor) program for teenagers interested in serving as Hebrew school teaching assistants. And thanks to a grant from the Hornik Family Foundation, she created Jewish summer programs and a spring musical, with help from Cantor Emeritus Allan Robuck.
“A parent once asked me if we do Vacation Bible School,” recalls Amy with a laugh, “which I thought was rather odd, as that is generally not something offered at synagogues.”
Still, she ran with the idea, and Machaneh Ohev was born. The popular one-week camp is a mashup of a Jewish youth group convention and an overnight camp.
“These are all opportunities to make memories, to feel connected, to have relationships,” says Amy. “Because if you have those relationships, you’re going to want to be here. As far as our religious school is concerned, yes, we want our kids to master an understanding of Judaism. But the curriculum is the tool to create those relationships.”
Helping Children Blossom
Tracy Hilbert, Ohev Shalom’s executive director, says Amy’s contributions have been immeasurable.
“Amy Geboff didn’t just teach our children,” says Tracy. “She knew them, believed in them, and helped them find their place in Jewish life. For 30 years, she has been the heart of Jewish learning at Ohev Shalom, shaping the values, confidence, and Jewish identities of our youth.”
For Amy, the time feels right to step down as the youth and family education director.
“I’ve taken it as far as I can,” she says. “Now it’s time for somebody else to bring in new ideas and breathe some fresh air and young energy into it.”
In retirement, Amy is returning to her educational roots, quite literally. She is taking a course through the University of Florida for a certificate in horticultural therapy. Amy also intends to spend more time with her family, including her six grandchildren, and will continue to be an active member of Ohev Shalom.
“I feel like I’ve raised a generation of Jews,” says Amy, “and I’ve helped to ensure the Jewish future.”
Adds Tracy, “Amy has guided countless families through milestones both big and small, always leading with compassion, creativity, and deep care. Ohev Shalom is stronger because of her, and generations of children carry her influence with them.”