When you talk with Rebecca Poser, one thing is immediately clear: she’s deeply passionate about building Jewish community, especially for her peers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Rebecca comes to Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ with a background in consulting and project management, but her heart has long been in the Jewish nonprofit world. “I grew up in a Federation family,” she shared. “I always knew the impact Federation had, so when I started looking to switch careers, this was at the top of my list.”
That connection grew even stronger once she moved to Greater MetroWest NJ two and a half years ago. Rebecca got involved through Federation’s Business and Professional Network (BPN) and the Jewish Women’s Foundation, experiences that made her want to dive in even more. Now, as NextGen Coordinator, she’s excited to help others do the same.
“NextGen really is the future of ensuring that Jewish causes are funded and that Jewish community continues to thrive,” Rebecca said. “If we don’t engage our generation and their families, then no one else will. That’s why I love this work: helping people find their place in Jewish life, connect with Israel, and commit to the community long-term.”
A Glimpse Beyond Work
When Rebecca isn’t busy meeting young leaders and planning programs, you’ll most likely find her with her wife and their one-year-old son. They love exploring the parks around Montclair, catching Broadway shows, and spending time outdoors. Her current favorite show? Hadestown.
Rebecca is also a book lover. She recently finished The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis and is always on the hunt for her next great read.
Jewish tradition is central in her personal life, too. She especially loves Passover, a holiday her family celebrates with creativity and intention. “We always add a unique twist,” she explained. “One year we each shared our favorite woman, another year we focused on refugees.”
If She Could Host a Shabbat Dinner…
Rebecca’s dream guest list would include three trailblazing women:
- Rachel Carson, pioneer of the environmental movement (sustainability is one of Rebecca’s passions).
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose legacy needs no explanation.
- And her own great-great-grandmother, Rebecca Pearlberg, who immigrated to the United States from Russia alone at 16, worked as a model, and later helped bring her entire family over. “I was named after her,” Rebecca said. “It would be fascinating to learn more about her life as a working woman in the early 1900s.”
Looking Ahead
Rebecca’s vision for NextGen is all about connection. “There’s so much opportunity to bring people in,” she said. “I can’t wait to see how they grow with us.”
Stay tuned for ways to meet Rebecca in person at upcoming NextGen events and join us in giving her a warm Greater MetroWest welcome!