LETTERS

Letter to the New Jewish Standard Melton Mourning
March 8, 2007

To the Editor:

What is so impressive about Florence Melton's contribution to Jewish education throughout the world is what I refer to as "name brand recognition." It is not uncommon to hear a rabbinic colleague of mine say, "I'm teaching a Melton class this year," or to hear someone referred to as a "Melton teacher," a "Melton student" or a "Melton graduate."

Last year, I was asked to lead a book discussion group through the Melton Mini-School in Detroit. The group was made up of more than 20 women who all had graduated from the Melton Mini-School and were now able to be part of this book club. We read and reviewed five books with strong Jewish themes and the level of discourse between these women was extremely high. They never failed to refer to what they learned in their Melton courses when discussing a book.

The source of the devotion to the Jewish community and the passion for Jewish education among these adult students was clear. They need not explain the foundation of their Jewish learning in more than one word - Melton.

Perhaps it is not surprising that it took a savvy business woman with a penchant for inventing products to come up with successful models for Jewish education among teens and adults. What Florence Melton proved was that the task of ensuring a strong Jewish future is not incumbent on only the rabbis, teachers and Jewish communal professionals.

We all must participate in the task.

We certainly will pay appropriate homage to the memory of Florence Melton, who died Feb. 8, if we continue to pursue her vision of the Jewish future, taking full advantage of the models she invented, and never forgetting the message that she conveyed in no uncertain terms. Florence never spoke in uncertain terms. Adding up the number of Jewish people - male and female, young and old - who owe the foundation of their Jewish education to Florence Melton is impressive. Knowing that the influence will be exponential long into the future is truly breathtaking. May the legacy of Florence Melton continue to be a source of inspiration and blessing for all who knew her. May her lifetime of work for Jewish learning continue to bear fruit for generations to come. May her loving family find comfort and solace in their memories of her long, vibrant life.

Rabbi Jason Miller
Congregation Agudas Achim