Naomi Looper

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Naomi Looper's Jewish journey started at NFTY, the Reform Jewish youth movement, where she discovered her Jewish identity as an ambitious teen. Fast forward to today, Naomi is changing the lives of teens in the same region she began her Jewish journey. As the NFTY Midwest Area Manager, Naomi gives back every day by passing on the magic of NFTY to another generation of teens. She is always available for teens, families, and congregations, striving to help and welcome them into the community.

Naomi embodies the Jewish value of l'dor v'dor, from one generation to the next. She empowers Jewish teen leaders, continuing the growth and success of the Jewish community at large. She continues her mission even during the pandemic, running NFTY virtual programs focused on community building, Jewish leadership, social justice, and teen-led programs about the impact of COVID-19.

AGE:
27

PRIMARY GIG:
NFTY Midwest Area Manager - I oversee Reform Jewish youth programs for 6th through 12th-graders across the Midwest and Canada while partnering with URJ summer camps and congregations.

ON THE SIDE:
Fermentation fan: visiting local breweries and baking bread

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Recently married to my NFTY sweetheart

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Beth Rodin - She was my regional advisor when I was in high school and has continued to be a constant mentor in my life. She always knows the right thing to say at every moment, even during the most difficult times.

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
I love to host Shabbat dinners through OneTable and bring together my friends. My friends always joke that I will walk up to a stranger and invite them to Shabbat dinner - which has happened on multiple occasions.

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
I would build a time machine and go back in time to meet my grandfather, Grandpa Harry. He passed away three months before I was born. My mom always tells me that I remind her of him because he was a Jewish educator and cared deeply about Jewish summer camp. I have one recording of his voice and I love to listen to it to feel close to him. I would love the opportunity to spend even an afternoon getting to know him.