Attending the event were seventy-five former students, with alumni ranging from 2005 through to 2021 looking to reminisce and strengthen friendships. It was a genuine pleasure to see a third of the young men now happily married with children, passing on the values and lessons JETS instilled in the next generation.
While Florida’s fantastic weather alone is enough to draw people to its tropical beaches and lively cities, its incredible business opportunities also attract today’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The Jewish Education Trade School (JETS) alumni are no different, with many of its graduates seeking opportunities to put their training and education to use, building successful careers. Miami, Florida, therefore, seemed the perfect location to host this year’s JETS reunion.
The reunion took place at the Rok Family Shul, a center dedicated to celebrating Jewish pride and strengthening the local community.
Attending the event were seventy-five former students, with alumni ranging from 2005 through to 2021 looking to reminisce and strengthen friendships. It was a genuine pleasure to see a third of the young men now happily married with children, passing on the values and lessons JETS instilled in the next generation. With a beautiful atmosphere building, the evening was full of camaraderie, fun, and valuable networking opportunities. Welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming was the founder and director of JETS, Rabbi Mayer Schmukler, likewise encouraged to see so many alumni empowered to succeed thanks to their education.
While the event provided opportunities to build business relationships, the evening maintained a family-like atmosphere, with attendees relishing the chance to shmooze and retell stories from yesteryears.
Real estate industry veteran and current JETS real estate teacher Matt Hintze believes the reunion evening is an example of just how important the role the school plays in young men’s lives is. “People always ask me how an Irish Catholic man from Florida came to be involved with JETS,” Matt says, “the answer is passion and purpose. I believe in the mission of the school, as demonstrated each and every day by the teachers, administrators, and staff.” Matt explains that he has worked with Rabbi Schmukler, Rabbi Smith, Rabbi Seewald, and the entire JETS team for more than two years now and can see the value the school provides students, “I also teach a class on finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship twice per week. I have witnessed the dramatic changes in self-confidence and belief in countless boys.”
With JETS alumni now adults entering the workforce, some with families of their own, it is clear the school instills the right values and mindset into forthcoming generations. “I was overwhelmed by the love each and every one of these men holds for the school even to this day. Appreciating the education and thriving environment that JETS provides, each man I spoke to attributed a large part of their success in life to the passion and purpose that they experienced during their time at the school.”, says Rabbi Naftali Smith, JETS Principal.
Because, of course, JETS does more than simply teach students facts and figures. JETS also teaches them self-love and inspires an attitude to cultivate a successful life. The school is committed to setting these young men up for both personal and professional success, celebrating their Jewish heritage throughout. “In a word, the evening left me feeling invigorated. Now more than ever, I believe in the purpose and mission of JETS.”, tells Rabbi Mayer Schmukler, JETS founder. “The school is a transformative power in the lives of young people. It is clear that the lessons and values that JETS develop in these young men leave a lasting impression. The JETS mission continues not just during their time at school or for the short time after they graduate. The JETS mission continues for a lifetime.”
