The Kurtzer Family
Our family’s journey, deeply intertwined with the Jewish community, underscores why we’re committed to giving back through Create Your Jewish Legacy. It’s a testament to how the community not only played a pivotal role in our coming together but also in enriching our lives in countless ways.
The story began on a snowy evening in 1994 in Bloomington, Indiana. Jamey, seeking a warm meal on a dreary night, and Vanessa, eager to meet others with shared values as she was new to IU, both found themselves at Hillel. Fate seated them together, sparking a conversation that, as Jamey lovingly jokes, Vanessa has yet to conclude. Fast forward nearly three decades, our marriage is still going strong, blessed with two wonderful daughters, Lauren and Ariela, all of us flourishing thanks in part to the local Jewish community.
Lauren and Ariela fondly recall their time at Camp Young Judea (CYJ) in Wisconsin as the highlight of their years, with Lauren serving as a counselor for two seasons. Both girls embraced the opportunity to visit Israel through Federation trips during their high school years, with Ariela making a second visit courtesy of UC Hillel. Vanessa’s own journey to Israel in 2011, through a community group, and our collective anticipation for the postponed 2024 community trip underscore our deep connection to our roots and heritage.
Over the last 15 years, Rockdale has been more than just our spiritual haven; it’s where our daughters embraced their roles as Religious School attendees and Madrichim. More significantly, it’s where we’ve met countless incredible individuals who’ve become like family.
Our story is a testament to the Jewish community’s extraordinary ability to bring people together-from a boy from Dayton, Ohio, and a girl from McAllen, Texas, meeting in Indiana, to making a life in Cincinnati filled with rich Jewish experiences, friendships, and meaningful trips to Israel. It’s this profound sense of community and the opportunities it has afforded us that inspire us to contribute to Hillels and Rockdale. Our hope is to ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of belonging, support, and enrichment that has so deeply blessed our family.
