Aliza Goodman

Aliza Goodman's deep knowledge, quiet creativity and passion for All Things Israel are marks of a great Double Chai candidate, according to Anne Lanski, Aliza's employer at The iCenter, an organization that works with young Jews in all educational settings to instill a connection to Israel.

"Quietly and without fanfare Aliza has designed and implemented some of the most innovative and impactful educational projects in the Jewish world," Lanski said. "Aliza designed programs that allow the teens a personal exploration of their relationship with Israel, in a way that creates deep and lasting connections."

Aliza is known in the Jewish world for her work with educators. She has led workshops at almost all of the major Jewish conferences across North America. She is dedicated to the Jewish world beyond her formal work, volunteering and helping newcomers settle into the Chicago Jewish community by welcoming them to her home and connecting them to other young Jews in Chicago.

"She is a phenomenal colleague, friend and mentor within the iCenter and the Chicago Jewish community." Lanski said.

Name:
Aliza Goodman

Age:
29

Pays the bills:
Israel education

On the side:
Spinning, FaceTime-ing with my niece and nephew, going to concerts

Relationship status:
I've been following the Tablet Birthright blog, and on one of the first days of their trip, their madrich did an icebreaker activity where participants had to tell something about themselves and then pick a red, yellow or green M&M to determine their relationship status. I would have taken yellow, open to a relationship but not necessarily actively dating. But, to answer your question, I am single.

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Passionate, diligent, inspiring educator committed to bringing Israel to youth

Celebrity doppelganger:
Leelee Sobieski (though I've also gotten Helen Hunt and Jodie Foster, I think it's because of the nose!)

How do you Jew in Chicago?
Because I work in the Jewish community, I'm constantly doing "Jewish." I've recruited for Israel trips in my spinning class and can't walk down the street without seeing people I know. I'd say that's Jewish! I also have Shabbat dinner every week with friends and try to spend holidays with my family.

Passions:
Israel, Judaism, working out, eating french fries (after working out!)

How do you give back?
I feel like I've gotten a lot of support from friends and family over the years, so I just try to "pay it forward" by supporting others and helping out in any way I can.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
I would establish my own foundation to support more Israel programs, visit my family every day, go to the gym, cook dinner every night and wake up without an alarm every morning.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Vibrant, thriving, open and inviting

Me in 10 years:
Continuing to do what I love and having an impact on the people and community around me.