PCI

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

In our Centennial year, we’re highlighting members of our alumni community whose accomplishments exemplify the values and leadership skills that thousands of members have cultivated through BBYO in the past century. Below is an interview with BBG alumna Pam Jenoff.
 

PAM JENOFF

Author, Lawyer, and Professor

Chevrah BBG, South Jersey Region

After growing up in South Jersey Region, Pam went to college at George Washington University, grad school at Cambridge and law school at and Penn. She initially worked for the Pentagon, helping families of the September 11 Pan Am Flight 103 victims secure their memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, observing recovery efforts at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, and attending ceremonies to commemorate the 50th anniversary of World War II across European sites. Later, she worked as a diplomat for the State Department in Poland, developing expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust while working on matters including preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland. Pam went on to attend law school and today teaches law at Rutgers University. In addition to being a law professor, she is also a New York Times bestselling author of 12 historic novels. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband and three children.

Pam Jenoff
Pam as a teen in BBYO, meeting BBG founder Anita M. Perlman at International Convention 1987; and Pam today

"BBYO was very influential in helping me develop leadership skills and confidence. Many of my closest friendships were formed in BBYO."

What was your involvement in BBYO as a teen, and how did those experiences shape you as an adult?

In addition to being active in my chapter, I was on Regional Board as MIT Mom (membership). BBYO was very influential in helping me develop leadership skills and confidence. Many of my closest friendships were formed in BBYO. It was also an incredible source of Jewish identity during high school and beyond.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time in BBYO?

My most special BBYO memory was attending International Convention and meeting Anita Perlman, founder of BBG. I loved Spring Thing in South Jersey Region, and giving life as a senior. I loved coming back as Spring Thing staff and seeing my brother and my best friend elected President of SJR AZA and BBG respectively. And the songs—I can still remember all of the words to the songs!

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I want teens to know how incredible and strong and unique they are—exactly as they are now.  I want to tell them to lean into their community and each other, and that the kindness and inclusion they show others will come back a thousand-fold. Put down the electronics and soak in every precious moment!

What are you proud of that you are currently working on?

Although I’m proud of writing books and teaching law school, I’m proudest right now of being a mom to three teens, all of whom are in BBYO.