Jacob Ioffe, Bronfman Fellow 2018

Dear Assael,

On behalf of the Bronfman Fellowship, we would like to extend our most sincere gratitude and thanks for the extremely thought-provoking and interactive conflict seminar. Not only did we learn about the benefits of conflict or the differentiation of togetherness and autonomy, we were able to learn about the special qualities of multipotentialites like yourself. The entire seminar, while intense, was a perfect break from the usual seated text study for us to get up and truly retain the full, real-life experience.

Writing this note, I wanted to extend a special personal thank you because the seminar was and has continued to be my favorite so far. I am Jacob Ioffe, the big guy that you sent flying across the room. I may have mentioned this when we spoke as you were leaving, but after taking a psychology course in school I was able to really understand the whole lesson regarding the cognitive elements of differentiation. The brain’s functioning is so intricate, and by diving deeper into the process of live-social interaction, it was an amazing experience. The combination of such a complex topic with a tremendous enjoyable set of exercises made for an awesome session.

Thank you again and looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Jacob Ioffe on behalf of the 2018 Bronfman Fellows

Sammi Donchin, Klal Israel fellow, USA

​Dearest Assael, It is hard to imagine that it has only been one month since our last meeting! On behalf of the Klal Yisrael Fellowship, I would like to thank you so much for the time and energy you brought to this group!

We had a blast getting to know each other better through your different games and lessons. Not only did we have fun participating, but we can use the skills you taught us in our communities all over the world. It is truly a blessing to be able to better understand stories and life through different lenses and to learn from others in such creative ways. Our group grew closer because of you, and we cannot thank you enough for that. Mazel tov to you and your family for the birth of your new baby girl! We hope to see you soon, and thanks a billion!

Jacob Ioffe, Bronfman Fellow 2018

Dear Assael,

Seems like the Bronfman Fellows (or maybe just me) can’t thank you enough! The program at the mifgash was amazing. It not only allowed me to reflect on different leadership qualities than I had before, but also provided a platform for me to discover and develop new ones. The activity also taught me and many others that regardless of the language barrier, eye-contact and touch serve as universal languages which helped break that perceived barrier quick.

Anyways, thank you again on behalf of the Bronfman Fellows for a tremendous program. I hope we can stay in touch and maybe you could teach me a few things about the benefits of being a multipotentialite or maybe just some life advice. And if you are ever in Kentucky, I hope you like fried chicken (KFC).

Best regards,

Jacob Ioffe and the Bronfman Fellowship

jacobioffe.bbyo@gmail.com

Avigail Morris Ph.D., Researcher and Lecturer, Kibbutz Keturah

I speak for myself and my entire Kibbutz when I say that Assael Romanelli is one of the most creative, entertaining and inspiring educators we have come across. In the past three years, Kibbutz Ketura has had the privilege of experiencing three of his workshops. All three workshops focused on ways in which we can improve our interpersonal communication skills in our daily lives  Assael has the ability to transform theory into practice and provide an unforgettable experience.  Many of us continue to apply Assael’s teaching in our daily lives. After each session those who participated literally talked about what we learned for weeks. I highly recommend Assael’s workshops and we are looking forward to his next visit to Ketura.

Rachel, Bronfman Fellow 2017

Dear Assael,

Thank you very much for your workshops with our group and the Mifgash. Many of the Fellows and I could deeply relate to how you explained finding a balance of togetherness and individuality in relationships. As a teenager, I struggle at times to find that balance and your workshop helped me to give context to a lot of what I have been feeling.

After doing the activity at the Mifgash, the whole event changed for me and the other Fellows. It prompted me to think that although we may have differences in our backgrounds, languages, and religious views, we can connect intimately as human people. Your workshop made me and many people I talked to experience spirituality in a new way and learn about ourselves. I found your studies on relationships very interesting and was inspired to think that I could do something like that in the world.

Thanks again,

Rachel and the Bronfman Fellows

Gaby Schoenfeld -

It was so so good to finally meet you after hearing about you literally for years. I only can’t believe it took us so long to bring you in person to a seminar—since you have influenced our work already at many seminars.

Assael, I think your perspective and distinct skills complement our curriculum and program so perfectly. The sessions you gave on conflict really “agitated” people--in a good way--and surely helped move them on their journeys. And the Improv night was amazing!

I’m so excited to work with you more as we continue to build M2 and the IEJE Institute!

Thank you so much.

Rabbi Yehudit Werchow, Director of Education, Masa Israel Journey

Assael worked with several of the groups I led. With some he facilitated yearlong processes, leading creative and impactful workshops and mentoring sessions. On other opportunities Assael led individual workshops on a variety of themes: personal growth, working with emerging adults, developing personal narrative and many more. The process of developing and building the sessions and seminars was as insightful and inspiring as the sessions and workshops which followed. Assael is a resourceful professional, a wonderful and attentive partner. Very dedicated, empathetic and thoughtful. A real expert in co-creating creative and safe spaces for meaningful learning to take place. 

Rachael Brill, Senior Program Manager, Union for Reform Judaism, USA

Assael has worked for the past two years with groups I lead from the Reform Movement. Through improvisation and playback theater techniques, he effortlessly transcends boundaries between young adults from widespread cultural and geographic backgrounds. He fosters creativity, courage, and collaboration, and again and again is one of the favorite facilitators of my groups.

Rabbi Leon Morris, Faculty, Shalom Hartman Institute and Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem

Assael is able to take a group of diverse people who have never met before, and though play and improvisation, break down walls and create feelings of connection and trust.  We all become the beneficiaries of his insight and perceptiveness.

Rabbi Steve Burnstein Director, Global Leadership Development and Education, World Union for Progressive Judaism

Over the last few years I’ve had numerous opportunities to bring Assael to work with multiple global leadership groups in American, Israel and Hungary. Not only were his sessions among the highest rated by our participants, the techniques and tools he gifted to them continue to inform their interactions as individuals and as a group.

With his tremendous energy, warmth and creativity, Assael also modeled outstanding facilitation skills and proved to be an invaluable member of our faculty. He worked closely with our senior staff to craft a series of workshops and sessions to help us along our journey. Several of our participants turned to him as a personal guide and mentor.

On a personal note, I’m usually the person who finds an excuse to leave the room for exercises with movement and improvisation. However, Assael created a safe space and atmosphere where I was completely comfortable participating fully – strengthening my relationship with our participants. I know I’ll be inviting Assael back to work with future projects.

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Dr. Jay Rothman, Associate Professor Graduate Program on Conflict Management, Resolution and Negotiation, Bar Ilan University, Israel

​For the past three years, I have been teaching a seminar at Bar Ilan University on Conflict Coaching. This last year was the best yet. Students were engaged, moved and delighted. That is in significant part due to Assael who joined me for half the seminar. He is a delight to work with in all ways. From exploring how best to teach about creative engagement in conflict in active and embodied ways, to the actual team-teaching itself and reflection about it. I look forward to next time!

Ben Baginsky, Director, Masa Leadership Academy

We have worked with Assael over many conferences, where we're training young professionals in leadership.  Assael's workshop – built specifically for the needs of our groups – have focused on how we can use movement, our bodies, non-verbal communication, and space in the most effective ways possible, to get us thinking innovatively, and creating the change we want to see in the world.  We always get excellent feedback on the workshop and look forward to much further, successful collaboration with Assael in the future.

Ari Silbermann, Programme Director "Hineni Shnat", Israel

​Dear Assael, I wanted to thank you for running the third successful seminar for the Hineni Shnat programme. Your sessions have helped to strengthen our group and let these future madrichim understand a more up to date model of group development. The methodologies you employ in your sessions help them express themselves and also absorb the important content. All of which is a testament to your vast experience in working with groups and youth in particular. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Emily, Canada

This is kind of random, You probably don't even remember me coz it was so long ago but I'm one of your students from Machon I really just wanted to say thank you. Your classes meant alot to me this year. They really helped me express things going on in my life and hit home in alot of ways. You really helped me rediscover my passion for acting again and made me really think hard about myself. You are a wonderful person and really impacted on my life in only a short time. I have nothing but respect for you. best wishes.