Meet My Friend Norma

One of the best parts of my job is getting to know our amazing Chai Mitzvah participants. That’s why I want to introduce you to Norma Krasne-Levine.

Read on, and meet a person who follows her convictions and sets an example for us all!

The first time I met Norma in a virtual Mussar class, I was drawn to her because she looks and sounds like my favorite relatives from Brooklyn. Then I found out more about her! 

Norma was very active in the Civil Rights Movement. She actually rode the freedom busses (❗️) and attended a gathering in Carnegie Hall after Dr. Martin Luther King’s death where Ralph Abernathy spoke against Jews. I was impressed to hear that she stood up and walked out – as many Jewish people were in the audience and most of them just listened quietly.

The new MLK memorial in Washington DC brought tears to Norma’s eyes. When the guard at the memorial realized that she had been a part of the movement, he dragged her over to a visiting high school class and asked her to speak. The teacher exclaimed to her students, “This woman is living history!” 

Norma was the first in her family to go to college, attending to Brooklyn College at night while working in A&S. It took her six years to get her Associate in Arts degree, and seven years to get her Ph.D. She holds an earned doctorate degree from Fordham University’s elite Executive Leadership Program along with three Professional Diplomas. Most notably, Norma became a Bat Mitzvah and earned her Doctorate within weeks of each other –  at the age of 50. 

Norma is both a student and an educator. She worked as a classroom teacher, Professional Staff Developer, Curriculum Writer and Literacy Trainer for adults and children in the general and special needs populations, non-English immigrant speakers and multi-ethnic learners. As an instructor and advisor at the Touro College International University, Norma created, coordinated, and directed The Student Teacher Training Program for the New York State Department of Education; and as a Professional Developer she worked as an Educational Consultant with a variety of non-profit After School Programs for “at-risk children” in Dallas Texas. As a member of the Advisory Council for CARIE-The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly and a member of the Federal Senior Medical Patrol Program she works to empower seniors by helping them protect themselves from fraud and scams. She also works with a variety of interfaith organizations working to banish negative bias and prejudice. 

Each time we talk, I discover a new facet of Norma’s amazing personality. Now living in Canadensis, PA she works with her husband in their non-profit The Hoot Group of PA, advocating for the rights of homeless individuals, needy families, the elderly and homeless veterans living in the woods. She goes into the woods and brings food, clothing, supplies and encouragement to those individuals less fortunate than herself. 

The year Norma was born Tu B’Shvat fell on her birthday. Maybe that explains why Norma exemplifies Psalm 92: 

The godly grow like a palm tree;
they grow high like a cedar in Lebanon.
Planted in the Lord’s house,
they grow in the courts of our God.
They bear fruit even when they are old;*
they are filled with vitality and have many leaves.

*Norma is not old!

I invite you to join a virtual Chai Mitzvah group, get to know some amazing people, and let them get to know you! Click here for a list of free, virtual offerings. Everyone is welcome!

2 responses to “Meet My Friend Norma”

1. Norma says:

   February 4, 2022 at 2:06 pm

   Nina you are most generous and kind. Todah Rabah and Shabbat Shalom!

   Reply
   • Nina Woldin says:

     February 4, 2022 at 3:33 pm

     You are awesome! Shabbat Shalom to you!

     Reply