JEXNET: the Network for Experiential Jewish Youth Education has suspended its program operations effective October 31, 2007.

JEXNET, formerly known as NAA: the North American Alliance for Jewish Youth, was established in 1996, when the executive directors of the major national Jewish youth programs in North America came together to form the first ever collaborative, inter-denominational forum of Jewish professionals, whose primary goal was to strengthen programming for Jewish youth.

From its inception, JEXNET's major aims were to provide greatly enhanced professional development opportunities for practitioners in the field of Jewish informal education, to serve as a forceful advocate for the importance of youth work within the Jewish community, and to create forums where leaders and practitioners in the arenas of Jewish camping, youth trips to Israel and year-round teen programs could meet, share best practices, and learn from one another.

Why, after 11 years of successful programming, has JEXNET made the decision to suspend its program operations? Recent developments in the field of Jewish youth programming have made it clear that the aims of the network have substantially been achieved. Major initiatives in Jewish camping, youth trips to Israel, and informal Jewish education for teens - initiatives like the Foundation for Jewish Camping, Taglit/birthright Israel, and the like - are now attracting significant community attention and vastly increased philanthropic support. Jewish youth organizations such as Young Judaea, NFTY, USY, BBYO and Ramah have substantially increased the professional development opportunities they provide on an in-house basis to their youth work professionals. Accordingly, the leadership of JEXNET has reached the conclusion that there is little advantage to continue the network's operations.

JEXNET is proud of the contributions it has made to enhancing the field of Jewish experiential education during its 11 years of operation. JEXNET owes a profound debt of gratitude to the small cadre of talented and dedicated youth educators who have guided its work through the Network's lifespan, and expresses its deep appreciation to David Bryfman, Executive Director and Naomi Korb, Program Director, and to its former leaders, Rabbi Dara Z. Klarfeld and Heather Kibel.