FIYou: Chaim Lieberperson


ChaimName: Chaim Lieberperson

Hometown: Spring Valley, New York

Job Title: Museum Educator, Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, on Miami Beach

In a nutshell: I seek to make cultural and historic connections with and for youth. To make history “pop.” To encourage questions. And most importantly, to encourage youth and chaperones to question their own cultural history. The role of the “experiential educator” is to assess levels of cultural literacy quickly and then take visitors from the “known to the unknown.” Duties beyond “interpreter” include planning and conducting professional development workshops; creating educational materials for teachers, docents and on-site visitors; administrative duties related to our annual statewide writing contest; facilitating Family Day programs and representing our proud institution at events such as the yearly MDCPS social studies conference and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Homeland Security diversity training workshops.

Number of years at FIU: I joined the museum team four and a half years ago, which was nine months before the museum’s integration with FIU.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the “sparks” I see in visitors’ eyes when they are appreciating, reflecting and wondering all at once. I love the questions that are asked. I love sharing the history of the Jewish people in the great state of Florida in terms of cultural expression as I skillfully explain the relationship between religious terms and cultural origins.

What do you think your fellow Panthers should know about the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU?
We are “the gem of South Beach.” If you have not visited, you are challenged to fully appreciate this claim. The museum opened to the public in 1995 and was accredited (2002) by the American Association of Museums–an honor awarded to less than 5 percent of the nation’s museums. Our mission is to primarily collect, preserve and interpret for the public benefit. I am also pleased with our teen docent opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience and forge a deep connection with our institution.

What is your favorite place in the museum?
The museum itself is a former sanctuary and still resonates with a special vibration. Only two blocks west of the ocean, I love arriving early in the morning when the sunrise is lighting that space through stained glass windows. The ambience always slows my pace.

Name one thing you wish everyone knew about the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU?
The permanent exhibit that tells the story of Jewish pioneers, exceptional individuals and ordinary people is not just a Jewish story. It is the story of all ethnic minorities struggling to acculturate to the American story. Keep an eye out for our temporary exhibits as they make a visit that much more potent in your life.

Family snapshot: I live in an historic 1920s house in Buena Vista East neighborhood with my spouse, two kids and four cats. My wife, Jenni Person, works with MDC Live Arts in the historic Freedom Tower. I am sheltered and inspired by “old Miami” everyday!

Word that best describes you: Inquisitive

First paying job: Old-school paperboy. Through rain, snow, hail and heat—nothing would stop me!

Your proudest accomplishment: Returning to graduate school at age 34 to complete two master’s degrees, in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service. As part of that, I confronted and mastered modern and ancient Hebrew texts.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?
Wrapped up in taking care of our old house. Where would I be without YouTube tutorials? Spinning with my teen daughter. Shooting hoops with my precociously skilled son. Maintaining my special relationships with loved ones. Keeping up with my reading and au courant streaming world!