Report by NOAM Olami Director Shoshi Bassan

From November 13–16, NOAM Europe leaders from seven snifim across six countries gathered in Barcelona, Spain, for a weekend dedicated to the theme “Purposeful Leadership in NOAM Europe.”

Hosted by Atid, our Masorti/Conservative community in the city, the gathering brought together 23 madrichim and coordinators from Barcelona and Madrid, France, Germany, Israel, the UK, and Ukraine, along with a very special traveler: Dubi NOAM, our beloved NOAM Olami bear who visits snifim around the world and, this time, made the trip from Ukraine.

As in all our regional gatherings, we invited two shlichoniot from NOAM Israel to take part in the seminar. In addition, as part of our ongoing collaboration, Mimi Geist, Director of International Relations and Outreach at NOAM Israel, joined us for the weekend and contributed essential logistical and educational support that strengthened the experience for everyone. Having them with us, leading sessions, speaking about Israel, and engaging with participants, strengthened one of our core values: deepening our connection to Zionism and to Israel itself.

Before arriving in Barcelona, participants had already met online for four enriching Zoom sessions exploring NOAM Olami history, mental health awareness for madrichim, social media tools, and creative ways to bring magic into peulot (activities). The Barcelona seminar marked the final stage of the Madrichim Leadership Program.

Getting to Know Each Other & Leadership Foundations

The first day focused on connection and understanding the diversity of NOAM snifim. Several groups led peulot that highlighted the spirit and personality of each snif. Coordinators also joined a session with facilitator Arie Elbelman, a longtime NOAMist originally from NOAM Bet El, Chile, now living in Barcelona.

His workshop, “Crafting Infinite Impact: A Powerful Tagline Workshop for Jewish Young Leaders”, explored how a single phrase can spark curiosity, inspire action, and reflect a snif’s identity. Participants practiced creating meaningful taglines that resonate with their audiences, in an interactive and energizing environment.

Leadership Values & Reflections

On the second day, I led a activity where participants built a “NOAM Olami tree,” assigning leadership values to its roots, trunk, and leaves as a way to explore the qualities that guide them as leaders.

We also had the privilege of learning with Eden, new NOAM–Marom Shlicha in the UK, who offered a moving session on leadership through the lens of October 7, highlighting individuals who stepped into responsibility at crucial moments.

That evening, we joined Atid’s community for a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat led by NOAM Spain, with heartfelt tefillot that touched many of us deeply.

Yom NOAM & Experiencing the Local Snif

One of the highlights of Shabbat was Yom NOAM, a joyful festival for the chanichim of NOAM Barcelona. Madrichim from the seminar took the lead, running stations and activities where chanichim earned Israeli “money” through educational games. For our leaders, it was an opportunity to experience the snif up close; for the chanichim, it was a window into belonging to a worldwide NOAM community.

On Shabbat morning, participants joined Shacharit followed by a shiur with Rabbi Irene Muzas Calpe, from Atid, who explored leadership through the lens of the Gemara. Her thoughtful teachings connected Jewish tradition with the complexities of contemporary youth leadership.

Shabbat concluded with a musical Havdallah service and another dynamic session with Arie Elbelman: “Unveiling the Soul of Your Brand”, which focused on strengthening NOAM Olami’s identity, aligning messaging, and expressing each snif’s unique personality.

Sunday: Reflection, Connection & Jewish Heritage

Sunday began with Shacharit led by NOAM UK and a special Shema led by Elias Garzon, NOAM France coordinator, who taught a beautiful melody from NOAM Uganda. Afterwards, we gathered in a circle for shared reflections, giving space for participants to express what the weekend meant to them.

We then held a meaningful gift exchange: each person brought a small sentimental object from home and offered it, along with a blessing, to another participant, creating a moment of connection and memory that touched everyone.

The day continued with a Jewish heritage tour of Barcelona, and the seminar concluded with a group lunch at a local restaurant. A warm and delicious ending to an inspiring weekend together.

Reflections

This seminar offered NOAM leaders the chance to learn from each other, deepen leadership skills, and build meaningful connections with the NOAM Barcelona snif. Friendships were formed, new ideas were shared, and plans for future collaboration began to take shape. For many, completing a program that began online added a sense of continuity and collective growth.

We are deeply grateful to the Atid community for their generous hospitality, and to every participant who showed up with commitment, energy, and heart.

And as a fun final note: Dubi NOAM found a new temporary home: he left the seminar with NOAM UK.