About the Ravi Bloom Memorial Endowment Fund
Ravi was a gentle, one-of-a-kind, remarkable, talented and inspiring young man. He was that “shy kid” who finally, in 10th grade, worked up the courage to listen to the music in his soul and try out for M’kor Shalom's Purim Shpiel for the first time. Maybe he overstated his credentials during casting calls because, to his surprise (but maybe not) he was cast in the staring role in “I Guess That’s Why They Call It A Spiel,” an Elton John-inspired musical. Ravi became an instant star with his swaggering portrayal of Haman. The following year (2021) the COVID pandemic forced the show to be virtual, but that didn’t get in the way of Ravi’s ability to steal the show and everybody’s hearts as The Narrator, crooning his show-stopping rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” wearing his grandfather Harry Feld’s tuxedo, expertly playing the keyboard (self-taught, no less). Ravi wasn’t known only for his Shpiel cast member celebrity status. He and brothers Lee and Cary showed up to almost every Social Action program. They planted in the Urban Garden in Camden, made dozens of PB&Js for Cathedral Kitchen, did collections for Operation Yellow Ribbon and hung out with “the guys” from IHOC, the Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council. At synagogue events, Ravi never had to be asked to lend a hand; he just did. His genuine smile would make everyone around him feel welcome, comfortable and special.
Ravi lost his life at age 17 as a result of a car accident involving his family in April 2021. The outpouring to help his family – parents Jayne and Craig Bloom and younger brothers Lee and Cary – was immediate and sustaining. They are all so grateful that this award and other memorial efforts have been created to do good in the world, and to ensure a lasting legacy, Ravi’s family, clergy, religious school educators and synagogue lay leaders have partnered to establish The Ravi Bloom Mensch Award. The Award will be given annually to a student leader from Congregation Kol Ami who meets the following criteria:
1. inspires other teens, tweens and young children to be involved in synagogue life including musical endeavors (such as Shpiel or junior choir), social justice projects and fun programs that make younger synagogue members feel like they’re part of this caring community.
2. takes on leadership roles at such events and goes above and beyond the service required of them
3. serves as a role model who embodies the qualities of kindness, enthusiasm, inclusivity as well as a love and passion for learning
In addition to being honored as a “Ravi Bloom Mensch”, the recipient will be recognized with a $500 award from the newly created Ravi Bloom Memorial Endowment Fund held by the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. The money is intended to allow the honoree to pursue a passion of theirs, be it lessons in improvisational comedy, voice and/or musical instrument lessons, or even perhaps allowing them to donate to a cause close to their heart. The Award is to be presented at the yearly Purim Shpiel. For questions, please contact the JCF at marketingjcf@jfedsnj.org.