Hi! My name is Natalie Pittman, and I am so excited to be the National Mazkira of Young Judaea this year! 

I was pretty much born into the Young Judaea community, as my mom participated in many YJ programs. I was so excited when it was finally my turn to go to camp. I went to Sprout Lake for the first time in 2015 and attended for seven summers. I then went to Tel Yehudah for three. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to spend time at TY, on YJ’s teen summer program in Israel, Gesher, and as a counselor at Sprout Lake! 

I joined YJ Teens in high school, and realized that attending year-round events was a great way to reunite with camp friends. I discovered that YJ Teens has a lot to offer, and the community quickly became one of the biggest parts of my life. 

YJ Teens is unique in so many ways. Everyone in the movement has a voice that matters.

We are able to disagree respectfully and have mature conversations, and learn from one another. YJ Teens pushes me to make the world a better place and do my part to volunteer in the broader community. This year, the National Initiative is Human Trafficking Awareness, and I am excited to see what our teens will do to fight for human rights regarding this issue.

Young Judaea has helped me strengthen my Jewish identity, explore my connection to Israel, and become a contributing member of the world. Most importantly, the YJ community has given me some of the best friendships I could ever wish for. 

My first leadership position in YJ Teens was as the Israel and Social Action Programmer on the Northeast Mazkirut/Peer Leadership Board. In this role, I helped plan monthly events with the other Northeast Maz members, and I made sure we incorporated Israel and Antisemitism into every event. This upcoming year, I am excited to lead the National Mazkirut in planning an amazing convention, organizing a project centered on our National Initiative, and growing the YJ Teens community nationally. 

In our current world, it is more important than ever for Jewish teens to be informed, proud, and empowered to stand up against antisemitism, able to engage in conversations about Israel, and part of a Jewish community. YJ Teens does just this, and I am so excited to be the leader of the YJ Teens movement in the upcoming year. 

I cannot wait to see all of our teen leaders thrive this year and see what YJ Teens can accomplish!

How did Young Judaea shape your Jewish and Zionist identity?
Growing up at CYJ gave me the foundation to create and flourish my Jewish and Zionist identity. It instilled in me a love and deep knowledge of Israel, and later TY and Year Course solidified that. It also gave me the chance to be my most authentic Jewish self and connect with people who practice Judaism differently than I do, which was so impactful since I didn’t get that exposure at home. And of course its given me so many friends, and people I now consider family.

Did your Year Course or other YJ experiences influence your decision to become involved in Israel advocacy on campus?
On Year Course, I worked with Israelis and Palestinians through Magen David Adom and gained firsthand insight into Israeli life. That experience deepened my connection to Israel and gave me the confidence to engage others in real dialogue. Working at CYJ Texas also shaped how I think about Israel education, especially for younger generations.

In what ways have you stepped up on campus since 10/7/23?
I became president of Hoosiers for Israel and also serve as co-marketing chair on our Hillel student board. In these roles, I’ve helped plan and promote events like Israel Palooza, our October 7th memorial, and other programs that support and uplift Jewish students on campus.

Why do you think YJ is still relevant for young people today?
A lot of Jewish youth movements have lost popularity, but they’re so important. They bring people together around shared values and create space for real conversations. Unlike sports or arts, this kind of ideological community lets young people explore their faith and identity, ask tough questions, and grow together.

Mikayla’s YJ History: CYJ Texas 2014-18, Tel Yehudah 2019, CIT/Staff at CYJ Texas 2021-2025, Year Course 2022-23

When did Young Judaea first become part of your life?

I joined in high school, and it quickly became the focus of my life. I went to Tel Yehudah, did Year Course, and even volunteered on a moshav during the Yom Kippur War. Those experiences shaped my connection to Israel and Zionism.

How did your involvement continue after Year Course?

In college at Brandeis, I stayed active in YJ—leading clubs in Newton, working at Tel Yehudah (where I met my wife), and helping start a garin to Kibbutz Ketura. YJ gave me real responsibility early on. Everything was peer-led, and we learned by doing.

What inspired you to start the Israel Ride?

Years later, my old YJ friend David Lehrer was leading the Arava Institute. I had gotten into biking and thought—why not create a ride to raise money for the Arava? It felt very YJ to support Israel, peace, and the environment. The first year we had 30 riders; soon it was over 100. In 20 years, the Ride has brought more than 2,000 riders and raised millions. In many ways, organizing it felt just like running a YJ pe’ulah.

How do you see the impact of Young Judaea on your life today?

YJ taught me as much about leadership as anything else I’ve ever done—including school. I learned how to communicate, involve people in discussion, and hold multiple perspectives while working toward a shared purpose. YJ gave me mission and responsibility, and it’s why I’ve devoted so much of my life to nonprofit work, education, and Israel.

Why are you serving on the Young Judaea board today, and as treasurer?

Now more than ever, a Zionist youth movement is essential in America. For YJ to thrive, it needs strong, year-round activity to complete the circle. I joined the board, and took on the role of treasurer, to help make that happen and ensure YJ continues shaping the next generation the way it shaped me.

Howie’s YJ History: Mazkirut New England, Tel Yehudah camper and staff, Year Course 1972-73, YJ Club Madrich, Machon and Chavurat Yisrael, Madrich MA and Merakez