Welcome Mai!

Welcome Mai!

We’re thrilled to welcome Mai, Young Judaea’s new Central Shlicha! Mai recently arrived from Israel and has already hit the ground running, connecting with Judaeans and bringing her energy and passion to communities across the movement. We’re so excited to have her here and can’t wait for you to get to know her!

Hi everyone! I’m Mai Ozarko, and I’m so excited to be joining Young Judaea as the new Central Shlicha! I spent many years working in informal education through the Israeli Scouts, including two years as a community shlicha in Las Vegas, where I coordinated Shevet Pisga and managed the IAC Eitanim program. I’m also currently finishing my degree at Reichman University, where I had the opportunity to captain the university’s women’s soccer team and spend a year mentoring international students on campus.

A few fun things about me: I love my family, playing soccer, traveling, doing stand-up comedy, freediving, and practicing handstands (with varying levels of success). I’m especially excited to get to know Young Judaea from the inside—to meet the incredible people who make up the movement, learn its culture and spirit, and bring my own personality, perspective, and Israeli color to it. Most of all, I can’t wait to connect with the teens, learn from them, and create meaningful memories together!

A Message from the National Mazkira

A Message from the National Mazkira

Hi fellow Judaeans! My name is Hallie Liberman, and I am honored and excited to serve as the National Mazkira of Young Judaea for the 2026-2027 term!

Young Judaea has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I heard the stories my dad and my brother Max brought home from CYJ Texas to TY to Year Course, and I always knew that legacy was waiting for me too. My dad served on Regional and National Mazkirut, and he and my brother both went through CYJ Texas, TY, and Year Course, which has inspired me to attend Year Course after the conclusion of this year. This past summer, I worked as a CIT at CYJ Texas and attended YJ Gesher in Israel.

I know what it feels like to be without a community, and I know how incredible it feels when someone pulls you in and makes you feel welcome. That need for community is why I restarted YJ West: to bring in people who did not know YJ and turn them into Judaeans whose love for Israel and Young Judaea inspires others.

For the past two years, I served as West Mazkira, building Young Judaea West from a nonexistent region into a flourishing one and restoring the West to the thriving force it once was. I recruited a full Mazkirut, established consistent programming, and helped turn our region into a real community, going from zero year-round events to a full calendar of Shabbat dinners, pool parties, and real conversations around antisemitism and Israel. I turned teens who had never heard of Young Judaea into regional Maz members and year-round convention participants, and that is the ruach I will bring across all of YJ as National Mazkira.

This year, I will run our weekly national teen board meetings, coordinate all five regions, and help plan our conventions and programming for thousands of teens across the country. I will be there to help when needed, continue to advocate for the movement, and oversee cross-regional connections throughout the country, both within our organization and with our movement’s partners.

My leadership experience extends beyond Young Judaea. I am also a Kenneth Leventhal Intern with StandWithUs, where I help develop and deliver antisemitism education to Jewish teens nationwide. I serve as director of my school’s a cappella group, where I lead rehearsals, help prepare the group for performances, and mentor fellow members. These roles have shaped how I think about leadership, which in turn has strengthened my foundation for this movement that I love.

This year, I will prioritize building cross-region connections so that no one feels like they are doing YJ alone just because of geography. When regions feel connected, YJ grows. We have our National Convention coming up, expanded programming across all five regions and va’ads, and programming surrounding this year’s National Initiative: women’s rights.

My goal is for every teen to want to be involved, to show up because it feels real, inclusive, and fun. I care about Young Judaea and the core values of Zionism, Jewish identity, pluralism, tikkun olam, and peer leadership that hold this movement together. I carry this responsibility knowing it will make a difference within our community and beyond.

Hallie Liberman
National Mazkira, Young Judaea

Alum Spotlight: Manny Synalovski

Alum Spotlight: Manny Synalovski

Manny’s YJ History: YJ Puerto Rico Club 1973-1976, Camp Judaea Staff 1974-1976, Tel Yehudah Camper 1973-1975, Regional Mazkir 1975-1976, Year Course 1976-1977, YJ Madrich 1977-1985, Young Judaea Global Board 2012-Present

Tell us about your history and involvement with Young Judaea

I attended TY the summer of 1973. That October, during the Yom Kippur War, our YJ Club in PR participated in a Community Rally. That experience prompted an immersive YJ journey that included returns to TY, summers as Staff at CJ, Mazkir of Azor Hadarom, and YC in 1976. During College, I was a member of Hamagshimim and was a Madrich for various Bogrim Clubs in the South.

What impact has YJ had on your life?

YJ shaped my connection to Israel, helped build my bond to Judaism, and molded my family, community, and friendships.

What prompted you to get back involved?

I separated from YJ during a 25 yr. span (1986–2011). In 2011, I attended CJ’s 50th Reunion. I first heard of YJ’s re-emergence after separating from Hadassah. A year later, I was asked to join the YJG Board. The past 14 years have given me an opportunity to pay it forward.

What inspired you to organize the Florida reunion alongside Robin Mendelson and Bretta Weissman Schachner?

Robin and Bretta are lifelong YJ friends, and together, we felt it was time to celebrate with our Judaean friends and update them on the current status of the movement.

Is YJ still relevant today?

Yes, more than ever, YJ is immensely relevant! For my grandchildren and generations to follow, the YJ journey is critical to their connection with Israel and their Jewish identity and pride.