Meet the new Director of CYJ Midwest, Dan Ravitch!

Learn more about CYJ Midwest!

A Message from David Weinstein, Executive Director of Tel Yehudah Dear Hevrei, I’ve been thinking a lot about how divided our world feels right now. Social media rewards quick takes and shouting matches, not listening or questioning. More and more, we are seeing a frightening rise in political violence and attempts to stifle free speech. It is scary, it is dangerous, and it makes me deeply concerned about the world our teens are inheriting. At Tel Yehudah, we are not immune to these challenges—and we are part of the antidote. This past summer, our teens sat in circles and talked about Israel, about Jewish identity, about justice, about politics. They did not all agree—not even close. Sometimes those conversations were uncomfortable, even hard. But they kept at it. They listened. They questioned. And the most powerful thing is that many of them are still talking about those conversations today, still in touch with friends they deeply disagreed with. They didn’t walk away. They stayed in relationship. This is deeply Jewish and central to TY’s Core Value of Deepening Curiosity. Our tradition is built on debate and disagreement. As Rabbi Michael Paley said, “The Talmud is full of argument and dissent—and yet it’s considered a holy book.” We can argue fiercely and still remain bound together as a people. At TY, our teens don’t just learn that—they live it. And just as important: after those hard conversations, those same teens are singing arm in arm, playing soccer, or dancing together on Saturday night. That mix—challenge and joy, dialogue and celebration—is what makes camp so special. It shows that curiosity and community can go hand in hand, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. At camp, teens learn that we can be curious about others while still holding strong to our beliefs, our values, and our responsibility to make the world a better place. Our camp disagreements, discussions, and dialogue help them understand more fully who they are and what they stand for. As we move from Rosh Hashanah toward Yom Kippur, I am holding onto this lesson. In a world that feels more divided and more violent, our teens are leading us toward  curiosity, compassion, and community.

May we all enter this new year committed to curiosity and community—and may it also be a year when our hostages come home and all know no more war or suffering.   Shanah Tovah u’Metukah – שנה טובה ומתוקה — wishing you a sweet, meaningful, and peaceful new year. David Weinstein Executive Director, Tel Yehudah

A chat with Camilla Wisse, Sprout Lake 2017-2023, Tel Yehudah 2024-25, and current Chavurah Programmer on the Northeast Mazkirut

What’s something you’re excited to try, learn, or experience this year?

This year I am so excited because I am fortunate enough to be on the Northeast Mazkirut as the Chavurah programmer. I was involved in year round YJ from a young age and I really feel that it has shaped me as a person. As the Chavurah programmer my main role is recruitment, so it is my privilege to bring young Jewish teens into year round YJ and give them the formative experience I had.

The high holidays and Rosh Hashanah are about New Beginnings–- what feels like a “fresh start” for you right now?

A fresh start to me feels like letting go of all of my grudges and impressions and looking at everything and everyone as brand new. People change and situations change, so it is important to look at everything as new so you don’t let your previous impressions get in the way when someone or something has changed for the better.

What’s your biggest hope for your YJ friends, the Jewish people, or the world this year? What’s the most meaningful thing you learned from YJ moment?

During a Peulah at TY this summer that was centred around debating I learned a very valuable lesson. The activity was extremely engaging and all the campers were participating. There was one question that people were particularly divided on and after the peulah ended me and my friends continued to discuss it. One person became upset because they thought that when someone disagreed with them that it meant that person hated them. This was a crazy moment for me because at both my school and camp peaceful debate is a very important value and I had never encountered someone that didn’t have the skill of participating in a peaceful debate. I hope that everyone in the world is able to have peaceful and heated conversations, because it is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world.

 If you could write one short message to all of your YJ alumni, campers, teens, staff, what would you say?

שנה טובה ומתוקה! 

May you walk with YJ in your year to come

Learn More about YJ Teens

It is hard to believe it has been two years since October 7, 2023, the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. On this day, and every day, we remember the innocent lives lost — some brutally murdered in their own homes, others while celebrating joy and peace. We are deeply grateful for the IDF soldiers who have risked, and continue to risk, their lives to protect the State of Israel. We honor the brave men and women who have fallen while defending our people and our homeland. We pray for the safe return of all hostages and we mourn those killed in captivity. We are praying that negotiations will help bring them home. 

As we mark two years since October 7, we are painfully reminded of the unimaginable tragedies of that day. But even in the face of darkness, we are inspired to act. Our YJ values — love for Israel, unity, and hope — guide us in building a proud, connected, and resilient Jewish community. 

As teen leaders, we carry the responsibility and privilege of helping shape the future of the Jewish people. With strength and intention, we will continue to lead, support one another, and stand proudly for and with the Jewish people. National Maz and YJ Teens are here to support our community during this challenging time and always. 

Over the past week, we have asked the leaders of YJ Teens to reflect on the past two years and share their one-word response to the following question: “What do you hope for the land of Israel?” You can see their responses below:

We encourage everyone to find a meaningful and personal way to remember October 7. We have selected an option, which is honoring this day through music. Click here for a curated list of music.

Our light will always shine brighter than the darkness around us, and our love will be stronger than the hate. We are stronger together. 

Natalie Pittman, National Mazkira

National Maz 2025-2026

At our recent teen leadership training weekend, we had an activity where we shared different metaphors for our relationship with Israel. These metaphors were based on various Zionist thought leaders throughout history.

There was an engaged conversation about one metaphor describing the relationship with Israel as a “ball and chain”: Some interpreted it as feeling responsible for representing Israel in their schools or with their friends. Others characterized it as a burden that they can never shed. Just by being Jewish, they might feel the pressure and expectation to know everything that is happening and to defend every action, statement and position that Israel, its people and its government take, regardless of their personal perspectives.

Then, like a voice from the heavens, one of the teens raised her hand. “I completely disagree,” she said. “I don’t see Israel as a burden or something that drags me down.”   We asked her what metaphor she would choose instead, and without hesitating she lit up and said, “Israel is my wings. With Israel I feel like I can fly.”   

Teens at a Young Judaea teen leadership weekend in 2025.

There was an audible gasp by the older generation in the room. She literally took our breath away. Why? It wasn’t that her sentiment was universally shared, but that it radiated such hope and aspiration — something we, as Jewish professionals, hunger for. It brought oxygen into the room. 

In the recent “Hope Study” by M², they found that Jewish community professionals are experiencing a crisis of hope (“M² survey finds Jewish professionals lack hope, fear internal division, but believe in their work,” eJewishPhilanthropy, Sept. 18). The experience I recount above, and countless similar interactions with our teens, serve as a constant reminder that hope is still possible.

People often ask me what it’s like to lead a Zionist youth movement. They expect me to talk about the hard parts (and yes, those moments exist), but it always surprises them that I think the greatest privilege of all is to work with today’s youth. Working with youth gives me purpose, of course, but what I love most is their raw, authentic optimism, something too many of us adults lose along the way. I joke that being around youth makes me age in reverse. They keep me young. 

The “Hope Study” cites various sources of hope that mitigate the lack of hope among Jewish professionals. They include professional impact, participating in social change, belonging to a group, and tradition. I would add to this list: working with youth. Those of us who have the honor of working with youth, day in and day out, are investing in the future, but we are also reaping the benefits in the present. The study goes on to say that there are organizational differences in their findings. Those who work in day schools scored highest in having hope, which I would posit has a lot to do with the populations they are working with each day: youth.

That said, I don’t want to minimize the detractors from hope and optimism. We are working in incredibly challenging times and conditions. With crisis after crisis and constant threats, the burnout among Jewish professionals is real; as Barry Finestone said in his recent article ”The crisis we are ignoring”, “the people holding up the Jewish world are running on fumes.” And we need to look at strategies and approaches to renew, restore and build up resiliency. I would add to Barry’s list of antidotes to this burnout: regular exposure to today’s youth (although preferably not limited to your own children — that’s more complicated).

Throughout the year, while my work demands a significant amount of travel, getting out into the field to talk to our youth, to engage them in dialogue and to be constantly amazed by their freshness, directness and unbridled optimism — that is what gives me hope. If you don’t believe me, look at my socials where I document my site visits. I can’t help but feel some of that same optimism when I spend time with our youth; and as I come back to the office, I try to hold onto that feeling, those precious interactions, until my next time in the field.

So, if you are looking for an oxygen mask to revive you and restore your hope, consider working with today’s youth. Who knows — you might even live a little longer.

Adina H. Frydman is the CEO of Young Judaea Global.

As published in ejewishphilanthropy: ejewishphilanthropy.com/working-with-youth-gives-me-hope

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!

Tell us about your involvement in Young Judaea.
I started at Sprout Lake when I was 10, then went on to Tel Yehudah in ’94 and ‘95, Machon, and Year Course 1998-99. I was also involved a bit in the New York club as a kid.

Do you still connect with friends from YJ?
Absolutely. I’m still very close with about 15 friends from my YJ days. The special part is that now our kids all go to Sprout together—it’s truly a second generation of our group.

What impact has YJ had on your life?
My closest lifelong friends are from YJ, and those friendships have grown into family bonds. YJ also gave me confidence to be an organizer, to bring people together. The programming taught us not what to think, but how to think—presenting all sides of complex issues and trusting us to form our own conclusions.

And of course, Israel. YJ’s approach is spot on. It’s about love for the culture, the shira, the rikkud, and the history. Being able to engage deeply with Israel as a teenager shaped how I connect to my Jewish identity today.

What prompted you to get back involved?
After October 7th, I felt an urgent need to return to Israel. When I saw the YJ mission announcement, I signed up immediately. That week—meeting survivors, visiting cemeteries, and then being back at Kibbutz Ketura—was incredibly powerful. Looking at the sunset in the Negev, it reawakened the spirituality I felt as a 19-year-old, and my connection to Young Judaea.

Is YJ still relevant today?
More than ever. Being Jewish in America right now is more challenging than it’s been in generations. YJ provides a safe space where kids can truly be themselves, explore their Jewish identity, and build a meaningful connection to Israel. That kind of environment is rare—and essential.

What inspired you to organize reunions?
Honestly, I just love hanging out with my YJ friends. It never feels like a burden—it’s fun, and it’s rewarding to bring everyone together. I encourage other alumni to start with your own age group or “adah.” Once you gather a critical mass, the magic of YJ friendships takes over naturally.

Eli’s YJ History: Sprout Lake 1990-92, Tel Yehudah 1994-95, Counselor at YJ West and MH (at Tel Yehudah) 1997, Year Course 1998-99

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

By Perri Schwartz, Year Course 2021-22

Year Course didn’t just give me amazing friendships and unforgettable memories—it inspired me to give back in ways I never imagined. The program showed me that service, leadership, and listening deeply to others are powerful acts of change.

During my time on Year Course, I made it a priority to learn from both Israelis and Palestinians on the ground, gaining a deeper understanding of the geopolitics of this beautiful land. One of the most defining parts of the program was my internship with Israel Daily News. That experience not only opened doors professionally but also set the foundation for the work I continue to do now.

Since completing Year Course, my path has only grown from there. I’ve been back with Israel Daily News since September 2024, and next month I’ll be celebrating my one-year anniversary. Alongside my journalism and content creation, I joined Repair The World as part of their summer service corps and now serve as a service ambassador. I also started a local chapter of Run 4 Their Lives, a challenging but meaningful mission that has already seen real growth.

Most recently, I participated in a 5-day retreat with Repair The World and Moishe House in Western North Carolina, helping a community still recovering from Hurricane Helene. That experience reminded me once again that real change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens when we show up, listen, and stand in solidarity.

The skills I gained through Year Course continue to shape me every day. Through my digital activism (@perrispeaks_ on Instagram) and leadership projects, I’ve grown into a stronger person who refuses to give up on my dreams—even when my college path didn’t go the way I planned. Today, I’m proud to be a published writer not just for IDN, but also in The Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel Blogs, and Unpacked Media. And I know this is just the beginning.

In Judaism, service isn’t just a value—it’s a divine act of engagement. When we commit to helping others, we sanctify that holy duty. As Pirkei Avot (Mishnah 4:5) teaches:

“Whoever saves a single life, it is as though they have saved an entire world.”

Every person is a universe of potential, stories, and worth. By serving with humility, respect, and love, we honor the divine spark within each individual.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far and even more excited about what lies ahead. We are capable of more than we think. Here’s to continuing the work—and to doing more good, together, for the world.