By outgoing Director of Teen Engagement, Erica Cohen

Dear YJ Teens Community,

It is with a full and heavy heart, and immense gratitude, that I share that I’ll be leaving Young Judaea at the end of this month. While I’m excited for what’s ahead, the truth is: I’ve truly loved this job. I’ve loved this movement. And I’ve loved being a part of this remarkable community.

When I first joined Young Judaea in 2022, I came in as an outsider—someone who deeply believed in the power of Jewish youth movements, but didn’t yet know what made this one so special, collecting stories, trying to understand the depth of a movement that had already shaped generations. In the time since, I’ve been lucky enough to witness your leadership, your honesty, your joy, and your refusal to be defined by anything but your values. I came to YJ as a Jewish professional, and I leave as a proud Judaean.

The work we do is sacred. It honors history while building a future—one where teens don’t shrink from challenges, but lean into their Judaism with pride, resilience, and clarity. I’ve witnessed teens speak up with courage, question with intention, and build community with joy. That has given me deep hope—not just for the Jewish future, but for the Jewish present.

Working with you—on conventions, building our national landscape, through leadership programs, and countless texts and calls—has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. Your passion, your questions, and your commitment to being thoughtful, informed, and joyful Jewish leaders gives me such hope for the future. You are the reason I’ve never once wavered in my belief in what’s possible.

While I’ll miss this role deeply, I leave knowing the movement is in good hands. Our national team—Allegra, Amit, and the rest of the advisors—are outstanding, and together with all of you, they’ll continue building something strong while the search for the next National Director gets underway.

Thank you for letting me be part of your Jewish journey—and for shaping mine. Thank you for trusting me, challenging me, inspiring me, and reminding me every single day why this work matters.

I’ll always be cheering you on—with deep pride and deep gratitude.

Please feel free to keep in touch – I would love to see what amazing things you continue to do! My personal email is ericacohen18@gmail.com, and my Instagram is @ericaavin – happy to connect there or wherever you are most comfortable. I will be in your corner forever and I will love to hear from you!

With love and gratitude,
Erica

By Aviva Schonbrun, Year Course 2024-2025

My name is Aviva Schonbrun and I was on Year Course 2024-2025.

Today was my college orientation. I didn’t know anyone and was really nervous about meeting new people. Part of that anxiety came from not knowing what to say if someone asked me about my past year. I was honestly scared to mention Israel to the wrong person.

I made my first friend at the campus Starbucks, and while we chatted, I followed her on Instagram. I then noticed she had just posted a congratulations message for the new mayor of New York City (someone who’s openly anti-Zionist and antisemitic). I immediately got nervous. I obviously didn’t know where she stood on Israel, but I took it as a bad sign.

Eventually, she asked about my gap year, but instead of freezing up, I confidently said Israel. Surprisingly, she said “That’s so cool” We walked to the next meeting together, and I decided to open up to her about my hesitation to share where I had spent the year, and told her I had been relieved by her response.

Then she said, “ Honestly, I don’t really even know much about what’s going on right now, are you able to explain? All I’ve heard is Israel bombs Gaza.”

I know this stuff comes up on college campuses, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to have this conversation within my very first hour there, but after this year, I felt a sense of responsibility to share what I’ve learned.

I tried to explain briefly the history and nuance of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and then October 7th. She kept asking questions and we talked for another 30 minutes while we waited in line. I did my best to use what I’ve learned this year- listening to her perspective and filling in the gaps with what she didn’t know.

At the end, she thanked me for teaching her and I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I’m incredibly grateful to Year Course for giving me the confidence and the educational tools to engage in these tough conversations, and hopefully make a difference. Thank you for everything this past year. I miss it so much!

Learn More About Year Course

Dear Young Judaea Family,

This has been a difficult week as the war between Israel and Iran continues to unfold. We are heartbroken by the loss of life, the daily fear and disruption, and the displacement of so many. Our thoughts are especially with our Young Judaea alumni and staff in Israel—we are praying for your safety and strength.

We are all standing a little taller, prouder, and more resolute because of Israel’s courageous efforts on behalf of the Jewish people and the world. At YJ Camps, the expression of Zionism is palpable as campers sing “Am Yisrael Chai” at the top of their lungs.

At Young Judaea, our first priority is the well-being of our participants. This includes those currently in Israel on our Amirim and Onward Israel programs, and soon, additional cohorts from Onward Israel and Gesher, our teen summer program.

With safety as our top priority, we adapt as necessary to keep participants safe and engaged in a meaningful program. If you are directly responsible for a participant and have questions about how current events may impact your program or camp, please refer to the regular updates from our Israel team for the most accurate information.

In North America, our summer camps are standing together—supporting each other and our Israeli campers and staff, all of whom are deeply affected by the events in Israel. Israelis already at camp are balancing the difficulty of being far from home while still creating joyful and meaningful summers for our campers. For our Israeli campers and staff whose flights have been grounded, we eagerly await your arrival. You long to be at camp, and our camps count on you.

With decades of experience, Young Judaea is no stranger to navigating crisis. With steady leadership, dedicated staff, and a clear purpose, we respond swiftly and as a unified movement in moments like these.

Thank you for being part of our resilient Young Judaea community. We will continue to show up—for Israel, and for one another.

Oseh Shalom Bimromav, Hu Ya’aseh Shalom Aleinu, V’al Kol Yisrael, V’al Kol Yoshvei Tevel

Adina Frydman
CEO Young Judaea Global

By Margot Turk Calacuda, Year Course 1974-75

Growing up in the youth movement Young Judaea taught me many things that attribute to who I am today. One of the biggest lessons? That there are friends, there is family, and then there are those rare friends who become your family. My adrenaline is at a high level after spending a week with my “family friends.” The 1974-75 Year Course in Israel had a big impact on our lives, and together we celebrated the experience we had 50 years ago.

I had a small pre-reunion with a few friends in Haifa to catch up on life from the past 50 years. We had a culinary tour in Wadi Nisnas, the most authentic market and traditional market that emphasizes coexistence. Chef Avi showed off his skills in our kitchen for Friday night dinner while I showed off my clown toys. Early Shabbat morning we walked to Carmel Hai Bar, the nature reserve devoted to the raising of endangered and extinct animals. We drove to visit my Druze friend on the mountain for pita and labane before heading down to Ein Hod the Artist village.

In the evening we dined at my favorite downtown bistro and followed by a walk to to view the graffit in Haifa. After a night’s sleep for most, we met at the Louis Promenade for the best views of the lower section of Haifa, the bay all the way to Lebanon.

We had brunch at the fun Cafe Diyoma which gives a feeling of what cafes used to be like in Haifa. We drove to Nesher to the suspension bridges to “hang out”. We hiked with my speaker in hand and danced until suddenly a group of elementary school children joined us. I played a song that they would know and we all danced. Their madrich asked us “old ladies” if we’d ever heard of a camp in NY called TY. Really? Of all the places and people to ask! He was a shaliach at TY in 2009.

Laughing all the way back to the car we drove to Haifa University and up to the 30th floor of the Eshkol tower to see the panoramic view of Haifa and the surroundings. Our evening was down at the beach to meet my daughter and grandsons before our dinner at the Beach Club. With the sunset in the background, we got ready for our early wake up to take the train to Savidor station to meet all of our Chevre.

Next we took the long drive down to Kibbutz Ketura. We began with a brief walk to see some of the changes in the Kibbutz and ended up at the pool for a lovely BBQ dinner. Dinner was followed by our ice-breakers and a discussion about Israel over the past 50 years.

The next morning after breakfast we headed to the date fields. It was especially meaningful for those that planted trees 50 years ago. We continued on down to Eilat to have a choice of snorkeling or the underwater observatory. We had lunch at the Ice Mall and back to Kibbutz for free time plus the Argan Oil production tour. This was followed by a very moving Memorial Celebration of Life for those that had left us too soon. Sitting in the hut we reminisced about wonderful people we were fortunate to have had in our lives and no longer alive to make new memories together with us. We had dinner tasting beers and pizza at Beerzinut. That evening we got down and wild with karaoke and storytelling.

The morning began with an amazing hike, climb, and crawl at Timna park, a lunch of ice cream at Yotvta, and then back to kibbutz to get muddy on our faces.

We walked back to our meeting room for an inspirational panel discussion of how YJ impacted our lives in terms of activism.

We then had a quick talk about Medical Clowning in Israel (hmmm, I wonder who the clown was that spoke).

We made dinner together—pita on the saj—then hiked into the dark with ultraviolet lights for a magical Scorpion Safari. I wore white sneakers and loved seeing my feet light up as we danced under the stars. We ended the night with a cozy kumsitz, where our talented Texas crew brought guitars and voices for an unforgettable evening of nostalgic songs.

On the final day of departure we were accompanied by music like, “I had the time of my life”, “You’ve got a friend”, and “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, we hugged and boarded our bus with a stop at Sde Boker to pay respects to David Ben Gurion’s gravesite.

We disembarked at Savidor Station in Tel Aviv with more hugs repeating “until we meet again’ and ‘l’hitratot’ because we neve say goodbye. I love my friends that have made my life better just by being in it, and I thank you. It is true when they say that Young Judaea friends are forever.

Why am I writing this post?
To all Young Judaea alumni—before, during, and after 1974-75: If you will it, you can do it!

We were awesome then, and we’re still awesome now. Reunions remind us of that.

Leah Kayman of Keren Kolot at Kibbutz Ketura devoted so much time in assuring that we were happy. Details are so important.

Abraham Silver (YC 1975-76) was our passionate guide and definitely an integral part of the success of our reunion.

Last but not least, the determination of 25 participants that traveled so much distance (with stops due to cancelled flights to Israel) to join over 15 participants here in Israel. Your efforts despite delays, sirens, schlepping showed us all that it was worth the countless hours of emails, zoom talks, messages…. to make this all a success. On behalf of my partners in crime on the committee we embrace you all with love and laughter.

See more pictures from the reunion!

Ready to plan your Year Course reunion? Email alumni@youngjudaea.org and we’ll get you started!

By Mandy Funk, Year Course 1998-1999

What an incredible weekend! Thirty-five friends, scattered across the country and even as far as Spain, descended upon Austin, Texas on April 25th for our 26^th 1998-1999 Year Course reunion. This was only our second reunion since 2019, making it even more special. It was a weekend packed with all the elements that make these gatherings so special: love, laughter, deep conversations, and plenty of reminiscing.

We kicked things off right with some fun by the pool, soaking up the Texas sun and shaking off the travel dust. As evening approached, we got dressed up for dinner, but not before a truly special moment in the hotel lobby. We gathered to celebrate the start of Shabbat, lighting candles and saying the blessings over wine and challah. It was a beautiful and meaningful way to begin our time together. Dinner was classic Austin – delicious BBQ, followed by an evening of nostalgic music and dancing that had everyone on their feet.

Saturday morning brought an invigorating tiyul on the Austin Greenbelt, a perfect way to experience the city’s natural beauty. We worked up an appetite for a great lunch, then it was back to the hotel for more poolside party fun. As the sun began to set, we headed out for some authentic Austin flavor: tacos and dancing at the White Horse honky-tonk. The energy was infectious, and we danced the night away, reliving old memories and making new ones.

This reunion was a testament to the enduring power of friendship. Despite the years and the distance, the bond between us remains as strong as ever. Catching up, sharing stories, and simply being together felt like coming home. huge thank you to Young Judaea, YJ’s camps, and Year Course for bringing all these lovely individuals together and helping created lifelong friendships. Here’s to many more years and many more reunions!

Ready to plan your Year Course reunion? Email alumni@youngjudaea.org!

My name is Nomi Gedzelman, and I have served as the National Mazkira of Young Judaea for this past year, 2024-2025. As the National Mazkira, I get to be the voice of the teens in our movement — and there’s a lot to unpack there, because we have such a wide range of opinions, experiences, and perspectives.

As teens, we’re in this really transitional space — not quite kids anymore, not quite adults — figuring out who we are and what we stand for. It’s so important that during this time, we have spaces where we can grow, lead, and express ourselves, even if we’re still figuring things out. Places where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Places that help us understand not just where we’re going, but also where we come from.

Young Judaea is one of those places. It’s a community that gives teens a platform to lead, to be heard, and to connect — especially with Israel. And that connection is so important, especially now. As American teens, sometimes it can be hard to fully feel that weight, because we’re living so far away. But through Young Judaea — through our programs, our Israel trips, our camps, our friends from Israel, our shlichim — we build real relationships with Israelis. We hear their stories. We know their names. We understand that behind every siren and every moment of silence is a real person with a family, with dreams, with a future that was cut short. Young Judaea doesn’t just talk about Israel — it connects us to Israel in a way that’s personal, emotional, and lifelong. 

Especially now, after October 7th and everything that’s happened since, it’s more important than ever for Jewish teens to feel connected — to our people, to our history, to our homeland. We need places where we can not only express our love for Israel, but also grapple with the hard stuff — the losses, the complexities, the realities of what it means to be a Zionist today.

This past year has been so inspiring, seeing what we as a community were able to accomplish within our movement, and the impact we’ve made. In November, I had the opportunity to represent Young Judaea at the Z3 Project Conference in Palo Alto, CA. It was in this moment that I became determined to bring this kind of thought-provoking and quality content to our National Convention. Having the opportunity to inspire the Young Judaea community and see my peers inspire each other has been monumental and has taught me even more the importance of the space Young Judaea provides us with.

At first event of the year Mazkirut Leadership Training weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting the Regional Maz members from across the country, and I was struck by confidence and determination. From there, three of our new regions took off and held incredible events, in the Southeast, Texas and LA. In March, I flew to Texas and attended the first ever SWeeT convention and had the best time. Seeing the power of our Young Judaea traditions across the country yet again showed me the power and strength we hold as a community.

I want to thank everyone for making this year as special as it was and also remember 1909 when Young Judaea was founded giving us all the place to become leaders. We are carrying the fundamental values of Zionist youth leadership on and continuing to expand ourselves. I am so excited to continue being involved in the ways that I can and to see the unique takes on year round programming as we embrace pluralism, intellectual conversations, traditions, the Jewish people, and most of all each other. 

As we transition to adulthood, we should have the power to dictate what our adult world will look like. Now more than ever it is important for teens to have places to express their voices and to develop themselves into leaders.

Recently, there’s been a rise of antisemitism, making it clear that it is not just thing of the past. We must reflect to understand the potential dangers of the rise in antisemitism that is happening now. In April, Young Judaea, along with Park Avenue Synagogue and other local partners, spearheaded Education to Action: Teen Summit on Israel and Antisemitism — a space made for teens, by teens, to talk honestly and openly about what we’re facing right now. We heard from powerful voices like Adela Cojab and Montana Tucker — both of whom have taken bold stands against antisemitism and anti-Zionism, using their platforms to educate, remember, and speak out. Montana shared how the stories of her Holocaust survivor grandparents fuel everything she does, especially since October 7. Her message hit hard: we are the next generation of memory keepers and changemakers. A group of teens, myself included, came together to write a statement called “Voices Not Victims” — a statement that’s not just about what’s happening to us, but what we’re going to do about it. It’s a call for every Jewish teen to add their name, their story, and their voice — because we’re not just watching history unfold. We’re shaping it. And when we stand together, loud and proud, we’re not just honoring the past — we’re building the future.

Young Judaea empowers us to be those kinds of leaders. Leaders who remember. Leaders who build. Leaders who create strong Jewish communities rooted in pride, resilience, and real connection.

By Vivian Genn Pittman

My brave grandmother Sabina Herbst and my mother Myra kept in touch for years with the Rajskis—the Christian family who courageously hid them in the attic of their barn for almost a year during the Holocaust. Letters were exchanged faithfully until the 1950s, when communication abruptly stopped.

Myra and Sabina had immigrated to America a few years beforehand, in 1948, to start a new life for themselves. They tried to move forward and bury the traumatic past, which included Sabina’s husband/ Myra’s father Chaim Herbst taken away when Myra was just three, witnessing loved ones being killed, and surviving unimaginable anxiety, loss and fear. Myra and Sabina lived hard in America, enjoying education, work, family, friends and Jewish traditions. They tried to keep the dark war memories at bay and the Rajkis in their hearts. 

In the 1990s, something shifted. After attending the first Hidden Children’s Conference in New York City, Myra felt a surge of determination: she had to find the Rajskis and thank them, in person, for having the courage to do right in the face of evil. With the help of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem, she succeeded.

By then, the Rajski parents—Wincenty and Stefania—had sadly passed away in Poland. But the two young daughters, whom my mother had watched running free through the fields from the cracks of the wooden barn attic, were now grown women, one living in Poland and one in Michigan, with large families of their own. A third sibling, born after the war, had children as well. Myra invited the Rajski siblings and their families to our home in New Jersey for a reunion.

Although excited, Myra was also nervous. She worried: Would the Rajskis resent that their parents had risked their lives for Jews? Did they harbor antisemitism? Would they come at all?

My sister and I, along with our parents, waited anxiously in our hometown of Tenafly, NJ, not yet fully grasping the rarity and magnitude of what was about to unfold. 

And then—they arrived.

The reunion was emotional and unforgettable. Arms outstretched, tears flowing, languages broken but hearts full. We spent several days together in our old brick house, swapping stories and photos, exploring Ellis Island, touring New York and New Jersey, and bridging decades of silence with laughter, love, and shared humanity.

For Sabina and Myra, it was almost impossible to believe. After barely surviving the harsh conditions of war, and the ghetto, after losing friends, family, belongings and freedom, after hiding in the woods, caves and then in a freezing attic for nearly a year, after surviving, rebuilding, remembering—they could now thank the family who had risked everything to save them.

Sabina beamed with pride as she showed off my sister and I, her two “mana shaina medelach” in Yiddish “my beautiful girls”- and the life she had built in America.

Later, Myra ensured the Rajskis were honored at the United Nations in a meaningful ceremony. Their names were added to the Wall of the Righteous at Yad Vashem. Our families have stayed connected since—visiting each other, meeting children and grandchildren, liking Facebook posts, texting across states and even continents.

The Rajskis were among the first to reach out to us after October 7th. Even now, they are a reminder of hope, of courage, of goodness. They feel like family.

It is a privilege, an honor, and also a profound responsibility to be a Holocaust descendant. The perspective colors every part of my life, each day. 

When I’m cold, I think of the rickety barn attic where my mother and grandmother hid, or the icy winds of a death march. When I see food left uneaten at a hotel breakfast buffet, I think about how many lives those scraps could have saved. When I see warm jackets piled into the lost and found bin, I wonder how many people could have survived with that added layer of warmth.

On other days, I draw strength from the resilience of my Grandma Sabina and my mother Myra. I speak up. I show up. I support Jewish causes, educate and organize, send my kids to Young Judaea Zionist summer camps and programs, visit Israel, and with my mom and children, share our family’s stories. History only survives if we carry it forward.

I am filled with urgency to preserve, to protect, to remember. To honor those who were murdered simply because they were Jews. To pass down stories that are harrowing, but also full of miracles, compassion, kindness and breathtaking courage.

I am in awe of the gratitude and strength that allowed my mother and grandmother not only to survive, but to thrive; to pursue education, to fight injustice, to live joyfully and proudly. Sabina never remarried, but poured her love into her only daughter, her granddaughters, and her Jewish identity. Myra, embracing her freedom, married her husband Manny later in life and focused on social work, Judaism, family and community, believing that living well was the best revenge.

We remember. We reflect. We respect. We tell the truth about the Holocaust and its lessons. We inspire, do good, and we hope for better. We appreciate and we celebrate life. Even in challenging times we are not alone and we are stronger together. 

And we help ensure: Never Again.

Vivian was a camper and counselor at Camp Sprout Lake and Tel Yehudah and went on Year Course. Her children have also attended Sprout Lake, Tel Yehudah, Year Course, and Gesher. Her daughter Natalie is the incoming National Mazkira of Young Judaea.

To supplement your seder this year, our Central Shaliach, Amit Castel has written a special Seder Companion to add more meaning to your table.

Download and Print the Companion

By Shira Babajanov, Chavurah Programmer

One of the core pillars that Young Judaea prides itself on, is the commitment to be a strong pluralistic movement. For me, pluralism in YJ is prioritized through programming and marketing.

Over the past year while leading discussion groups at YJ Teens conventions, I’ve learned how to facilitate conversations around controversial topics. Each group was able to hold respectful dialogue despite differing opinions. This was possible because as members of Young Judaea, we value pluralism — creating a space where difficult conversations can happen without fear of judgment.

One example of a program I planned was a conversation on freedom of speech during protests on college campuses, and a discussion on how teens feel about it. Initially, I was worried about the topic being too controversial or that the groups would be uninterested. However, I was pleasantly surprised when my group ran with this topic and created their own conversation about the limits that should or shouldn’t be placed onto the first amendment. I love that YJ allows us to have conversations about serious issues in the world whether it be religious, political, or Zionist in nature.

The emphasis on pluralism in YJ enables teens to not only feel safe in group environments, but to feel confident in sharing their opinions on matters that are relevant to their interests. 

By Sidney Parker, Year Course 2024-2025

Young Judaea Year Course has given me a chance to engage with all kinds of people and have meaningful discussions in my own time. While we have structured classes and guest speakers meant to spark conversation, I find that the real learning often takes place outside of those defined spaces—whether it’s during our day hikes, at lunch, or in between classes.

Year Course is full of people with different opinions, and we’re all eager to share them. For instance, two of my friends are at opposite ends of the political spectrum—one is extremely left-wing, the other deeply right-wing. Every conversation they have about politics ends in a heated debate, with each throwing sources and ethical arguments at each other. Despite their differences, they are two of the closest people I know. They’ve chosen to room together and spend time together regularly. Even though neither of them has changed their political views, they coexist peacefully.

There’s also a religious divide. Some students go out daily to wrap tefillin, wear prayer shawls, and pray, while others, like me, get excited to grab cheeseburgers with friends who also don’t keep kosher. What’s amazing is that everyone here has sought out Rabbi Adam, our educational director, to learn more about Judaism on their own terms and have open, honest conversations with an expert about Jewish perspectives. Year Course gives me the freedom to grow and learn as a person, knowing that no one will judge me while I explore new ideas and navigate my own beliefs.

Throughout the program, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life and consider perspectives different from my own—all without fear of offending anyone or ruining relationships. At the end of the day, we all share meals together and sleep under the same roof. No difference in opinion could ever break the bonds we’ve built over the course of this year.