By Nina Berkowitz

This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Business and

Marketing Program through Onward, and my experience was nothing short of

transformative. While I had visited Israel before, it was nothing compared to the

immersive experience I had this past summer. Living independently, I had the

opportunity to deeply connect with Israeli culture while gaining invaluable professional experience through my marketing internship.

I interned with Alike Health, a startup healthcare platform that uses AI technology to connect individuals with similar medical histories. The platform enables people to share their experiences, ideas, and offer emotional support, fostering a sense of community among users with common health conditions. As a marketing intern, I contributed to content creation for social media, assisted with the development of their new website, wrote blog posts, and created informative videos for a new feature on their app and website. This hands-on role gave me the chance to see my ideas come to life in a meaningful way.

Beyond gaining professional experience, I immersed myself in the Israeli work
environment, building lasting connections with the team at Alike Health. My background in content creation and video editing allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the company, while also expanding my skill set. Despite studying Psychology and Health Medicine & Society in college, I was eager to explore the business world, and this internship challenged me in ways that helped me grow both professionally and personally. It was thrilling to see my content brought to life on Alike’s platform, and I learned how to shape my ideas to better cater to users’ needs. This experience pushed me to become a more thoughtful, analytical thinker.

On a personal level, this program deepened my connection to Israel. Growing up
in a Conservative Jewish household and attending Jewish day schools, I’ve always had a strong Jewish identity. Being in Israel on my own terms allowed me to develop routines, explore Tel Aviv, and truly live the experience. It felt especially important being in Israel and supporting the country after October 7th as I began experiencing the ways hostility grew on my campus. I was longing to return to Israel and away from the antisemitism that’s been sweeping many universities. So, being in Israel this past summer felt that much more important.

In summary, the Onward program was a pivotal experience for me. It helped me
become more independent, gain valuable work experience, and further strengthen my Jewish identity. It was, without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shaped me both professionally and personally.

Hello, my name is Nomi Gedzelman and I am so excited to be the National Mazkirah of YJ Teens this year.

I have been part of Young Judaea since starting at Sprout Lake in 2017, continuing through my years at Tel Yehudah and this past summer on Gesher in Israel. I’ve also been on Regional Mazkirut in the Northeast for the last two years.

My strong love for the Young Judaea community inspires me every day, which is why I am grateful and excited to be in this position this year. I hope to spread this love and significantly increase nationwide engagement. We are starting off the 2024-2025 with more regional leaders in more places than in many years, and will be kicking off programming in NYC, Northern NJ, Chicago, Pittsburgh, LA, Atlanta, and Austin local areas, and planning for three regional conventions in the spring, following our annual National Convention in January!

This past weekend at Mazkirut Leadership Training, all Maz members had the ability to bond and share our excitement for the coming year. We spent the whole weekend developing meaningful programming dealing with Zionism and our relationships with Israel and more. Every Mazkirut member is extremely dedicated to the Young Judaea community and its core values. I am confident that this year will be extremely meaningful and so much fun.

As we dive into the year with our National Initiative being antisemitism, we will learn about its roots and how we can combat it as young Jewish leaders. Mazkirut leadership training weekend made it clear that our unique, inviting, and warm community has and will continue to be an extremely important driving value. Throughout the year we are going to have local Havdalah hangs, Friday night dinners, Rikud and more of our traditions which have always brought us together as a community.

I can’t wait to see you at a YJ Teens event this year!

Summer camp can often feel like an oasis— a refuge from the usual worries and fears of everyday life. This summer, that sense of escape was stronger than ever. We’re in a time where ‘real life’ feels unpredictable. Our hostages could be brought home, the war could end, and we will have a new president soon. But at camp, the comfort of community, specifically of Jewish community, made the uneasiness dissipate, even if for a short time.

From the moment campers arrived at one of the seven Young Judaea camps, they exhaled. They happily reunited with friends in a place they call home, and felt comfortable to fully express their Jewish pride. How inspiring it was to see chanichim and madrichim alike, proudly don their Magen David’s or Chai’s on their shirts.

Before camp opened, the staff decided that this summer would be a news and screen-free environment. They carefully selected which news to share with campers and staff, not to shield them from the outside world, but to help them remain present. In the end, this decision proved invaluable. Many campers and staff expressed their gratitude, noting how they were able to wake up and go to sleep without the constant anxiety of the day’s news cycle.

Unplugging was the first step.

As camp began, there were concerns about how the college age students, many of whom were coming from campuses that were taken over by encampments and hostile environments would adapt to camp life.

At one of our camps, through a podcast project focused on helping people craft their Israel stories, the staff took several days to learn how to deeply listen to one another and to be vulnerable in sharing their stories. The American staff shared their campus war stories, and Israeli staff shared their Israel war stories – many had just returned from the army or had lost family and friends since October 7th.

Holding one another was the next step.

Mostly, this was a summer like any other. Campers went to the pool, sang shira at the top of their lungs, and cheered their friends on at Maccabia/bikkurim. They danced rikkud, sang Hatikvah, and slept under the stars. They connected with their madrichims, both American and Israeli.

Making joy normal again was the final step.

As we close out summer 2024, take the time to thank the extraordinary tzevet (staff) at each camp and sign up for next summer – your kids and grandkids deserve it!

Shabbat Shalom,

Adina Frydman,
CEO Young Judaea Global

Written by Susan Parkoff Canning, with support from: David Wilson, Walter Synalovski, Robin Freeman Nelson

At the 2023 75th Tel Yehudah anniversary celebration, a few camp and year course friends decided to pick a date and location for the next 1984-85 year course reunion. Washington D.C. was chosen as the location so the maximum amount of people could drive or fly direct, the 2nd weekend in August picked to ensure our core team could attend. Our group previously had a 10 year reunion in NYC, a 20 year reunion at Kutchers in the Catskills, a 25 year reunion in Las Vegas, and had planned a fall 2020 gathering in New Orleans that was canceled. A core group of four formed to develop a plan. We met monthly and started publicizing through our Facebook page and reaching out via email. Our year course was originally 120 strong and we were able to get in touch with a majority.

On August 9, 2024, 28 of us, including one of our former madrichim, gathered with some nerves and much anticipation. The joy of seeing special friends was apparent from the moment we interacted – all were welcomed with hugs and smiles. We each wore a lanyard name tag with a picture of our 18 year-old year course self, so we could connect past and present. We held Kabbalat Shabbat services and enjoyed a Mediterranean themed dinner, reconnected through shared memories, and remembered friends no longer with us. We looked at photo albums, scrap books, and t-shirts from the year and listened to a playlist of songs from the past, reflecting on how young we were.

Throughout the weekend, many of us expressed immense pleasure in re-connecting with people we had been close to, as well as forming new friendships with those who shared this unique experience. It is not easy to go to a reunion: not everyone wants to revisit the past, many are busy and caught up in present lives, it is hard to make the time or spend the money, some are already in touch with those they want to be. However a group experience is different and special. Many expressed gratitude that each one of us made the effort, showed up and spent time together. We caught up, prayed, sang and did Havdalah together, discussed Israel, shared, laughed, talked and remembered. We ended our weekend with a zoom including friends from around the country and in Israel, checking in to see how they are holding up.

Our final siyum included an old camp tradition of reflecting on our weekend. It was heartwarming and emotional. We are now discussing regional mini reunions and a 45th reunion in 2029. There is new energy and appreciation for special friendships made more than 40 years ago.

In memory of our friends from 1984-1985 YJ Year Course:
Keith Berman, Marc Bloom, Andrew Schauer, Danny Savitzky, Joshua Tobman

My name is Amit Castel and I am Young Judaea’s Central Shaliach and Director of Israel Education. As I wrap up my first year in this role, I had the incredible fortune of touring YJ camps across the country this summer. After a year full of challenges and unique experiences, I was eager to visit the iconic locations I had only heard about.

My journey began at CYJ Midwest in Wisconsin. Nestled by a picturesque lake, this camp is a vibrant hub for over 100 campers, offering them countless opportunities for summer fun. Despite some unpredictable weather, the spirit of the staff and campers remained high. The dedicated Tzofot (Israeli scouts) designed a beautiful toren (flagpole), and alongside the Israeli delegation, they orchestrated a memorable Yom Israel. We also paid tribute to the 120 hostages, with yellow ribbons displayed prominently and meals prepared in honor of their favorite dishes.

Next, I traveled to Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, CJ offers a breathtaking setting for hundreds of campers. The activities here are both engaging and educational, creating lasting memories. A particularly moving moment was seeing campers gathered at Mifkad Boker (morning flag raising) next to a handcrafted yellow ribbon from the carpentry workshop—a powerful reminder of this summer’s unique significance.

From there, I headed to Camp Tel Yehudah, along the iconic Delaware River in NY’s Pocono Mountains, just in time for Maccabiah! The energy and excitement were palpable, with the blue team emerging victorious. The dedication and enthusiasm from all the teams were truly inspiring. After a meaningful Shabbat filled with educational experiences, the week concluded with a deeply moving Havdalah and Rikkud (Israeli dance party). Despite the heat, the celebration seemed endless. Sunday was especially poignant, marking nine months since October 7th and honoring members of the TY community. The day’s activities, each reflecting the traits and values of those we remembered, culminated in a profoundly emotional ceremony with distinguished guests. It was a touching end to my visit, bringing me closer to home. As Young Judaea’s National Teen Camp, representing all of the Junior camps within its community, it is a true melting pot of tradition and personality.

My next stop was Sprout Lake, near Poughkeepsie, NY where the camp’s atmosphere makes you feel like you’re stepping into a kibbutz in Israel. Among the many exciting activities, I was struck by the project where campers painted clay roses as a tribute to southern Israel’s blooming roses, and appreciative to have the opportunity to participate myself. These roses will decorate the camp’s ceiling, serving as a powerful reminder to aspire for growth, hope and continuity.

Finally, I arrived at CYJ Texas. Despite the sweltering heat, the camp buzzed with activity—Mexico Day, Yom Israel, and various other exciting events made for an unforgettable experience. The camp’s deep connection to Israel was evident in the decorations, flags, and inspiring murals. The all-camp show, featuring a humorous theater performance, vibrant dance routines, and a captivating exhibit of Tzofiut (scouts), showcased the campers’ talents and enthusiasm.

Witnessing over 2,000 campers across five immersive camps unplug from their screens to celebrate their Jewish identity and love for Israel was truly uplifting. Our camps offer more than just fun; they provide a space to be fully present, share unforgettable moments, and deepen one’s connection to Israel. Many campers return year after year, and some even come back as staff, helping to build the community that has shaped so much of who they are. This summer has been remarkable, and I’m already looking forward to what we can build this coming year!

By Erica Cohen, Director of Teen Education

As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but feel incredibly fortunate to be part of something truly special. Working with teens has always been a passion of mine (I always say I’ve been doing this since I was one, which is now about 20 years!), but this year has been especially rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of our teens’ Jewish journey during a particularly complex time, and witness their growth. It has been nothing short of inspiring. 

Seeing how our teens harness their leadership and engage with their traditions and community is heartwarming. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about guiding and nurturing their curiosity, their questions, and their desire to connect with something greater than themselves.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been witnessing the excitement that comes with planning meaningful events and activities. Whether it’s a retreat, a volunteer project, or a discussion group, seeing our teens get excited about their Jewish identity and heritage is truly infectious. Their enthusiasm reminds me why I do what I do—to help ignite that spark of curiosity, passion and lifelong engagement.

This year, we’ve had some incredible moments. From deep discussions about Jewish values to fun-filled events celebrating holidays and traditions, every interaction has been an opportunity to learn and grow together. Led by the National Mazkirut, we pivoted as a movement to refocus on Israel after October 7, and they found powerful ways to weave in the complexities, nuance, and growing tensions. More than ever, we sat at the crossroads of Zionism, Pluralism and Tikkun Olam, demonstrating that these are stronger when they are in harmony, and relieving, perhaps even for a moment, the societal pressure to choose among them.

What’s been particularly rewarding is the sense of community that has developed. We’ve created a space where teens feel supported, valued, and empowered to explore their Jewish identity on their own terms. It’s about creating an environment where they feel safe to ask questions, express doubts, and ultimately find their own path. Led by our Regional Mazkiriot in the Northeast, Midwest and Texas, teens planned and led programs for their peers throughout the year. In the spring, teens in LA and Atlanta heard the call to action and began to organize to bring YJ Teens to their communities. We will be starting the coming year with a record 31 Teen Leaders across the movement, and we are certain this is only the beginning.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s to come. We have some amazing plans in the pipeline—more engaging programs, meaningful discussions, and opportunities for our teens to connect with each other in new and exciting ways. I can’t wait to see how they continue to evolve, both individually and as a community. We are building a staffing structure to support our regional growth, and developing new organizational partnerships that will elevate our ability to meet this important moment.

I am extremely grateful to have an incredible professional team who worked hard this year to ensure that the teens were supported and set up for success! Amit Castel joined us in September as the first Young Judaea Central Shaliach in over ten years, and is serving as our director of Israel Education. Our year-round team this year included Allegra Levone, Barak Levy, Lea Kamil, Eitan Weinkle, Chaim Steinberg, Sara Kasler and a number of event and convention staff. Our work would not be possible without this tremendous team.

So, here’s to another year of learning, growing, and celebrating our shared journey. Working with teens has been a privilege, and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of something so special. Together, we’re shaping the future of our community and helping our teens find meaning and joy in their Jewish identity.

Thank YOU to the teens who are part this movement for allowing me to join you on your journey. Here’s to many more inspiring moments ahead!

Through small acts of solidarity, we, as Jewish camps, have the power to effect change on a large scale and strengthen our communities.

CYJ Sprout Lake is honoring Omer Neutra, a former camper of who is currently being held captive, by creating a list of daily actions to keep the mission of freeing the hostages at the core of the Jewish community. Join us in one of the most important missions – time is ticking!

Print this Flyer for ways YJ Camps and YOU can continuously help to #BringThemHomeNow

 

By Gabe Hirsch, Year Course 23-24 Participant

Year Course provided me with the unique opportunity to not only live in Israel, but connect with people from all around the world. It allowed me to create tight knit bonds with people no matter the circumstances that we experienced.

Year Course began for me in Jerusalem. In this time I was given a safe space to truly show who I am. Kiryat Moriah is the perfect place for making new connections as there is no place to hide, people came to me and introduced themselves, and I did the same to others. In this first month the standard was set for my Year Course experience. It was to be a year where I not only met and connected with new people, but experienced life with them. Additionally, during my time in Jerusalem I was allowed to both learn about the history of the place I was living, as well as begin to appreciate it myself. However, that appreciation was quickly shifted to something else.

As everyone knows what happened on October 7th I won’t speak on it. However, what I will speak on was Young Judaea’s quick and intelligent response.

Within 3 days of the tragedy the entirety of Year Course was in one of the Safest locations in all of Israel. Kibbutz Ketura, The next month and a half here became one of the most meaningful parts of my year. We volunteered, helping around the kibbutz where reserves were missing, and helping those who were displaced living in Eilat. We integrated within the kibbutz, joining Shabbats, movie nights, and pool nights, becoming a stronger community even through a time of uncertainty.

During this time the most significant piece was how quickly my relationships strengthened. People on the other section that I had barely talked to became some of my best friends that I still talk to everyday. Kibbutz Ketura cultured the family feel of Year Course that was continued throughout the rest of the year, each and every member of Year Course is another brother or sister.

As life within Israel began to stabilize we returned back to our starting cities. Strengthened by our time in Ketura as well as ready and excited to welcome home those who left. We then finished our semester bringing the culture we had created to the rest of the program.

The final section of time that we had was when we switched cities. I moved from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. This move curated the true flourishing of relationships, friends became closer, and we began to value our limited time together. In addition many found meaning in helping the Israeli community through their internship, or in my case by working with Magen David Adom, the ambulance service in Israel. Being able to be on the ground helping individuals who needed emergency assistance gave me the chance to feel proud of myself for being able to contribute positively to the country.

As my time on Year Course came to end I began reflecting on what I believed the most significant and meaningful parts were, and to me, the single most important part of my year was the culture. The Young Judaea organization creates a fundamentally strong community for not only individuals to flourish and learn more about themselves, but weave strong relationships with one another that transcend time zones, cities, and countries.

As I return home from Israel and begin my time at college, I am thankful for the impact this year has made on me. Living in Israel taught me the importance of deep, meaningful, and strong connections between people I love, and I look forward to carrying that mentality with me onwards into my future endeavors.

By Lara Lew Strauss, Year Course 2023-2024 Participant

Wow, what a year.

Year Course has gone by in a flash. It was such a wonderful experience, beyond what words can describe. I have come away with a heavy and beautiful appreciation for Israel, its culture, the people who live there, and my role in the Jewish community. More so than ever before, I am filled with gratitude. The opportunity to explore and adjust to a new country, specifically Israel, is a privilege anyone would be lucky to have.

I had never heard of Young Judaea before embarking on Year Course. I delved into the program blindly with no friends or acquaintances, and came away with so many connections and so much love. People I didn’t know existed nine months prior became central to my life as we took on incredible experiences together through programming, such as snorkeling, volunteering in melon fields, picking strawberries, wine tasting, and filling our spare time with laughs and delicious meals out in the city. I never felt alone in a country halfway across the world, which speaks to how highly Young Judaea fostered a community amongst participants.

Since arriving at Ben Gurion airport on the first day of Year Course, I have felt so safe with the Young Judaea staff. The staff are always accessible, and have done excellently in communicating information and addressing our individual needs. This past year of 23-24, Year Course has performed exceptionally in adapting programming and making participants comfortable following the attack on October 7th. Our relocation to Kibbutz Ketura was done seamlessly, and maintained our quality of life the best it could.

Just one week after arriving home, I already find myself reminiscing about the places I enjoyed in Tel Aviv. I practically lived at Bograshov Beach, or at Shuk HaCarmel, or at the cafes along Habima Square. I would spend mornings walking as far as I could along the coast before my roommates would even wake up. I loved taking public transport to go to my internship without using navigation applications, to feel like I fit in with the locals. In Israel, I was confidently independent. The best moments of independence were those where I would walk the streets of Tel Aviv alone and randomly run into another Year Courser, which just made the city feel so personal and familiar. I felt so comfortable with my surroundings and so consumed by them, and I have never felt that way about any other place.

My biggest takeaway from the spontaneity with which I made decisions while on Year Course is that it is a blessing to be able to wake up and choose to do what fulfills you everyday, with no restraints. For those nine months, I lived life exactly as I chose. My goal for the future is to keep that attitude in my daily life, where life is what you make of it. Although all of us alumni will now undoubtedly have more responsibility as we embark on our next steps, we will maintain our freer spirits and stronger passions for adventure.

I could not be more grateful for my experience in Israel, the friends I made along the way, and the ways in which I underwent personal growth.

From the National Mazkir
Jonny Jentis

It has been an honor to lead the National Mazkirut this year. I look back on the year, and despite the tumultuous world we were thrust into, I can only think of how proud I am of everything National Maz and I have accomplished. From running one of the largest National Conventions in years, to kickstarting involvement across the country in areas we haven’t been able to reach for years, this year has been more than anything I could have imagined.

More than what we accomplished, I am grateful for the wonderful people I have gotten to meet and work with throughout the year. I want to thank my dear friends, Sari, Ilan, Dora, Leo, and Noah for being so devoted and passionate throughout the year and without whom I could not have done anything. I also want to thank Sara, Erica, Allegra, Amit, and all the other wonderful YJ staff who worked so hard to help us be successful; without their support, nothing we tried this year would have been possible. Although it seems as though my time at YJ Teens is coming to an end, I will always remember how spectacular my experience was and I cannot wait to continue to see how future Mazkiruts will make YJ flourish.

From the Northeast Mazkir
Sam Orshan

My time this year on the Northeast was very transformative. I had the privilege of ushering in a new era for Young Judaea and YJ Teens with the consolidation of the Northeast region. I was able to run a successful event every month this year as the Mazkir. My favorite event this year was the Havdallah hang and I hope Northeast can run even better programs next year and grow the region even more.

From the Midwest Mazkir
Akiva Weinkle

This year gave me a tremendous amount of hope for the future of the Midwest Region. All year I got to see the ruach of Midwest YJ both in person, at Pittsburgh events, and through pictures for Chicago. However, the highlight of the year was Midwest Convention where over 50 Midwesties, over half at their first convention, showed up to build community and memories. I got to see young leaders step up and take on the challenge of growing this region moving forward and I can’t wait to see what they do.

From the Texas Mazkira
Shira Babajanov

This year YJ kids at Texas had many successful programs that highlighted the community service, Jewish, and Zionist aspects of Young Judaea. This year we raised our attendance and started building up our region with the city committees to ensure programs run as best as possible.

From the (newly reopened) Southeast Region,
Lila Duke

Thanks to several months of tireless work and the endless support of our Young Judaea staff and National Maz, the Atlanta YJ Teens organization is up and running again! Although we have had just a few events so far, including a CJ Rikkud, a movie night, and a pool party, the spirit and community of those who attended have been evident and suggest a strong Young Judaea presence in the Southeast soon in the future!

From the (newly reopened) YJ West Region
By Hallie

We are so excited to have started the LA region! We will have year round events once a month starting next year with the goal to make an impact, bring our community together, raise awareness on Israel, and have fun!