As Young Judaea prepares to begin a new year, I want to share a few words about my experience in YJ and as the National Mazkira. 

I have been part of the YJ community since birth, as my mom was active in camps, year round programming, and Israel programs. My personal journey started in 2015 at Sprout Lake, where I fell in love with the values, people, and community of YJ. I continued through Sprout Lake until it was time for me to go to TY. At TY, I found love, energy, passion for Judaism, and leadership opportunities unlike anywhere else. Inspired by this experience, I joined YJ Teens in ninth grade, where I have spent the past four years. 

Being a part of YJ Teens has truly changed my life. I had the opportunity to grow as a leader and as a person. I discovered my passion for writing programs, organizing conventions, and leading my peers in various activities. I also found a community that truly valued my skills, personality, and presence. 

When I was elected as the National Mazkira in January, 2025, I had so many goals for the year. I was so excited to be in a position where I could make real positive changes and give back to the community that has given me so much. I am proud to say that in this position, I accomplished many of my goals. 

This year, the National Maz increased convention registration numbers drastically, holding a National Convention with over 130 teens, an 45% increase from the year prior. We planned the first ever Nationwide Shabbat, where over 20 Judaeans from across the country hosted Shabbat dinners for their friends and family, sponsored by YJ Teens. We organized a Young Judaea marching group in the Israel Day Parade, the first time marching independently. In May, we had an Altneu weekend at Tel Yehudah, where the outgoing and incoming National Maz collaborated and learned from one another. YJ Teens also saw the creation of multiple new Va’adot, or clubs, across the country. 

I put all of my energy into making these programs happen, and I could not have done it without the amazing team who I worked with all year. The four other National Maz members, Yael Friedman, Jesse Flumen, Addie Slater, and Ruth Glaser, all carried the passion and commitment required to accomplish our goals in YJ Teens. I want to especially thank Michal Abramoff, who directed our year of YJ Teens, and continues to make progress in the movement. I also want to share my deep appreciation for Amit Castel, our National Advisor this year. Amit was always there to support our Maz, and we could not have done it without him. 

While working at TY this past summer, I was approached by countless teens asking how they can bring YJ Teens programming to their communities. Seeing the passion in the next generation of Judaeans makes me very hopeful for the future. I am confident that the incoming National Maz will continue to improve Young Judaea. I am personally so excited to pass the torch to Hallie Liberman, the incoming National Mazkira, and cannot wait to see where the movement goes under her leadership. 

Thank you Young Judaea for giving me a lifelong community where I can truly be myself, a proud Jewish leader. I am forever grateful for the people I’ve met and opportunities I’ve had. I cannot wait to continue my YJ Journey on Year Course in just a few weeks, and for now, say goodbye to YJ Teens. 

– Natalie Pittman, National Mazkira 2025-2026

Three years. Who would have believed it?

I arrived in New York in September 2023, and from the very beginning, Young Judaea welcomed me with open arms. One month later, the world changed in ways none of us could have imagined, and so did the reality of my shlichut. Through three constantly changing years, we grew, brought countless programs and conventions to life, and created meaningful moments for hundreds of chanichim across the country. Along the way, Young Judaea became a home for me, too.

I had the privilege of being Young Judaea’s first shaliach in many years and helping plant the seeds of a new chapter for the movement. Now, it’s time to pass the responsibility into new, fresh hands. I’m so happy to welcome Mai, YJ’s new Central Shlicha, and wish her the very best as she builds on what we’ve achieved and plants plenty of seeds of her own! A huge thank you to our National Mazkirut and all of the incredible YJ teams, staff, and advisors I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished, but I know this is only the beginning.

Now, I’m packing up my home in New York and preparing to return to Israel. I’m incredibly happy to be going home, but I already miss it, including the little things, like Saturday night Havdallah and Rikkud. What can beat that?! Most of all, thank you to every person I met, worked with, learned from, and shared this journey with. The YJ journey is never really over, and I can now say for sure that I’m a Judaean for life. Until we meet again, in the U.S., Israel, or anywhere else around the globe.

Forever yours,

Amit

Get to know the National Director of YJ Teens, Michal Abramoff!

I was born in New York City and grew up in Israel, so I’ve always felt at home in both the Israeli and American Jewish worlds. Before joining Young Judaea, I got to wear a few amazing hats — from serving as a shlicha on the Upper East Side of NYC to leading Noar Telem, Israel’s Reform youth movement, as its National Director. I’m now working toward my doctorate in Jewish Education at JTS, and when I’m not diving into all things YJ, you can usually find me doing arts and crafts, catching a Broadway show, reading a good book, or hanging out with my dog, Chloe!

As the National Director of YJ Teens, I’m so excited to be part of a movement where teens take the lead, make an impact, and have an incredible time doing it.

Young Judaea is so needed right now—it gives Jewish teens a place to belong, be proud of who they are, and dream big about the future. As a lifelong Zionist who grew up in Israel, I’m especially proud to be part of a movement that has championed Zionism and a deep connection to Israel for more than a century. I’m passionate about helping teens explore their Jewish identity and realize their power as changemakers. Their energy, curiosity, and courage inspire me every single day! I feel so lucky to help create spaces where they can grow, connect, and lead with meaning and heart, while also being part of Young Judaea’s rich history and traditions and helping carry its remarkable legacy into the future.

Get Involved with YJ Teens

This year, Pittsburgh YJ Teens pioneered the Pittsburgh Jewish Teen Council, bringing together teen leaders from Young Judaea, BBYO, USY, and Rodef Shalom/Temple Sinai to plan a first-of-its-kind community program.

Their efforts culminated in a citywide Challah Bake where teens explored Jewish identity, built new connections, and participated in hands-on social action projects focused on education, immigration, and the environment.

Made possible through a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the initiative showcased YJ’s teen leaders as the driving force behind bringing Pittsburgh’s Jewish teen community together!

Recently, YJ National Mazkira Natalie Pittman was a panelist in a screening of the award-winning documentary 999: The Forgotten Girls in NYC. Her mother and YJ alum, Vivian Genn-Pittman, wrote the words below.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with author and producer Heather Dune Macadam and team to help organize a powerful event; a film screening of the award-winning documentary 999: The Forgotten Girls, in NYC earlier this week on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

The film tells the gripping, little-known stories of 999 young Jewish women, mostly teenagers, deported from Slovakia on the first Jewish transport to Auschwitz in March 1942, after being misled into believing they were reporting for volunteer work. 

We were able to fill close to 999 seats in the theater, one for each girl, and had an estimated four thousand viewers on livestream.

A panel discussion with film producer, teen leaders and descendants of Holocaust survivors, including Natalie as a leader and granddaughter of a hidden child survivor/ my mom Myra Genn, (who was also honored as one of only two Holocaust survivors in the audience) followed the film. 

There was not a dry eye. 

Focus was on bearing witness, resilience, kindness, education, and a promise to carry facts and lessons forward to better humanity. 

I am heartbroken and inspired by the stories, proud beyond words of Natalie, and grateful for my mom’s recognition, resilience and continued light and love. 

A trailer of the film can be viewed here.

The introduction and discussion with Natalie following the film can be viewed here. (See Natalie speak at 18:32)

YJ Teens National Convention was such a fun and meaningful experience. First and foremost, I loved getting to see my friends, but the weekend was about so much more than that. The programming was engaging, and from a leadership perspective it was amazing to see how involved and invested everyone was in the conversations.

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the speakers. We were honored to have five incredible speakers lead workshops: Sarri Singer, Charlotte Korchak, Hava Tizazu, Kami Salman representing Talk Israel, and Shira Rosen. Each of them brought something unique, whether sharing personal experiences or offering education and guidance around Israel and antisemitism. One takeaway that really stuck with me was Charlotte Korchak’s explanation of antisemitism on the left. It can be incredibly painful to experience, but she emphasized the importance of standing up to it with facts, and that message really resonated with me.

Another moment that will always stay with me was Shira and Havdalah. There is something so special about ending Shabbat and starting the week surrounded by your favorite people and meaningful traditions. Overall, as a leader, it was incredibly rewarding to see how engaged everyone was and how productive the discussions were. National Convention was truly an amazing and educational weekend!

By Ruth Glaser, National ISAP

Last weekend, 130 teens from across the country and around the world came together for YJ Teens National Convention—and from the moment we stepped off the buses, the energy was undeniable. Friends reunited, new connections were formed, and excitement filled the room as we began an unforgettable weekend. Together, we celebrated Shabbat, deepened our Jewish identities, engaged in meaningful discussions about Israeli current events and our national initiative on human trafficking, and learned more about our role in the world. We sang and danced at Shira and Rikkud (one of the best Rikkuds of my YJ journey!), heard from powerful speakers, and elected the next National Mazkirut—leaders I know will bring passion and heart to YJ in the year ahead.

As National Mazkira, watching 130 teens come together in this moment filled me with immense pride.

Planning this weekend alongside the National Mazkirut was a labor of love, and standing in front of that room gave me so much hope for our future. I shared with the teens that there are times when the world feels overwhelming and helpless—but that YJ is how I push back against that feeling.

Through YJ, I’ve become more educated, more connected to my Judaism, stronger in my support for Israel, closer to my community, and more confident as a leader. Seeing these same qualities reflected in so many teens reminded me why this movement matters so much.

One moment that truly stayed with me was hearing from Sarri Singer, who shared her powerful survival story after being severely injured in a terrorist attack in Israel. After her recovery, she founded Strength to Strength, an organization that connects survivors of terrorist attacks around the world. Sarri reminded us that when trauma silences us, the terrorists win—but when we remain proud, open, and loud, they never can. Her message of resilience and strength is one I hope every teen carries with them moving forward.

Thank you to everyone who made National Convention so special—the weekend was incredible because of all of you. I’m excited for what’s ahead this year and can’t wait to see you at future YJ Teens events!

— Natalie Pittman, National Mazkira 2025-26

By Natalie Pittman, National Mazkira 2025-2026

This week, I was honored to join the AZM Biennial Conference as a teen leader representing Young Judaea with AZYC. When I first arrived at the conference, I had the opportunity to meet teens from across the country whom I had been working with on Zoom. Each one was an active member and leader of a Zionist youth organization, working towards supporting Jewish communities and Israel.

I was immediately impressed by each teen at the event. Everyone was conversing with the adults in the room, bringing voices, knowledge and opinions into the conversation, and inspiring one another to engage in activism.
As the day continued, we listened to countless speakers and heard various perspectives from Zionist leaders.

I particularly remember one session in which an amazing speaker told her personal story of survival, growth, inspiration, and determination during an attack. Then, she asked the teens in the room a question: as future leaders of the Jewish community, what do we need to help our Zionist movements succeed?

As I thought about this question, memories that shape my Jewish identity filled my head. I pictured celebrating Shabbat with my YJ community, laughing during Rikkud, debating Israeli politics with my friends, and so much more. To me, my connection to Israel and Judaism is fueled by Young Judaea. I realized that the joy YJ brings into my life inspires me to be a passionate leader in the Jewish community.

I then shared my answer with the group: I think that good Zionist leaders are rooted in love for, and joyous experiences associated with, the Jewish community and Israel.

The conference reminded me that as a leader in YJ, I have the responsibility to educate my peers about these important values. I am determined to work hard to bring Jewish knowledge, connection, pride and joy into the Young Judaea community.

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