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!

As we look ahead to 2025–2026 with YJ Teens, we asked this past year’s regional leaders to reflect on their experiences and share what made this year so meaningful.

West
@yjteenswest
“This Year, the West Coast YJ teens had an amazing year full of growth, ruach, leadership, laughter, and fun. From pool parties and movie nights to Shabbat dinners and antisemitism awareness, the west community had the best year yet. We can not wait for next year and all that will come!”

-Hallie Liberman (West Mazkirah) 

Midwest
@midwestyoungjudaea
“As I look ahead to next year, I think about the incredible community I’ve found through the Midwest year-round programs. I learned how to care for my mental health during tough times — and just how powerful it is to know I have a whole community standing with me. Midwest’s community has grown and learned so much together, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings!”

-Ella Weinberger, YJ Teens Midwest Pirsum

DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia)
“As the newest area, the DMV is very excited for what the future holds. Just this past spring, we hosted two events that brought in teens from all over D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as other Jewish teens in the area. I’m excited for the future!”

-Zach Schanzer DMV Va’ad

Southeast
@southeastyoungjudaea
“Serving this past year on Southeast maz was one of the best experiences ever. I got to meet so many YJ leaders from all over the country. After going to two conventions and hosting events in my region I’m ready to have an even better year for the region and grow so many areas up!”

-Jason Rothenberg (Southeast Mazkir)

Texas
@cyjtxteens
“This was a breakthrough year for Texas Maz and we’re looking forward to hosting SWeeT Con at CYJ Texas again!

-Miriam Corove, Texas Mazkira

Northeast
@northeastyoungjudaea
This year, the Northeast region had an energy that we have never experienced— we expanded and had fun throughout! We can’t wait to see how the Northeast Maz continues to build on this amazing year!”

-Jesse Flumen, Northeast Pirsum

Get Involved with YJ Teens!

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

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

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.

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.