More Than a Job: A Love Letter to 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