Meet the New National Mazkirut!

Shalom! I’m Allegra Wertheim and I’m from New York City. I’ve spent nine summers with Young Judaea: six at Sprout Lake, three at Tel Yehudah. I was the Long Island/NYC Mazkira for two years, and now I’m so excited to be National Mazkira! I love playing softball, playing piano, and exploring NYC. This year, I look forward to sparking more involvement in Young Judaea throughout the country, and continuing to connect Judaeans through our zoom events — and hopefully in-person events soon! I can’t wait to work with my peers on the National Mazkirut and regional Mazkiruyot to push through this difficult time and grow as a movement.

Hi! I’m Max Canning, from Poughkeepsie, New York and I’m so excited to be the new National Administrative Vice President!! I’ve been in YJ for most of my life starting in Ofarim at Sprout Lake all the way through Hadracha at TY. I have been on Empire Mazkirut for 2 years, as the Bogrim Programmer and Mazkir. Some things I enjoy doing include listening to music, skateboarding, and painting. I’m so excited for this year, despite the circumstances, and especially excited for all of the fun virtual (and also hopefully not virtual) events and conventions we are planning this year.

Manni Burach, Bogrim Programmer: Shalom! I’m Manni Burach, the 2020-2021 National Bogrim Programmer. I’m from Livingston, New Jersey and have spent seven summers at Young Judaea camps–four at Sprout Lake and three at Tel Yehudah. I’ve served as both Pirsum and Mazkira for the New Jersey Mazkirut and am thrilled to be making the transition to National Mazkirut this year! Other than spending time in Young Judaea, I enjoy making films and doing set design/construction. This year I’m excited to get creative with our programming and help mold it to fit our current circumstances, using technology to aid our peulot. I’m also looking forward to learning more from other regions and recruiting younger kids to become more involved in the movement from a younger age. I can’t wait to see everyone at our virtual programming and hopefully soon to be in-person events and conventions!

Shalom Young Judaea! My name is Julia Cooper and I am from Poughkeepsie, NY. I am so excited to be your 2020-2021 Ofarim- Tsofim Programmer! I started off my Young Judaea career going to Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake for seven years and Camp Tel Yehudah for three years. I also served on Empire Mazkirut for two terms as Pirsum and Administrative VP. Outside of Young Judaea I love playing tennis, field hockey, reading, and hiking. My favorite part of Young Judaea is the community that is created and, of course, rikkud. This year I am so excited to connect Young Judaea nationally and work with the regional OTPs to create fun and engaging activities.

I’m Massimo, and I’m from the lower east side of New York City. My first involvement with YJ was through Sprout lake in elementary school, I later went on to participate in three summers at TY and joined Year-round Young Judaea. I ran for National Mazkirut with the goal to have more communication and cooperation between the regional mazkiruyot and local clubs. My goal for this year is to inspire Young Judaeans to be more active in their communities by using our tools to let them know what is available to them. I am excited to see all the new faces on mazkiruyot and I believe that this could be a year that’ll see new growth across the organization.

Hi! My name is Sivan Ornstein-Luks and I am from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I have attended Young Judaea summer camps since I was eight years old, starting with Camp Judaea and most recently Camp Tel Yehudah. I have been to both regional and national conventions, but this is my first time on a mazkirut! Ultimate frisbee is a big part of my life and I started playing in middle school. I have been dancing since I was three and recently had an opportunity to choreograph a dance for my school concert. I am excited to help YJ grow its membership and to reach teens who haven’t had an opportunity to connect to the movement. Overall, I am excited about the opportunity to help Young Judaea grow and thrive.