Jewish Teens Leading the Way
Harrison Burke
Trinity Preparatory School, Senior
HaZamir Orlando, an International Jewish high-school choir
When asked for five words to describe what it’s like to be a Jewish teen leader, Harrison replied with, “Fostering identity, community through music.” Those words encapsulate Harrison’s belief that music is the common denominator, and that the HaZamir Choir provides the opportunity for social connection – a connection to Israel, leadership, and to grow one’s Jewish identity.
A recent transplant from the west coast, Harrison explains that this is his fifth year singing with HaZamir. In eighth grade, he joined HaZamir Silicon Valley, but when his family moved to the Orlando area in 2016, he couldn’t imagine not being a part of this amazing Jewish youth movement. Since a HaZamir Choir didn’t already exist in our community, Harrison decided to start one. After all, that’s what leaders do.
Currently, Harrison is serving his second term as one of the HaZamir Orlando chapter’s four teen leaders. His quiet and thoughtful leadership qualities provide the right personality to mentor and be a role model for the younger singers in the local choir.
When not making beautiful Jewish music with his HaZamir friends, Harrison can be found reading, singing, and hanging out with friends and family. He hopes, when he heads off to college to study chemistry, to sing as a part of the HaZamir Alumni.
Jacqui Gerber
Lake Brantley High School, Senior
GORFTY (Greater Orlando Federation of Temple Youth) through Congregation of Reform Judaism
This busy high-school senior – who fills her days with school, sports, work, volunteering, and the occasional Netflix marathon – also has just enough room for one of her most favorite things in the world: her Jewish youth group. In the last few years, Jacqui has held the positions of membership vice president, social action vice president, and now president. This self-described caring, altruistic, and understanding leader explains that being involved in Jewish life doesn’t have to end after you become bar or bat mitzvahed.
“Don’t let the name ‘Jewish youth group’ steer you away from wanting to continue your Jewish traditions, because it’s not something to be ashamed of,” says Jacqui. “It’s something to embrace and celebrate and will help inspire other Jewish teens to develop a strong Jewish identity that will remain with them in college and beyond.”
Though she is graduating this year and intends to study psychology in college, Jacqui says she will always treasure the friendships and memories she has made both as a participant and a board member of GORFTY, and she knows that she will seek out the Hillel on her new college campus with the willingness to get involved and continue her Jewish journey.
Arden Wallman
Winter Park High School, Senior
USY (United Synagogue Youth) through Congregation Ohev Shalom
Arden Wallman is no stranger to Jewish youth groups. In fact, she has been participating in them since she was in fourth grade. Fast-forward eight years, and many synagogue youth programs as well as regional and international conventions later, Arden is the current president of her USY chapter.
As a leader in her Jewish youth group, Arden says she has learned many life lessons, such as being patient with others and being open to new ideas. Those lessons will aid her when she pursues a career in communications or marketing after college.
With the unknown of college ahead, Arden will take with her an important lesson from her time in Jewish youth groups, and one that she hopes to impart on all the teens who are thinking of joining a Jewish youth group or a Jewish group in college.
“Joining something new can be scary sometimes,” she says. “But once you start going to events more frequently, you will start to notice that everyone in your youth group has the same passions as you. It’s so special to make those bonds with people who are in your community.”
Ella Colley
Lake Brantley High School, Senior
GORFTY (Greater Orlando Federation of Temple Youth) through Congregation of Reform Judaism
Being a leader in a Jewish youth group has had a profound effect on Ella. So much so, she hopes to attend the University of Florida and major in Jewish studies and join a Jewish sorority.
Ella is in her second year as programming vice president for GORFTY, which she says has not only molded her leadership style, but it has also given her a strong community of Jewish teens with whom she can learn religiously and count on to be there for her at any time.
As programming VP, Ella is responsible for planning many GORFTY events for the youth group. Fortunately, her personality has guided her to be a prominent, organized, and creative leader – skills she says will help her in the future as a college student.
When not planning epic events for GORFTY, Ella can be found participating in Lake Brantley’s marching band, hanging out with friends, submitting college applications, and spending time with her family.
For anyone thinking about joining a Jewish youth group, Ella says, “Definitely do so. You will be rewarded in so many aspects, especially by gaining a solid group of teens to connect with.”