Jewish Teens Leading the Way
by Dori Gerber
Meet some of the dedicated leaders of Central Florida’s many Jewish youth groups.
Publisher’s note: We put out an all-call on Facebook for young Jewish leaders, and these are just some of the remarkable teens who responded. Look for more profiles in the next issue of J Life, and if you or your child/grandchild would like to be featured, connect with us at Dori@JLifeOrlando.com.
Talya Cohen
Winter Park High School, Junior
USY (United Synagogue Youth) through Congregation Ohev Shalom
In her sophomore year of high school, Talya Cohen embarked on a semester-long trip to Israel and returned knowing she wanted to become involved in her local youth group, USY. It was a journey to Israel that fostered a passionate love for the country, and joining the USY Chapter Board has given her the opportunity to share her love for Israel and Judaism with her peers. Serving as the vice president of Israeli affairs, Talya has strengthened her leadership skills, which she describes as inclusive, determined, organized, and enthusiastic. As a student pursuing a pre-med track at an elite college, Talya feels that serving on the USY board is preparing her to connect with the Hillel at her future college campus and to work at a leadership level to organize events and encourage members to participate.
Talya’s advice for an apprehensive teen concerned about this important commitment: “For anyone who is wary of whether or not to join an organization, I recommend trying it out for at least three local events.
“You can truly understand the feel of that youth group, and you’ll realize it is not a school activity where you’re in a school environment or doing school-related things. It’s simply a place for you to meet with other teens who are just like you. If you try a couple events, and you don’t think it’s a good fit for you, no harm, no foul. So why not try?”
Jordan Gebaide
Winter Park High School, Junior
BBYO
Jordan is the Regional Moreh, or regional head of recruitment for North Florida Region AZA (AZA is the boys’ branch of BBYO). Recruiting Jewish teens to be a part of a youth movement is very important to Jordan. He feels that one of the most critical things for American high schoolers who are past their b’nai mitzvah years is to remain active so as not to lose touch with the heritage and culture of being Jewish.
For Jordan, the decision to get involved in a Jewish youth group was easy. He explains that his mother was the international president of BBYO when she was a teenager, so he knew about the organization at a young age.
At first, he attended local chapter events, which he says were a great way to hang out with other Jewish high schoolers. After his first regional convention, Jordan knew that he wanted to make the most of his BBYO experience, prompting him to pursue leadership positions to positively impact the organization.
Jordan says that his involvement in BBYO is preparing him for Jewish life outside of high school.
“As a Jewish teen leader, I have gained many skills that I will carry with me throughout my life,” he says. “My communication and speech-giving capabilities have definitely benefited from my leadership role. Combined with my schoolwork, the tasks required of me as a teen leader have made me a more responsible individual. Most importantly, my teamwork skills have also benefited from working on the numerous boards I’ve served on.”
Sylvia Smily
Winter Springs High School, Junior
GORFTY (Greater Orlando Federation of Temple Youth) through Congregation of Reform Judaism
“Helping teens explore their Jewishness.” That’s how Sylvia explains why she loves being a Jewish teen leader. Sylvia says that being in a Jewish youth group provides a welcoming environment where it is not strange to be Jewish. It also opens up so many doors to explore one’s relationship with their faith. Plus, there are the added bonuses of hanging out with friends and attending exciting group programs.
Julia Geismar
Hagerty High School, Junior
JSU (President) and J-Serve (Co-Captain)
Asked to describe being a Jewish teen leader, using only five words, Julia Geismar wisely chose, “Relationships that matter in life.”
She explains that getting involved in Jewish youth groups has created relationships she will cherish for a lifetime.
Julia says it’s not only the other teens she has met through these groups, but the advisors and adults, too, that have been a big part of her Jewish journey. They have always been there for her and made it possible for her to become a Jewish teen leader.
Julia became aware of Jewish youth groups through her synagogue, Temple Shir Shalom, allowing her the chance to discover many great opportunities and great people in the Jewish community.
“I decided to pursue leadership roles because I’ve always had a close cultural relationship with my religion, but I wanted to become more religiously close with Judaism,” Julia says. “I also enjoy surrounding myself with people in the Jewish community, and taking on leadership roles has allowed me to expand my relationships even more.”
This self-described inclusive and contemplative young woman offers the following advice to teens deciding if they should explore a Jewish youth group:
“Don’t question it. Just try it out and see how you like it. If you’re not a fan at first, keep going back. And, it doesn’t matter when you start. You could be a senior in high school, and it will still be the greatest time you’ll ever have!”