More than 1,000 people recently attended the Washington 15 Conference, where they had the opportunity to take part in “Make It Matter,” a dynamic program aimed towards young leaders in the Jewish community. A group from The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles spent March 15-18 in Washington, DC, learning about important issues facing Jewish communities across the United States, and lobbying for greater support from Congress. Below, Steven Geller, current chair of the Israel Independence Day Festival and National Young Leadership Cabinet and National Ben-Gurion Society member, reflects on his experience at the conference.

Someone recently asked me my favorite recipe. Here's what I told them:

Start with 1100 young(ish) Jewish professionals ranging from late 20s to early 40s from all over the United States, Canada and Israel.

Assemble in a large conference center in Washington DC.

Add liberal amounts “ruach,” blatant chutzpah, camaraderie, thirst for learning and pure energy.

Stir with major speakers such as Secretary of State Madeline Albright; former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer; President & CEO of The Mellman Group Mark Mellman; NBC News' Chief White House Correspondent David Gregory; International Children's Rights Advocate and New York Times Best-Selling Author Jenna Bush; President and CEO of United Jewish Communities Howard Reiger; Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Rabbi David Saperstein; Israeli Deputy Minister of Defense Matin Vilnai, and many others discussing cutting edge issues.

Infuse with the humor of Ari Sandel's West Bank Story; the inspiration of beneficiaries of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and other programs spanning the globe.

Sprinkle with knowledge of what the federated system is and show examples.

Add in copious amounts of shmoozing, great music and friendship, while challenging the group to answer "Why be Jewish?" and teaching them how to "Make it Matter.” Engage them, push them, enlighten and inspire them.

Then place directly into fire as the whole assemblage is topped with visits to members of congress, discussing current legislation deemed vital not only to Jews, but to the well being of those we serve, seeking support for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Finally, remove from fire. Catch flights home. And never turn down the heat.

Oh, the recipe? Building the future of the Jewish Community. The kitchen? Last month's UJC National Young Leadership Washington 15 conference.

I am incredibly proud and honored to have been a part of the 22-person strong L.A.-area delegation of young leaders.

For more information on Washington 15 or the Federation’s Young Leadership Division, please contact Cassie Kirschbaum at (323) 761-8132 or CKirschbaum@JewishLA.org.