Year: 2017

I attend the University of California, San Diego, where I’m majoring in Ecology and Evolution. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been really passionate about, and the only thing I’ve wanted to study. Being at a top-tier research university gives me access to a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. And the main reason I am able to be here is because of the Brawerman Fellowship. The program has taken a tremendous load off my shoulders because I no longer have to worry so much about financing my education. I can focus more on succeeding and pursuing these new opportunities that are available to me. But while I am greatly appreciative of the financial support, I don’t think it is the most valuable thing Brawerman has given me. Let me explain.

The Community Internship Program (CIP), for rising high school juniors and seniors, combines paid summer internships in dynamic and impactful Jewish non-profit organizations with workshops that develop life skills. Teens will contribute to the diverse ways in which our diverse partner organizations — ranging from summer camps and museums to law firms and advocacy organizations — support our community.

Infinite Light 2017 is NuRoots’ third annual citywide celebration of miracles. It’s a curated, eight-day festival of experiences that highlights the creative energy of Hanukkah generated…
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Every summer, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles sends 20-25 Jewish college students and young professionals to Tel Aviv for eight weeks to intern with companies and organizations suited to their professional interests. Participants not only gain international job experience, but also bond as a cohort and learn more about Israeli society through touring days across the country, supplemental programming and lectures, and Shabbatons with all Onward cohorts.

As Thanksgiving approaches, families across the country are coming together to express collective gratitude over bountiful meals.

LA Couples is Federation’s 18-month program that introduces couples to L.A. Jewish life, local leaders, and the world of Jewish philanthropy — simultaneously connecting participants to their own partners and to other couples at a similar life stage.

At the Israel Levin Center on the Venice Boardwalk, young adult members of the Federation’s NuRoots initiative meet with senior citizens for intergenerational activities. Millennials flock to the Center to prepare meals for the seniors, teach them how to use their tech devices, and join them in weekly jam sessions and Shabbat lunches. Seniors hold court as they impart wisdom to their younger friends and crack up the visitors with classic Yiddish humor. Friendships that would otherwise never exist flourish, thanks to this brainchild of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Engaging young adults is a cornerstone of Federation’s commitment to fostering vibrant Jewish life in LA. Our program team employs a multi-pronged strategy to create networks, affinity groups, leadership development initiatives, and a variety of other creative ways for young people to both connect with existing Jewish opportunities and develop new ones for themselves. Through our partnership with Masa Israel, we provide one such opportunity — a chance for young adults to develop their lifelong connections to the Jewish world and the Israeli community.

LA Couples is Federation’s 18-month program that introduces couples to L.A. Jewish life, local leaders, and the world of Jewish philanthropy — simultaneously connecting participants to their own partners and to other couples at a similar life stage. LA Couples provides participants the opportunity to attend exclusive events, be inspired by mentors, and learn from community leaders and trailblazers. This program is about personal growth, building new friendships, and strengthening relationships with your partner.

This year, Young Adults of Los Angeles (YALA) has hosted multiple events highlighting communities and cultures from across the Jewish world. Programs have included a panel discussion about Balkan and European Jewry, a cooking demonstration of North African Jewish traditional food, and a Mexican Shabbat dinner. Read on for an interview with Lauren Maddahi, a YALA board member and co-chair for YALA’s Global Jewish Experiences, as she shares about her global Jewish experience and perspective.

This year, we are profiling a few of our riders and hikers to find out why they participate in Tour de Summer Camps and what Jewish summer camp means to them. Check out our interview with Carolyn Kangavari, who is riding 18 miles this year with Team Out’Spoken!