USY alumni are making an incredible impact—in their communities, careers, and Jewish life. From rabbis and educators to activists and innovators, their stories reflect the lasting power of USY. This Double Chai campaign honors their journeys and helps ensure the next generation can have the same transformative experiences. Click below to support future leaders and celebrate our alumni legacy!
Adam Bender
CHUSY: BJUSY (Beth Judea USY, Long Grove, IL), Pilgrimage 2011, Nativ 32, Wheels staff 2015 & 2016, Wheels Rosh 2017 & 2018.
Adam Bender is a Jewish communal professional with a long history in USY! After graduating from USY, he staffed USY on Wheels East and Nativ 39. He has a master’s degree in Jewish education from JTS and currently serves Queens Hillel as Director of Engagement.
“USY was my springboard into Jewish life. Through my time in USY, I was given the tools to not only explore my own Jewish identity and find Jewish joy in my community, but most importantly, build a Jewish life that fits what I find meaningful. Without USY, I would not be the Jewish educator that I am today.”
Hannah Bartell
METNY: Beth El Synagogue Center (New Rochelle, NY), Nativ 36, Wheels 2013, Wheels Staff 2018 & 2019, Staff – Nativ 41,42,43.
Hannah Bartell is a METNY alum and participated in Nativ 36. After high school, Hannah was president of Binghamton University Hillel, and since then has made aliyah to Israel, participating on The Masa Israel Teaching Fellows Program and working as a Nativ staffer. She is currently pursuing a masters in Non-Profit Management at The Hebrew University.
“USY was truly the cornerstone of my Jewish upbringing and shaped so much of who I am today. It gave me a space to grow, to lead, and to connect with my peers, with mentors, and with my Jewish identity. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned still show up in my life all the time. USY taught me how to lead with compassion, communicate with purpose, and stay committed to what matters most. Even now, years later, I find myself drawing on those experiences whether I’m working with a team, building community, or simply trying to live out my values. USY impacted more than just my teen years; it laid the foundation for the person I continue to strive to be.”
Alayna Baram
Far West: Midbar Kodesh (Henderson, NV), Wheels West 2005
Alayna Baram is a Far West alum and USY staffer from 2013-2017. After graduating from USY, Alayna worked at JCA Shalom camp (Malibu, CA) and returned to Midbar Kodesh (Henderson, NV) as a chapter advisor. Now, Alayna is impacting the next generation as a second-grade teacher at Valley Beth Shalom Day School.
“USY helped confirm for me that I was interested in teaching, working with students, and that being a part of a Jewish community was an essential part of my life and who I am. It helped me to make connections, have Ruach, and enjoy being silly. It helped me to learn how to improvise and collaborate with others. USY even led me to meeting my now-husband, Matt Baram, at a Far West Regional event at AJU.”
Aaron Charlack
METNY: SHUSY (South Huntington Jewish Center, Melville, NY), Wheels 2015, Pilgrimage 2016
Aaron Charlack has served in USY leadership roles as a teen and as a staffer in METNY and Tzafon, and now is on the young adult steering committee for YALA. He loves to teach tefillah skills to young people and runs many programs at his home shul, Congregation Beth Shalom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“Growing up, USY gave me a safe space to just be myself. I always felt really comfortable and cared about by the people I would see at USY events, both other USYers as well as the staff, and was always excited to go to the next convention. It also gave me a place where I could learn more about and connect with Judaism. USY helped me to form my Jewish identity and shaped who I am to this day. If it were not for USY, I don’t think I would keep kosher or observe Shabbat the way that I currently do. This love for Jewish ritual and community that USY fostered has had a continuing effect on how I live my life, inspiring me to become more and more active in the various Jewish communities I find myself in. I love the community I have built for myself and the friendships and connections I have made, both locally and worldwide, and I don’t think I would have that if USY had not inspired me to stay connected to my Jewish roots.”
Daniel Warshawsky
CHUSY: Moriah Congregation McDUSY (Deerfield, IL), Nativ 31
Daniel Warshawsky is a CHUSY alum who has staffed events in CHUSY, CRUSY, and EMTZA. After high school, Daniel has worked across the Jewish communal world, including full-time as an Engagement Director for CHUSY, CRUSY, and Emtza and as a counselor, Rosh Eidah, and Yoetz at Camp Ramah Wisconsin. Additionally, he was part of the first cohort of Nachshon Project and previously served on the board of No Shame On U, a Jewish nonprofit focused on ending stigma for mental illness. Daniel is currently pursuing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
“USY instilled a foundational love of Jewish life and learning that has continued far past the end of my time as a USYer. It gave me the tools to create meaningful moments and relationships and connected me with some of the closest and most important people in my life. My time as a USYer also taught me to pursue my passions, and my coworkers and colleagues from when I worked for USY pushed me to follow those passions into a career in mental health. I’m so grateful for all of the love, experiences, and opportunities that my time in USY gave me.”
Rabbi Alex Friedman
SWUSY: AAUSY Agudas Achim USY (Austin, TX); Israel Adventure 2014
Rabbi Alex Friedman is a newly ordained rabbi, a SWUSY alum and past student rabbi on Nativ. Rabbi Friedman has taught at Ramah Berkshires, in shuls across North America, and will begin serving as Assistant Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Providence, RI this summer.He credits his time in USY with his choice to pursue rabbinical school at JTS.
“USY is why I chose to be a Rabbi. I was inspired by my fellow SWUSYites’ love of Judaism and each other. It was in USY that I gained an intuitive understanding of what a community can do for a young person, and where I became a Jewish leader. It was the first place I davened with much seriousness, where I learned how to bentch, and where I learned to love singing niggunim. I am deeply grateful for my time in USY and how much I’ve been allowed to grow and learn in the Jewish community since then.”
Alex (Harvey) Schonfeld
Far West: Congregation Beth Am San Diego (CBAUSY), Wheels 2009, Pilgrimage 2010
“What began as a fun way to make friends quickly became the most formative experience of my young life. Through leading services, creating programs, and serving in chapter and regional leadership, USY grounded me spiritually and helped me find my voice as a leader, volunteer, and confident Jewish adult. USY helped me discover that music was my most personal connection to Judaism—singing during services and reading Torah gave me a deep sense of spiritual connection and the confidence to make music a lasting part of my Jewish life. Along the way, I formed lifelong friendships that continue to enrich my life and keep me connected to a shared Jewish journey. In college, my commitment deepened as Judaism remained central to my studies and community life, where I continued building programs, visiting Israel, fostering interfaith relationships, and finding meaning in ritual. Today, Jewish life remains at the heart of my world. My husband, son and I are active members of Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan, and Jewish life will always be the foundation of my family. I’m committed to staying engaged through music, service, and nurturing a lifelong bond with Israel through visits and study—continuing to honor the passion USY sparked in me years ago.”
Elaine Berger
HaNegev: KUSY (Beth Shalom, Atlanta, GA), Wheels Staff 2023
Elaine Berger served as chapter president of KUSY and Rel/Ed VP for HaNegev. After high school, Elaine was the gabbai for the Conservative/Masorti minyan at UMD Hillel, and she still regularly leyns for Tremont Street Shul (Cambridge, MA). She currently attends graduate school at Brandeis, pursuing a master’s degree in Jewish education and Jewish professional leadership. Elaine has worked as a b’nai mitzvah tutor and religious school teacher for her home shul, Beth Shalom in Atlanta; staffs HaNer events and USY on Wheels; and she currently serves as the youth/teen engagement coordinator at Temple Aliyah in Boston.
“USY turned me into a Jewish leader, giving me the opportunity to come out of my shell. Through USY, I learned to love Judaism, honed leadership skills, began to find my passion for teaching Jewish content, and got to exercise my creativity. USY truly altered the course of my life and made me the person I am today. I’m incredibly grateful.”
Rabbi Aaron Leven
Far West: Temple Aliyah (Woodland Hills, CA), Far West Wheels 2006, Pilgrimage 2007
Rabbi Aaron Leven is a Far West USY and Nativ 29 alumni, who now serves as the associate rabbi for Nefesh – Los Angeles. After graduating from USY, Rabbi Leven attended JTS, did an Avodah fellowship, worked for OneTable, learned with Hadar Institute, and did a rabbinic fellowship with B’nai Jeshrun.
“USY played a fundamental role in my development as a young Jewish leader. My time in Far West showed me that Judaism could be a place where people felt safe to be their most authentic selves – where the pursuit of justice and joy were fundamental to what it meant to be alive. I still am best friends with many of the friends I made during my time in USY. I also want to share that I would not be where I am today without the love and mentorship of Merrill Alpert, full stop. I owe her so much in getting me to where I am today, and I continue to be in awe of the impact she has had on so many people in the Jewish community.”
Alyssa Gurwin
CRUSY: BuckUSY (Columbus, OH), Wheels 2015, Pilgrimage 2016
Alyssa Gurwin is a CRUSY alum who went on USY on Wheels and Poland/Israel Pilgrimage (now Yuval Yisrael). She now serves as the lead infant teacher for the Columbus Jewish Community Preschool and the USY chapter advisor at Congregation Tifereth Israel (Columbus, OH).
“USY has impacted me in many ways. While in USY I gained an appreciation of being Jewish and that it is something to be proud of. USY also helped me to become comfortable in leading large groups and having a voice in things I believe in. During my time in USY I had the opportunity to experience many different things. Some of those things included chapter programs where we helped around the Jewish community, attending regional conventions and was able to grow my Jewish education through many different ways of learning, meeting new people through international USY where I learned new things about other regions and I also got to experience going on Wheels Classic and Israel Poland Pilgrimage.”
David Weingarten
Far West: Shomrei Torah Synagogue (West Hills, CA), Pilgrimage 2008, Far West Wheels 2009 & 2010
David Weingarten is a Far West alum who served as the 2009-2010 Far West USY Membership/Kadima VP. After high school, David stayed involved with Jewish life through campus organizations like Hillel and AEPi. David serves on the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards National Review Committee.
“In USY I connected with my community, traditions, and my Jewish identity. Through lifelong friendships and supportive mentors, I found purpose and belonging. USY inspired a commitment to lead, serve, and champion the Jewish values I first embraced there.”
Ethan Weg
Hagalil: North/South Brunswick USY (NJ), Wheels 2009, Nativ 31, Staff – Nativ 37, Wheels Staff 2015 & 2022, Pilgrimage Staff 2013 & 2014
Ethan Weg is a Hagalil alum from North/South Brunswick USY (B’nai Tikvah, NJ) who was a Wheels 2009 and Nativ 31 participant. While Ethan attended Muhlenberg College for undergrad, he continued his involvement with USY as a chapter advisor for LEVUSY (Temple Beth El, PA) and regularly staffed regional events for Hagalil and EPA/Hagesher. In addition to staffing several USY Summer Programs and Nativ 37, he has spent time working at Ramah in the Rockies, Ramah in California, Ramah in the Berkshires, the Marlboro Jewish Center, NJ, and The Jewish Center of Princeton, NJ. He currently serves as the Communications & Logistics Associate for Rutgers University Hillel.
“USY and Nativ put me on the path I’m on today – it connected me to my Judaism on a deeper level, helped me discover my voice as a leader, and allowed me to grow as a Jewish young adult. As someone who stutters, USY was the place where I could fully be me, and it gave me the confidence to break out of my shell. Some of my fondest memories and closest friendships were formed through USY and Nativ, both as a participant and as a staff member.”
Jared Rogers
METNY: Midway Jewish Center, Wheels East 2013, Wheels Classic 2014, Pilgrimage, Wheels Staff 2022
Jared Rogers is a METNY alum-turned-USY staffer. After high school, Jared stayed involved in Jewish life as the co-chair and board member of the Conservative Jewish Community at the University of Pennsylvania. He relocated to Los Angeles, where he became a Moishe House Without Walls resident. Jared has also hosted an impressive 25+ Shabbat dinners on OneTable.
“USY profoundly shaped the person I am today. It’s where I found my voice, discovered my authentic self, and learned to lead with confidence. While I now work as a Lead Manufacturing Engineer in the aerospace industry, a career fairly far removed from the Jewish world, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the powerful lessons I learned in USY. How to build relationships, how to present, how to translate passion into ideas, how to lead – the list goes on and on.
“Beyond leadership skills, USY nurtured a deep, enduring Jewish identity that continues to guide me today. USY introduced me to the transformative power of Jewish community, and inspired me to stay involved in Jewish spaces through college and now into my 20s. I met some of my closest friends through USY, at conventions, on summer programs, and while working as a staff member, and I’ll always treasure the memories we created and the experiences we shared. There is truly no other space like USY. It’s more than a youth group, it’s a launchpad for leadership and lifelong community.”
Jeremy Rosenberg
CRUSY: Motor City USY (Detroit, MI)
Jeremy Rosenberg is a CRUSY alum who has given back by being the chapter advisor of his home chapter, Motor City USY (MCUSY)! After high school, Jeremy stayed highly involved in the Jewish community with the Hillel of Metro Detroit and re-founded Wayne State’s chapter of AEPi, in addition to involvement with numerous other campus organizations. Following college and during the pandemic, Jeremy was part of the Detroit Moishe Pod through Moishe House and currently serves on the boards of NextGen Detroit and ADL of Michigan. Most recently, Jeremy and his wife founded Mezuzuh, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the Jewish population of Detroit.
“USY was extremely impactful to me: it allowed me to grow as a leader in a Jewish space, showed me what is possible when we build thoughtful and intentional Jewish community, and provided me with the blueprint for Jewish community involvement as a college student and young professional.”
Joey Abeles
Far West: Temple Beth Am (Los Angeles, CA)
Joey Abeles is a Jewish educator passionate about bridging divides and bringing the joy of Jewish living to everyone. As the prior director of Hillel at Maryville University, he developed thought-provoking, creative, and award-winning programs to engage Jewish and non-Jewish students. Joey graduated summa cum laude from UCLA Honors College with dual degrees in Psychology and Study of Religion. He holds a mindfulness facilitation certificate from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Starting in the fall of 2025, Joey will begin his journey toward rabbinic ordination at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University.
“USY was the spark in my Jewish leadership journey. It was there that I developed the tools to run creative Jewish programming that I now use every day in my current role as a Hillel director. I have USY to thank for promoting a relationship with Judaism based on elevating joy, which I now try to share with the Jewish communities to which I belong.”
Josh Sahian
ECRUSY: Beth David Synagogue (Toronto, ON), Wheels 2015
Josh Sahian is an alum hailing from the Eastern Canada Region! After high school, Josh served on the board of University of Guelph Hillel and was founding VP of the Students Supporting Israel chapter. Josh has been working with StandWithUs Canada, first as an Emerson Fellow and then as the National High School Regional Manager, empowering Jewish youth, promoting education, and strengthening Jewish identity.
“USY, and USY on Wheels specifically, was a turning point in my life; it’s where my love for Judaism truly began. Traveling with other Jewish teens, celebrating Shabbat across the country, and building a strong sense of community showed me how joyful and meaningful Jewish life can be. That experience sparked a passion that led me to get involved in campus life and later work in Jewish education and Israel advocacy with StandWithUs Canada.”
Micah Cowan
Seaboard: Tikvat Israel Congregation (Rockville, MD) Wheels East Staff 2016 & 2019, Pilgrimage Staff 2017, Wheels Classic Staff 2018, Wheels Classic Rosh 2022 and 2023
Micah Cowan is a Seaboard alum and rising 5th year JTS rabbinical student. Micah has remained deeply involved in USY, staffing Wheels five times and Israel Pilgrimage once (now Yuval Yisrael), and serving as an educator for USY’s Heschel Fellowship. Micah is a Nachshon Project graduate fellow and has completed internships at Synagogue Emanu-El (Charleston, SC), the NIH Clinical Center, and Columbia/Barnard Hillel.
“My experiences in USY are many of the pillars on which I have built my future of serving the Jewish people. It was in USY that I learned about the importance of building a Jewish community and seeing the value that each individual can bring to the greater whole. It was learning with my peers and teachers in sichot that I was taught that the conversations that we have with each other are as important as the prescribed educational content. It was at regional and international conventions that I found the power of my own voice and developed my drive to lead and bring people together. It was in USY that I forged countless deep relationships and created a trove of powerful memories that continue to inspire me to this day. I will forever be grateful for all that my time in USY has given me in making me the Jewish leader I am today.”
Naomi Brill
METNY: Wheels 2013, EEIP Pilgrimage Staff 2018, EEIP Pilgrimage Staff 2019, Epic Israel and Epic Israel/Italy Rosh 2021 & 2022
Naomi Brill is a METNY alum and has staffed four summers of USY programs in Israel. Naomi has volunteered with Project TEN in South Africa and served as a Masa Israel teaching fellow. These days, Naomi is back in NYC and stays active with the Jewish young professionals’ scene in Manhattan.
“USY impacted who I am today by laying the foundation of living a Torah-centered life and developing a love for Israel. USY showed me what a gift it is to be Jewish. I found it very special to be involved in the USY community that empowered me to be the best version of myself. I made lifelong memories and friendships. USY instilled the value of Ahavat Israel, embracing every Jew where they are in their observance and connection with Hashem. Through USY, I traveled the country and the world. These trips taught me how to proudly live a Jewish life outside of New York. My summers spent with USY have been my favorite summers and staffing Israel trips have been one of my most special and rewarding experiences thus far.”
Noa Silverstein
Hanefesh: Beth El Temple (West Hartford, CT), PNW Wheels 2013, EEIP Pilgrimage 2014
Noa Silverstein is a Hanefesh alum who has stayed very active in the Jewish community! After high school, Noa was involved in Hillel leadership at UConn. She interned for AIPAC in 2018 and joined the professional staff at AIPAC from 2019 to 2022. After AIPAC, Noa joined her family business, Page Four Media. Additionally, Noa serves as a volunteer on the FIDF Young Leadership NY board and the United Hatzalah Young Leadership NY Board.
“USY is and always will be a formative experience I will hold with me throughout life. USY taught me the importance of community, giving back, Tikkun Olam, and about how important it is to be Jewish and proud. The experiences I had when I was in USY have taught me to be a leader in my community and the importance of giving back to the community that has given me so much through volunteering and tzedaka. USY led me to get involved in Jewish life on my college campus, which then led me to starting my professional career in the pro-Israel world. After working in the pro-Israel world for 2.5 years, I turned to the volunteer side of the Jewish and pro-Israel world and joined multiple pro-Israel boards and have become a community leader. USY helped shape me into the person I have become, and I will always be grateful for that.”
Dr. Sarah Pila-Leiderman
HaNegev: Kol Ami KAUSY (Tampa, FL), Wheels 2007, Pilgrimage 2008
Sarah Pila-Leiderman is a HaNegev alum currently living in Chicago with her family. She is an Assistant Professor in the department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, working as a researcher and public health educator. In her free time, she leads an aggressively Jewish lifestyle hosting Shabbat dinners, attending services at Mah Tovu, and volunteering with Jewish (and other) causes around Chicago. After high school, Sarah got involved with her campus Hillel. She has worked as a youth group staff member, advisor, and youth director, mentoring teens and helping them find their own Jewish voices—”just as USY helped me find mine.”
“USY shaped me both Jewishly and personally. It deepened my connection to Judaism through meaningful prayer experiences, immersive learning, and a strong sense of community. I developed leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and a passion for living Jewishly. These experiences continue to influence what I do today—whether it’s staying involved in Jewish life, leading with purpose, or giving back to my community.”
Major Scott Friedland
CHUSY: Beth Judea BJUSY (Long Grove, IL), Nativ 27
Scott Friedland is a CHUSY alum and returned to his home chapter BJUSY as a staffer. After high school, Scott participated in Nativ 27 and held multiple leadership positions at Indiana University Hillel. He is a Major with the Indiana National Guard and a member of Jewish War Veterans of the USA.
“United Synagogue Youth had a profound and lasting impact on my life. It helped me connect to Judaism in both religious and cultural ways, allowing me to understand the faith on a personal level and make it relevant and meaningful in my daily life. Through USY, I learned to embrace my Jewish identity with pride and to incorporate its values into who I am and how I live. Most importantly, it introduced me to a community of lifelong friends—people I still talk to every day and travel across the country to celebrate life’s moments with. The experiences and relationships I gained through USY continue to shape me, grounding me in a deep sense of connection, tradition, and belonging that I carry with me into adulthood.”
Shayna Plotnik
NERUSY: Temple Beth Sholom (Framingham MA), Pilgrimage 2013, Cuba Mission 2014, Wheels East Staff 2015
Shayna Plotnik hails from New England Region USY. She spent two summers at the Ramah Sports Academy as Rosh Eidah and Head Swim Coach. She also leads Young Professional High Holiday services at Sutton Place Synagogue (NYC) and stays involved with Jewish life in Boston. Shayna recently graduated from Boston University with a Masters in Speech Language Pathology, and will be receiving her Clinical Fellowship training at UW-Health in Madison, WI this coming fall.
“USY not only taught me about how to live a life led by Jewish values, but how to be a true leader in everything that I do. As I am about to embark on a new career as a Speech Language Pathologist, I think back to the leadership roles I held throughout USY; at the chapter level, as NERUSY Regional Mem/Kad, and as International Convention Co-Chair in 2014. These opportunities provided me with the leadership skills I need to excel in my career, and to foster community in those around me. Lastly, USY provided me with mentors whose lessons I carry with me each and every day. I would like to dedicate this honor to one of those mentors, Lisa Alter Krule z”l, who I miss dearly and whose dedication to Jewish youth will always be an inspiration.”
Dr. Stefani Kasimer
HaNegev: Kol Ami KAUSY (Tampa, FL), Wheels 2006, Pilgrimage 2007, Wheels East Staff 2013
Stefani Kasimer is a HaNegev alum who currently resides in Chicago. After high school, Stefani was a student leader at the University of Florida Hillel and was co-chapter advisor of Gainesville USY (Congregation B’nai Israel). Stefani works in the student counseling center at DePaul University and is a member of the Jewish staff alliance. Her family regularly attends services at Anshe Emet Synagogue.
“I credit USY with shaping me into the leader, helper, and Jew that I am today. Learning about servant leadership as a participant on USY on Wheels and Spain/Israel Pilgrimage and in my home region of HaNegev clarified my desire to serve others as a leader. Staffing USY programming allowed me to practice my helping skills and promote positive interactions in the next generation. And learning about shomer kashrut, shomer shabbat, and Jewish values throughout these experiences helped me stay connected to my Jewish roots and encouraged me to continue participating in Jewish life in college and beyond. Today, I attend shul weekly with my husband (the unofficial “shul astronomer” and eruv extraordinaire) and our two adorable children and work as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at DePaul University to impact college student mental health.”
Trudy (Morse) Goldshine
HaNegev: Jacksonville Jewish Center USY (Jacksonville, FL)
Trudy Goldshine is a HaNegev alum who currently lives in Los Angeles. After high school, she has worked with Springboard Fellowship as an Ezra Fellow, educator, and mentor. She has also worked with Repair the World and volunteers with JQ International.
“USY was a launchpad for my Jewish career, showing me how exciting the world of education could be. Having served as HaNegev IAVP 2012-2013, I developed a deep love of writing educational materials and facilitation. In addition to my career, USY made me love Jewish ritual and singing— ensuring I kept this an active part of my personal life.”
Rory Carmer
Far West: Temple Beth Shalom (Las Vegas, NV), Far West Wheels 2010, Pilgrimage 2011
Rory Carmer is the former Far West USY regional president and currently a Jewish communal professional focused on disability services. Since college, Rory has worked for Camp Ramah in California’s Tikvah program for campers with disabilities, staffing the Ezra vocational camp and an Israel trip, and now as Tikvah Director overseeing all programs for campers with disabilities.
“Being part of USY has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, shaping me into the person I am today. It deeply connected me to my Judaism, grounding me in traditions, values, and a sense of purpose that continue to guide me. USY instilled in me a strong sense of leadership that has become a core part of my identity—it taught me not only how to lead, but why leadership matters: to care for others, to believe in the power of making a difference, and to always value the strength of community. The lessons I learned, the friendships I formed, and the responsibility I felt within USY have all left an indelible mark on me. I truly can’t imagine where I would be today without my experience in USY.”
Marisa (Rader) Beede
Far West: Temple Ramat Zion (Northridge, CA), Wheels 2008, Pilgrimage 2009
Marisa Beede is a Far West alum residing in West Hartford, CT. After high school, Marisa was active in Columbia Hillel and dual-enrolled in JTS through the List College program. She taught religious school at Congregation Rodeph Sholom (NYC) and interned with AVODAH. Since moving to Connecticut, Marisa has been highly involved with the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. She is the chapter co-advisor of West Hartford USY with her husband, fellow alum Max Beede. Marisa will start as Development Director at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford this fall.
“USY is where I learned to explore Judaism beyond the basics, find meaning in spiritual practice, and—most importantly—understand the power of community and connection. My experiences on USY summer programs were truly transformational; they helped shape me into the Jewish adult I am today by giving me the confidence, curiosity, and grounding to live a Jewish life that feels authentic and purposeful.
“And while USY didn’t directly lead me to my spouse (thanks, JSwipe!), we were at the same USY conventions and kinnusim so many times throughout high school, it’s hard not to think of it as beshert. What USY gave us both was a shared foundation—rooted in Jewish values, leadership, and a love of community. That foundation continues to guide us as we shape the kind of Jewish future we want to live and build together.”
Eytan Wallace
Far West: Adat Ari El (North Hollywood, CA)
Eytan Wallace is a Far West alum and Emmy Award-winning journalist whose passion for news, politics, and his Jewish community shines through in everything he does. Eytan remains active in the Jewish communities of greater Sacramento and Los Angeles, drawing on the knowledge and skills he learned through USY to lead Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services at his synagogue. When he’s not at services or volunteering in the community, Eytan works as the state capitol correspondent for KTLA and seven other local television stations across California.
“I am forever grateful to USY for inspiring me to live a life filled with Jewish joy and community. USY connected me with lifelong friends and inspired me to give back. From ruach-filled Shabbat dinners to spirited kinnusim, my USY memories will stay with me for my entire life. I look forward to passing it down to generations to come. L’dor Vador לדור ודור”
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