YPF & Ben Gurion Society Chairs Return from National Young Leadership Cabinet

By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Two hundred and twenty-fi ve participants representing 51 Jewish Federations met in San Diego for this year’s National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat. Among them were our very own Sophie Rothstein, Ben Gurion Society chair, and Sarah Schwartz, Young Professionals and Families' chair. The retreat, while preserving many of Cabinet’s timehonored traditions, like caucusing, class-year dinners, and “passing of the gavel,” focused on three essential areas of Federation’s work: Public Aff airs, Israel & Global Jewry, and Community & Jewish Life. These priorities represent key components of the Jewish Federations of North America’s mission.

The group discussed timely and critical issues, such as antisemitism, security, coalition-building & partnerships, resilience, civil society in Israel, advocacy, local Jewish community ecosystems, and JEDI (Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). Their schedule was designed to be interactive, create meaningful touchpoints to connect with each other, and off er options addressing the diverse interests of young leaders. Haley Trager, our local fi fth-year Cabinet member and Federation’s annual campaign chair asserts, “What happens at Cabinet changes the world. Cabinet has strengthened my connection to the work of the Jewish Federations. My life has been enhanced through the experiences I have been off ered and the friendships I have formed. It really builds not only our community’s leaders for today, tomorrow, and the next generation, but also our global Jewish community’s leadership. I’m proud to be a part of this group and thrilled Sarah and Sophie are now as well.”

“This year’s theme is Ometz Lev meaning ‘strong heart’ or ‘courage.’ ‘Ometz’ (strength) gives leaders resilience and clarity. ‘Lev’ (heart) is the source of compassion and the ability to recognize each individual’s humanity. Taken together, ‘strength’ and ‘heart’ guide leaders at times of uncertainty and change, like the present moment. I'm proud to be part of this year’s class, themed around these characteristics,” said Sophie Rothstein.

Our leadership is called upon to confront pressing challenges and seize real opportunities that will shape the Jewish future. Young leaders who take-on the responsibility of building fl ourishing Jewish communities at home and globally are at the center. Our community’s presence with NYLC will enable Northeast Florida to continue being instrumental in building a new generation of Jewish leadership. We are proud of and grateful to Haley, Sarah, and Sophie who take time from their busy lives to help engage others in Jewish life and philanthropy, ensuring Jewish vitality, well-being, and security now and in the future.

The Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) National Young Leadership Cabinet cultivates, trains and inspires the most promising young volunteers for positions of leadership in the Jewish community. Cabinet is a fi ve- year intensive program for ages 30 to 40 with a minimum gift of $5,000 or more to their Federation's yearly annual campaign. The Ben Gurion Society (BGS) recognizes young adults who demonstrate community leadership and contribute a minimum gift of $1,000 or more. BGS was founded on the principles of David Ben Gurion, the fi rst prime minister of Israel, who urged young men and women to channel their power, passion, and resources to build a strong and responsible Jewish community. For more information, email Faye Hedrick at fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org.