I came to JYCM back in 2020 when it was just the beginning of an idea, a “what if.” I came looking for how I could have a stronger voice in the climate crisis, specifically through engaging my Jewish community.

Little did I know, I would find a loving, incredibly strong, and close-knit community of intelligent teen climate organizers.

Having this supportive community through the pandemic and high school became an essential part of my experience and development. I was incredibly inspired by my fellow organizers and compelled by our cause. JYCM made me feel, and still does make me feel, connected to youth Jewish climate organizers all over the US. I found a family of the coolest and kindest Jewish teens, who are now young adults.

Organizing Jewish community through JYCM was one of the most difficult yet most rewarding things I’ve done. Nationally engaging young people in something that feels fearful, over Zoom, taught me a tremendous amount of what it takes to create intentional, active, and most of all, pluralistic Jewish community. I use the tools JYCM has taught me to create an inclusive and welcoming space that all Jews on campus feel safe to pray and find community. Being in college, organizing Jewish community is incredibly important and challenging to navigate. As I continue to grow as a Jewish organizer, I have continued to use the community organizing skills I learned in JYCM.