An Israeli-American Perspective on YAD

One of our new regular features at Challah Back is Meet the Board, where you get to “meet” this year’s YAD Board. Find out why so many people get involved in YAD and what inspires them! As an Israeli-American raised in the Bay Area, I was exposed to events in our community that were primarily Israel-focused throughout my childhood. I didn’t identify much with the Jewish community or fully grasp that such a community was even available to young adults in our area. In 2005, I volunteered to co-produce the first ever Israeli fashion show for Israel in the Gardens, an exciting Israel-centered event that brings tens of thousands of Jews and Israel supporters together for a day in downtown San Francisco. I was exposed to the Jewish Federation and to many of its supporters, hard-working volunteers and employees. I quickly understood that actively contributing in this community was a wonderfully rewarding experience. How could I find out more?

When I received an email in January 2006 from the Young Adults Division (YAD) of the Federation about a program called Club Fed, my curiosity was peaked and I signed up. Club Fed turned out to be an open door to an amazingly fun social outlet, an invitation to explore my beliefs about being Jewish today and an accessible opportunity to directly give back to our community. The program was thought provoking, refreshing and allowed me to develop friendships over the course of five sessions, as opposed to just one night. After being on the committee for Club Fed last year and helping organize the "Mini Mission" in which we visited several organizations that the Federation supports, I decided to join the YAD Board as Club Fed Co-Chair for 2009. Being on the board has opened my eyes further to the myriad of ways that YAD helps build our community and gives back to Jews across the globe in a fun, social way. The committee for Club Fed this year is an awesome group of our peers who are already thinking up ways to provide you with exciting programming for 2009. Club Fed has only 80 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, so I recommend signing up fast!

Speaking of signing up, Club Fed registration is now open. Click here to get started. Looking forward to seeing you at many of our great events. Happy new year! Rony Gerzberg Co-Chair of Club Fed Young Adults Division Board