Jane Sherman receiving the inaugural Max M. Fisher Award. Credit: Josh Schwartz.
Bethesda resident Eli West, 18, is among the young adults who recently signed The Jewish Youth Pledge, a new effort by The Jewish Future Pledge to strengthen ties between Jewish youth organizations and their alums.
This JYP incorporates self-reflective letters stored in a time capsule with the mission of redefining how Jewish youth and alums connect, engaging them in meaningful conversations and inspiring a renewed dedication to their shared heritage.
The JFP is a global movement calling on Jews and Jewish allies to make the commitment to include Jewish causes or the State of Israel in their estate planning.
The JYP asks Jewish teens and young adults from around the world to commit to being active, contributing members of the Jewish community.
As part of JYP, Jewish youth and college organizations run a program in which youth ages 13-24 write letters to their future selves, envisioning the role of Jewish values in their lives. Stored in the Jewish Youth Pledge Time Capsule, participants receive a text reminder every two years and a letter copy at the fifth, 10th, 15th and 20th anniversaries, revisiting their values and commitments to the Jewish world.
During its soft launch, JYP has secured more than 13,200 pledges to date, and forging partnerships with more than 45 youth programs across the United States, Canada, and Israel.
The JYP has gained support from prominent Jewish organizations, including Taglit-Birthright Israel, BBYO, NCSY, Masa Israel Journey, the Jewish National Fund, Young Judaea, AEPi, the Boston University Hillel and the Union of Reform Judaism.
A student at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, Eli West said the JYP has reinforced his pride and the responsibility he feels for the Jewish world and Israel.
“I grew up with immense Jewish pride, and this has profoundly shaped the way I embrace the responsibility I have to my people and my land, Eretz Yisrael,” said West, who attended the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. “As I’ve gotten older, my focus has shifted from Israeli history to the Jewish youth, American Jewry and our diaspora identity. I’m passionate about educating the next generation, preparing them to live proud Jewish lives in a secular world, and equipping them with the skills to combat antisemitism.
“The Jewish Youth Pledge inspires us to grow and evolve, continually reconnecting with our mission. Reading my letter two years later reminds me of my purpose and drive, continuing to fuel my dedication to making a difference in the Jewish world.”
Said JFP Founder Mike Leven: “The Jewish Youth Pledge is a powerful vehicle for equipping our next generation with the essential tools and resources to nurture their Jewish identity and actively shape the community’s future. By taking the pledge, Jewish youth can embrace the rich history and values and unite with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share the same commitment to the continuity of the Jewish people.”
For information, jewishyouthpledge.org.