After celebrating their B’nei Mitzvah, many teens step away from the rhythms of daily practice and weekly synagogue attendance. This year, however, nine remarkable teens made a different choice, joining our inaugural Ofakim leadership program. Spanning six months, the program featured seven workshops and two overnight shabbatonim – one at Emanuel Synagogue and the other in Bilpin – to explore what it means to be a leader in the Jewish community and broader Australian society.
These participants came from diverse Jewish backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to Jewish learning and identity, pluralism and diversity, leadership, and education. Each was selected through a rigorous application process, ensuring a cohort dedicated to growth and exploration.
The workshops tackled a wide range of topics, from exploring Zionism and navigating prayer to enacting social change and engaging in constructive dialogue. Sessions were marked by vibrant discussion, rich learning, and thoughtful reflection.
The program culminated last weekend with an overnight seminar in the Blue Mountains, which was almost entirely peer-led. Participants prepared activities on social justice issues they cared deeply about, educating and inspiring one another. They took on the responsibility of cooking and cleaning for themselves and led communal prayer over Shabbat. Of course, the weekend also included opportunities to explore the beauty of the local area and strengthen their bonds as a group.
As the first year of Ofakim comes to a close, I am inspired by the passion, creativity, and leadership these young people have demonstrated. I also want to highlight the incredible contributions of our youth educator, Lily Berger, who worked tirelessly alongside me to make this program a success.
We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming our 2025 cohort and continuing to foster a new generation of Jewish leaders. Learn more and apply here.
Avishai Conyer
Head of Youth and Young Adult Engagement