The JewEL Board recently sent 7 delegates to Orange County for a join Young Leadership Board Retreat with Orange County, San Diego, and Phoenix. More than 35 young Jewish adults came together for a weekend of networking, strategic planning, and collaboration on best practices for engaging the next generation of Federation and Jewish Communal Leadership. 

The weekend began on Saturday evening with a lovely Havdallah ceremony and dinner at the Gerber residence, members of the Orange County Young Leadership Board. The evening allowed for a social opportunity and networking amongst new friends and colleagues. "I loved meeting so many new people who live, eat, and breathe young leadership and Jewish life like I do," noted Sarah Steinberg, JewEL Co-Chair. "I was able to sit down and having meaningful conversations with other Young Leadership Board members about similar challenges, successes, and lots of new ideas. It was especially wonderful having the opportunity to speak with other Board Chairs, it made me feel supported." 

The retreat continued on Sunday at the stunning Merage Jewish Community Center in Orange County. From 9am-4pm 45 Young Jewish Adults came together to share best practices, work through challenges, and collaborate on meaningful initiatives. Sessions touched on everything from donor stewardship and leadership, to campaign and engagement tactics. "The majority of sessions and presentations were led by board members," noted Marni Unger, Director Young Leadership. "I think its critical that board members are empowered to lead sessions for each other and be the face of their organizations." The day concluded with interest based break out sessions focusing on Mitzvah opportunities, engaging young families, and working with community partners. After a full weekend of networking, strategizing, and brainstorming board members returned to Las Vegas invigorated, inspired, and motivated to make this year the best year that JewEL has ever had! "The retreat was a complete success and I learned so much about other communities and brought home many new ideas," said Dr. Azin Azma, JewEL Vice Chair. "I'm looking forward to continuing the important work we started in OC and maintaining relationships with our partner communities!"