Jewish Federations of North America and Repair the World today launched the fourth cohort of The Catalyst, a professional development initiative that equips Federation professionals with the skills to design and deliver engaging Jewish service programs for young Jewish volunteers. Service in support of social change is vital to flourishing Jewish communities and inspired Jewish lives, and The Catalyst empowers professionals to bring that vision to life.

 

The latest group includes 11 Federation professionals from across the United States and Canada who are committed to making Jewish service a powerful entry point into Jewish life in their communities. Over five months, the fellows will explore Repair the World’s best-in-class curriculum led by Repair educators, engage in community building, participate in an in-person Jewish service and learning experience at Jewish Federations’ FedPro conference, and receive microgrant funding of up to $7,000 to pilot a new service initiative or expand an existing one.

 

"We're thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of professionals who are dedicated to strengthening their communities through Jewish service and learning," said Shana Bloom, Chief Program Officer at Repair the World. "As proud partners with Jewish Federations, we’re equipping Jewish community leaders with the expertise and resources to engage the next generation of volunteers in Jewish service and make Jewish service a cornerstone of Jewish life.”

 

The program emphasizes Repair the World's approach to service: hands-on action that meets pressing local needs like food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness, paired with Jewish learning, issue area education, and reflection. The Catalyst program empowers Federation professionals to create joyful Jewish experiences through service and learning, connecting young adults with Jewish life while building purpose, community, and belonging-all while creating real change in their communities.

 

"Jewish Federations are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, ensuring they have the tools to engage and inspire their communities," said Hannah Miranda Miller, Director of Volunteer Initiatives and Global Service at Jewish Federations of North America. "The Catalyst program is a powerful example of how we can work together to build a more vibrant Jewish future grounded in service."

 

Jewish Federations of North America is a proud partner in the Jewish Service Alliance, Repair the World’s coalition of more than 60 organizations mobilizing tens of thousands annually in impactful Jewish service. Through programs like The Catalyst, we’re empowering flourishing Jewish communities that serve in pursuit of a just world.

 

The newly launched cohort includes:

 

• Alyssa Deggan, Associate Director of Philanthropy and Engagement – Jewish Nevada Young Leaders Division
• Carla Birnbaum, Director of Community Engagement – Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
• Isabella Silberg, Director of Development – Jewish Federation of Tulsa
• Jenna Gerstner, PJ Library and NextGen OC Manager – Jewish Federation of Orange County
• Karin Lester, Director of Engagement and Campaign – Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
• Leah Kaplan, Engagement Manager – Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga
• Merit Pinker, Volunteer Coordinator – Jewish Federation of Greater Portland
• Oxana Pasternak, Senior Philanthropic Officer – Federation CJA (Montreal)
• Sarah Abrams, Senior Program Associate – TOV (Jewish United Fund of Chicago)
• Tamara Janowski, Manager, Community Mobilization – UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
• Tamara Zishuk Lerner, Senior Manager of Programs and Development – Young Leadership Division (Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh)