Dear Friends,
Jewish teens across our community are finding their voice, building lasting friendships, and growing as leaders through the Diller Teen Fellows program. As this year’s cohort reaches the halfway point of their journey, Fellows are already reflecting on how meaningful the experience has been.
One Fellow, a 10th grader in the program, says the connections with fellow participants have become one of her favorite parts of Diller. “I’ve grown really close with the other Fellows,” she shared. “I always look forward to Diller because I get to see everyone.” She says the program has helped her better understand leadership and trust through group activities that challenge Fellows to step up, collaborate, and support one another.
For another Fellow, a junior at Lower Merion High School, joining Diller was a decision he’s incredibly glad he made. “Up to this point, I’ve met some of the kindest people from many different towns that I’m glad to call my friends,” he said. Through mifgashim (gatherings) focused on topics like tikkun olam and chesed, Shabbatons, and collaborative projects, He says the Fellows have grown close while exploring what it means to be a Jewish leader today.
Another Fellow shared that the program has helped him deepen his Jewish identity while hearing perspectives from peers across the community. “Through Diller, I’ve been able to build a structure and direction for my already flowing Jewish identity,” he said. “It’s been really meaningful to have conversations about what Judaism and Jewish identity mean today and to hear other viewpoints.”
In addition to monthly gatherings and leadership development, Fellows collaborate with a cohort of Israeli teens and participate in powerful shared experiences both locally and in Israel.
If you know a Jewish teen who is curious, thoughtful, and interested in leadership, now is the perfect time to explore the program. Applications for the next cohort of Diller Teen Fellows are now open. Teens currently in 9th or 10th grade are encouraged to apply and become part of a year of leadership development, Jewish learning, community connection, and international friendship.
Shabbat Shalom,
Darren
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