Merav knew she was ready to get involved with The Associated’s Young Leadership Council when she saw a few of her friends, including Chana Friedman and Chavi Abramson, had joined the program. She saw that applications were open and knew she had to apply.  

“As an adult, I had less inspiration or motivation to be involved, like when I was younger. Now I’m at a place in my life where I want to be involved in a bigger community than just my little bubble. I want to be involved in communal things.”  

Biggest Takeaways from YLC Experience  

For Merav, this program gave her a deeper understanding of the community, versus experiencing it outside of the cohort. She saw fellow YLC members who come from all different backgrounds but all care so deeply about their community and all united with a common goal – they want to see a strong Baltimore Jewish community.  

“There’s this deep care and for each person that looks a little different”, she says. “And how they’re involved looks a little different – what they do, what they don’t do… We all want to see a better Baltimore, a better Jewish community… It was very nice to have that bond with the other members.”   

“Having a group of people to get together with on a regular basis and being part of something made me want to be more involved… I understood the importance of having all these things that The Associated has going on, because when you’re in it, you’re much more invested.” 

While she enjoyed connecting with other people who all share a common goal, her favorite part about YLC was expanding her world a little bit more. Joining this cohort gave her the opportunity to participate with Jews from all different observance levels, yet all continuing to respect one another and voice their opinions in their environment.  

Merav said she continues to see this reflected throughout The Associated in other areas, such as Annual Meeting, cultivating that kind of togetherness.  

“It was special for me to see that, and I really liked seeing the different people in the room. Seeing them all love each other.”  

Parting Wisdom to Future YLC Participants 

Merav’s advice to future YLC participants? Speak up and share your thoughts – it’s the best way to get the most out of the program.  

“There’s a lot of interesting discussions going on. There’s a lot of interesting people that you’re meeting. There’s a lot of different opinions going on. And I think whatever you’re thinking… there’s usually someone else in the room that has that thought too. So, vocalize it, because you’re helping someone else kind of articulate it, you’re giving other people that validation, you’re adding to the conversation. And I think if you can have a conversation, anything’s possible. You can solve anything. You can figure anything out.” 

She credits current YLC leaders, Chana Friedman and Mike Hurwitz, for fostering an environment where participants are encouraged to speak their minds and engage in meaningful and respectful conversations with one another. 

YLC also has helped Merav get more insight and involvement with several other agencies in The Associated network. While she was familiar with some of the agencies in the network, and less so with others, YLC became her pathway to more tangible ways to get involved. Today, Merav sits as an observer on CHANA’s board.  

What’s Next for Merav  

The YLC experience doesn’t stop after graduation. Throughout the two-year program, participants are encouraged to make coffee dates with one another and continue spending time together outside of the cohort to take those relationships to the next level. Merav’s next move after YLC graduation? Setting up those coffee dates.  

Interested in Joining Young Leadership Council Class of 2027?  

If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, build leaderships skills, connect with a strong network and give back to Jewish Baltimore, don’t miss your chance to join the Young Leadership Council Class of 2027. This two-year program for Jewish leaders ages 29-39 will give you the tools, connections and experience to make a real difference. 

YLC graduates have gone on to serve on boards and committees, launch meaningful community initiatives and hold key positions within the community. 

Don’t miss your chance to join the next generation of emerging leaders. Apply today! 

Applications are open until May 31.