Building the Future of Jewish Leadership: Tampa Leaders Attend National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat – Jewish Press

Last month, more than 300 young Jewish leaders from across the United States and Canada gathered in Minnesota for the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) National Young Leadership (NYL) Cabinet Retreat, a four-day experience focused on leadership development, community building and strengthening the future of Jewish life.

Affectionately known as “chevre,” a Hebrew word commonly used to describe a group of friends or a close-knit community, Cabinet members came together to learn from national leaders, build relationships with peers and gain the tools and perspectives needed to lead Jewish communities in the years ahead.

Held in partnership with the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, this year’s retreat featured thought leaders and subject-matter experts who led sessions on personal growth, advocacy, cultivating relationships with and rebuilding Israel, hands-on volunteer service, leveraging data for Federation strategic planning, bridge building across interfaith communities, leading with intention and speaking out against antisemitism. Each year, the retreat centers on a theme. This year’s theme was “ometz,” the Hebrew word for courage.

NYL Cabinet is Jewish Federations’ premier five-year leadership development program for volunteer leaders ages 30 – 45. Members are nominated by their local communities based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment and potential to make a significant impact. The program brings together philanthropic-minded leaders who are committed to strengthening Jewish communities locally, across North America and around the world.

Among the participants were two Tampa Jewish community leaders: Ashley Simon, who began her first year as a member of NYL Cabinet, and Emily Eisenberg, who is in her second year and serves as the Cabinet’s public affairs co-chair.

Simon shared that she was inspired to join Cabinet after hearing from others who said it was an amazing and invaluable experience that connected them to an incredibly supportive community of people. As a new Cabinet member, Simon will participate in retreats, conferences and missions throughout the five-year program, learning from subject-matter experts about emerging trends and best practices while building relationships with Jewish leaders from across North America. An associate with Kass Shuler, P.A., Simon graduated from the University of Florida as an undergraduate and received her law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Simon is a current Tampa JCCs & Federation board member and previously served as the organization’s campaign chair. She is a past board member of Weinberg Village Assisted Living Residences and has chaired Weinberg Village’s 8 Over 80 event for several years, as well as the Federation’s Women of Distinction event, the Israel Allocations and served on its General Allocations Committees. A graduate of the Hope Cohen Barnett Leadership Institute, Simon received the Hope Cohen Barnett Young Leadership Award.

Reflecting on her recent YLC Retreat experience, Simon shared, “We spoke about ometz … and how it takes courage to lead and stand up for our communities. The idea of leading with courage, educating and advocating for our communities was a central theme throughout the retreat.”

Eisenberg, a second-year Cabinet member, serves on the Cabinet Executive Committee as public affairs co-chair. Born and raised outside Detroit, she attended Northwestern University and earned her law degree from Harvard Law School. After practicing law for 13 years, including at large corporate law firms and as a state prosecutor, she launched her own travel agency, Wonder Filled Travel.

Active in Tampa’s Jewish community, including through the Federation’s Community Mapping Project, Eisenberg also serves on the board of The Florida Holocaust Museum and its Governance Committee. She has been involved with Jewish National Fund and several local secular organizations.

For Eisenberg, one of the most meaningful aspects of Cabinet is the opportunity to connect with Jewish leaders from a wide range of backgrounds who share a commitment to Jewish community. “Cabinet Retreat is a chance to surround ourselves with amazing chevre, to remind ourselves how strong, capable and joyful our Jewish community is, and to lay the groundwork for an even greater one tomorrow,” Eisenberg said.

After two years in the program, Eisenberg said she has gained a deeper understanding of the Federation movement and its national leadership while developing friendships with fellow Cabinet members.

“Now that I’m in my second year, I’ve seen what an extraordinary organization this is. It gives us insight into every facet of Federation, especially at the national level, and access to national leaders,” she said. “More than that, it’s an amazing group of people who truly care about each other.”

The National Young Leadership Cabinet was established in 1963 by Rabbi Herb Friedman, then CEO of the United Jewish Appeal, to identify and cultivate a new generation of outstanding Jewish leaders. More than six decades later, the program continues to develop volunteer leaders through education, philanthropy, advocacy and communal engagement.

“I was surprised by how much self-reflection can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and direction in leadership,” said Simon.

“Every time I go to a Cabinet event, official or not, I come away with an enormous sense of optimism about the future of Jewish communal life in America and beyond,” Eisenberg said.

For more information about National Young Leadership Cabinet, visit JewishFederations.org/young-leadership-cabinet or contact Lisa Robbins at lisa.robbins@jewishtampa.com.