The Washington Jewish Week archives feature an ongoing community profile series, “You Should Know,” spotlighting young adults in their 20s and 30s engaged in Jewish communal life across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
The archival series captures the personal journeys, professional paths, and community connections of local residents navigating Jewish identity, synagogue life, and youth programming.
From Early Childhood Centers to Professional Staff Roles
Among the profiles preserved in the archives is Caren Pilgermayer, described as a Washington Hebrew Congregation native who attended its early childhood center and went through religious school until confirmation after growing up in Potomac. Similarly, Emma Fensterheim needed no orientation or building tour when she joined the staff at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C.
Other community members featured in the records highlight varied paths toward Jewish engagement. Jason Flatt grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, recalling that he had zero interest in attending his family’s Reform synagogue, noting, I can distinctly remember Saturday and…
Matthew Koppel experienced youth-led empowerment at Camp Moshava, where most daily decisions are made by someone aged 22 or younger, teaching him self-actualization that If…
according to the documentation.
Advocacy, Education, and Campus Life
The profiles also document how early camp experiences and university programs shape careers in advocacy and community service. Jacob Schwartz developed a passion for disability advocacy as a camper at Camp Ramah New England, participating in camp activities alongside peers with developmental disabilities. Melanie Schaeffer headed to the University of Delaware intending to make a difference and pursue a professional path.
On college campuses, Ava Susser-Stein serves as the Springboard Fellow at Hillel at The George Washington University, viewing Hillel as the college-age equivalent of Jewish summer camp. Sydney Michaeli discovered the cantorate as a career path during her senior year as an undergraduate at the Hartt School of Music.
Synagogue Engagement and Youth Programming
Synagogue life features prominently across the archived entries. Children at Adas Israel Congregation engaged in High Holiday Jeopardy, Rosh Hashanah-themed origami, and improv-style skits tied to the parshah. Meanwhile, Jacob Rogow joined a synagogue for the first time this month, and his job is to welcome new members and help them find belonging.
The Washington Jewish Week archives continue to document these individual narratives, preserving a snapshot of regional Jewish communal involvement among young professionals.
