Empowering Tomorrow: Featuring Na’aleh’s Young Leaders and Board Observer

Each year, Na’aleh participates in both the 4Front Gesher Program and the Associated’s Young Leadership Program, hosting board observers. These young leaders are gaining valuable insights into how boards and nonprofits operate, as well as the significance of volunteer leadership. Read on to learn more about this year’s observers: Morielle Shechter, Sunny Diamond, and Jacob Dorfman.\
Jacob Dorfman, Young Leadership Cohort Board Observer
What is your Background?
I was born and raised in New York and went to SUNY Binghamton where I earned a BA in Political Science and Philosophy, Politics, and Law, as well as a Masters in Business Administration, with concentrations in Leadership Consulting and Marketing. During my time at SUNY Binghamton, I founded the university’s chapter of the American Parliamentary Debate Association, a debate team which is still nationally competitive. I was also honored to serve as the President of MEOR Upstate, a Jewish organization on campus at Binghamton and Cornell, President of the Graduate Management Association, as well as the Jewish Identity Chair for the Beta Nu Chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity.
What experiences led you to become an attorney and to the Baltimore Jewish Community?
After college and graduate school, I went to Israel for 2 years to study in yeshiva at Machon Yaakov, The Rabinowitz Institute. It was in Israel that I grew in my religious observance, becoming shomer torah and mitzvahs, and also where I met my wife, Elana. In Baltimore I attended the University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law with a full merit scholarship. Since graduating law school in 2020, with a JD and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, I clerked for the Honorable Robert Taylor, Jr. of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, and am now an Attorney with the firm Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner and Davey, P.A., offering Wills, Consumer Protection, and Family Law services to his clients.
Sunny Diamond, Gesher Teen Fellow (a program of 4Front), 12th Grade, Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
What made you want to be part of the Gesher program to be a board observer?
I joined Na’aleh to develop my skills as a successful leader. The program offers leaders valuable platforms to become influential Jewish trailblazers. With resources that facilitate discussions, encourage community engagement, and provide necessary structure, Na’aleh is a board I am proud to be part of. After my first meeting, I felt excited for the year ahead because the board meeting consisted of members who were genuinely interested in enhancing Jewish leadership and were motivated to hear different perspectives to enrich their mission.
What do you want to learn from being on a board this year?
From my experience on the board, I aim to learn the essential qualities of effective leadership. During my initial meeting, I shared my goal of not only growing as a leader but also understanding the planning and mechanics behind community-enriching events. As a chapter board member of another organization, I often feel the need for better cohesion. Through Na’aleh, I hope to acquire tools for collaboration and communication that will benefit my current role and future leadership positions.
What future leadership endeavors do you hope to take on at college or beyond?
I aspire to become a civil rights attorney and eventually a Senator. During college, I plan to run for student government, aiming for either the Senate or the presidency. The skills of collaboration and leadership will be crucial in my future endeavors. In law, much like on a board, success comes from working together—whether crafting an opening statement or analyzing evidence. Na’aleh is helping me build the foundation I need for this journey.
Morielle Shechter, Gesher Teen Fellow (a program of 4Front), 12th Grade, Carver Center for Arts and Technology
What made you want to be part of the Gesher program to be a board observer?
Being a Gesher teen is an incredible opportunity for me, as I’ve always wanted to understand how a nonprofit—especially a Jewish one—operates. Through the Gesher program, I’ve connected with like-minded teens, developed leadership skills through workshops, and gained valuable insights into nonprofit and board leadership. Now more than ever, I believe it’s crucial to strengthen bonds and foster unity within the Jewish community, and nonprofit boards play a vital role in achieving that goal.
What do you want to learn from being on a board this year?
I’d like to deepen my own volunteer and nonprofit endeavors and serving as a board observer will provide me with deeper insight into nonprofit leadership. Na’aleh’s values and mission align with my own priorities and aspirations, and I’m excited to contribute my teen perspective to the board. Observing Na’aleh’s board will also enable me to strengthen my leadership and communication skills, which will help me navigate college and beyond.
What future leadership endeavors do you hope to take on at college or beyond?
I’m excited to continue getting involved with and advocating for the Jewish community, both on my college campus and throughout the rest of my life. I’m passionate about cultivating education, interconnection, and diversity, through student government, research, and volunteering, enabling me to venture out on my life journey of public service and advancing equity and justice for all.