Pittsburgh Diller Teen Fellows Program

This Sunday we had our 10th Mifgash! 🌎

For this Mifgash we went INTERNATIONAL! Our wonderful JCs kicked us off by sharing their individual Jewish family histories. Fellows were then invited to share their own stories, including family recipes, traditions, and mapping out their journeys to Pittsburgh!

Fellows then zoomed out to the modern Jewish world. This was done by ranking Jewish populations of several counties, reading the stories of historic Jewish migration, and watching videos on modern life in diasporic communities.
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While it sometimes may be easy to focus on our own community, it is important to remember that we are only one peice of the puzzle. In this Mifgash, Fellows learned the value of Jewish people peoplehood. In the moments when we feel isolated, it is especially important to remember that we are part of a global Jewish community!

Fellows also volunteered at our Yom Haatzmaut celebration on Wednesday! They ran several stations including the "Maccabi Challenge"!
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This past Sunday Fellows came together for Mifgash 9! In the spirit of Passover, Fellows crossed the "Red Sea" with chairs, relying on teamwork, communication, and creativity.

Starting with Yom Hashoa, Fellows learned the stories of Holocaust survivors and presented artwork from the survivors to their peers. We then transitioned into 2 stations led by our JC's introducing Fellows to Yom Ha'zikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut through stories, art, and song. 🇮🇱🕊

Fellows then tested their knowledge with a kahoot! Check out the last slide to see our winners! (Bonus picture for our March Madness Bracket Challenge winners 🏆 🏀)

Last weekend Cohort 18 had our third Shabbaton! This experience focused on building resilience in times of uncertainty and continuing to connect with our partnership Cohort in Israel.

We had the honor of being joined by our local Shinshiniot (Adi & Maya) and our Community Shaliach (Dean)! Our guests led several programs and shared personal stories of what their communities in Israel look like during this complicated time.

While we were saddened to not be joined by the KarMisgav Fellows at this time, we remain hopeful that we will soon connect with them in person!

Last Sunday, our Fellows joined for a particularly special Mifgash. We were joined by our local Shinshiniot Adi and Maya (who are also KarMisgav Diller alumni!), as well as our community Shaliach Dean! Our guests not only shared their personal stories with our Fellows, but led Israeli cultural programs emphasizing Jewish joy in the face of uncertainty.

Fellows then used knowledge from the previous programs and conversations with KarMisgav Fellows to explore differences between Israeli and American culture. This was done visually through drawing and presenting to their peers. We ended Mifgash by discussing the differences of culture in depth during our closing sikkum, concluding that differences should be embraced as we continue to interact virtually and in person.

Last Sunday, Fellows came together for our 8th Mifgash! During the Mifgash, Fellows were introduced to the concept of "mahloket" (disagreement) and practiced how to bridge potential disagreements. Fellows then transitioned into the consensus unit before presenting their Tikkun Olam Grant Projects. Fellows used tools from the consensus unit to collectively decide which organization to grant the funds to. This project marks another major milestone in the journey of our Fellows in their leadership journey, while positively contributing to our community!

🚨 Fellow Friday!!! 🚨
Meet Simon! 🥋🎣🦫

Last weekend marked another large step in our Fellows Diller journies... the LEADERSHIP SHABBATON!!! Fellows worked in committees for the last 2 months to plan impactful programs for their peers to experience. Whether it had been Cohort 17 Olympics, Mock trial, or a post-Shabbat baking challenge, Fellows took charge of the weekends activities. The weekend ended with a "mini-graduation" to celebrate this milestone of their journey!

This past Sunday we volunteered with the JFCS Food Pantry! Fellows spent the afternoon packing "Emergency Bags" and stocked shelves. On a day (Superbowl Sunday) that is typically associated with consumption, Fellows had the chance to take a step back and think about those in less fortunate circumstances. This experience reiterated the importance of practicing Tikkun Olam and taking steps toward bettering our communities.

For the second half of our Fellow Friday double feature... meet Emily!!! 🐶🌎

Fellow Friday is back!!! Meet our next Fellow Annabel!!! 🥎🍝

Did someone say "double feature"??? Check in later today for our next Fellow...