USCJ is helping communities like the Young Jewish Adults (YJA) of Temple Beth Shalom of the East Valley (TBS) in Phoenix, Arizona, expand their reach through Young Adults, Leaders, and Alumni (YALA). YALA provides opportunities for young Jewish adults to connect through retreats, in-person programming, and online initiatives, during the year, but also enables local leaders and clergy to establish events and programming in their communities, especially through the YALA Partnership Microgrants. Jeremy Millman, the founder and coordinator of YJA at TBS-EV, took advantage of this funding to run an interactive and engaging golf event this past March.
Jeremy Millman has many roles within the Temple Beth Shalom of the East Valley (TBS) community in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to his full-time job, he teaches at the religious school, leads their USY chapter as a part-time advisor, and is the founder and coordinator of Young Jewish Adults (YJA). He started YJA in the fall of 2022, and it has continued to grow. YJA hosts Kabbalat Shabbat monthly, followed by a dinner at the synagogue or in a congregant’s home. YJA also plans monthly social programming, such as Salt River Tubing, Board Game Shabbat, and Pinball night. Thanks to the YALA Partnership Funding, the group enjoyed an all-inclusive day of golf-complete with snacks, drinks, and plenty of laughs!
Jeremy recalled that when he polled his board about possible programs, everyone wanted to be outside. March in Arizona is the perfect time to be outdoors! Many had already been talking about going golfing. He wanted to make sure his events took into account everyone’s interests. When the USY Midbar Community Director Sarah Bochenek told him about the YALA Partnership Funding, it seemed like a great opportunity to make it happen. The funding they received from YALA and USCJ enabled more people to attend, and also helped attract people from a variety of Jewish backgrounds.
“It was amazing to see such a range of people bonding over golf and teaching each other,” Jeremy noted. “A few were showing others how to swing, and in between, they’d end up talking about Judaism. That mix of Jews helping Jews, sharing both a skill and a tradition, really warmed my heart. Of course, some of us were a lot better at talking about Judaism than swinging at a golf ball – but that was kind of the point.”
From just four people at their first Shabbat dinner to 15-20 regulars today, YJA has grown into a vibrant, close-knit group. TBS-EV is also a smaller community. Jeremy and his parents have been members since he can remember. While it was never a huge congregation, it makes the community feel more like family.
He pointed out, “TBS-EV balances pretty well. There’s a changing world out there. And I think that TBS is balancing being accepting with still remaining strong in Jewish faith and tradition.”
Starting YJA was part of that balance. Jeremy founded YJA halfway through earning his masters degree from Arizona State University. While he was in school, he had access to Hillel, Chabad, and his Jewish fraternity. But once he was no longer an undergrad, he could feel the age gap with the other students growing. It was fine to visit from time to time, but he needed his own Jewish home once his time at ASU came to an end. YJA is for people in that same transition, no matter where they are in life.
“You’re in this stage where you’re trying to figure yourself out,” Jeremy said. “You’re trying to find your Jewish identity. You’re trying to find a community. And that’s what YJA is here to provide. We’re here to say, come as you are. You don’t have to be a grad student or a professional. It’s all about experiencing our Judaism together, growing, and finding how we fit into the larger Jewish world.” YALA is continuing to fund local community events throughout the year. Any USCJ-affiliated community can apply for funding for the first time and receive up to $400 for the year, and return partnerships up to $300. For Jeremy, that funding helped make the difference between someone being able to attend or skipping the event. USCJ and YALA want to make sure more young Jewish adults can be part of their communities and have a place to join, learn, and grow. Jeremy is already planning his next big event and plans to take advantage of all the funding USCJ and YALA can offer. If you are a community leader or clergy member looking for event funding for young Jewish adults, please apply for a YALA Partnership Microgrant here.
