Teen Organization of the Month: Meet the BBYO NRE Staff!

Teen Organization of the Month: Meet the BBYO NRE Staff!

“Never be afraid to put out an idea.” -Eric Wolf, DC Council Associate Regional Director

Each month, we’ll profile a different teen organization. We’re excited to share this guest post by BBYO’s Northern Region East team!

As hundreds of local teens know firsthand, the Greater Washington area is home to BBYO: Northern Region East. Our BBYO region is the heart of amazing teen programming that happens throughout the year, giving our teens the opportunity to lead and inspire their peers. None of this would be possible without the NRE staff members.

When trying to pick a BBYO professional to highlight on The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Teens blog, it was impossible to pick just one. A huge part of what makes this team so awesome is how they work together, so we decided to embrace that and introduce you to the whole group!

Meet the BBYO NRE Regional Staff:

From left to right: Jonah Potasznik, Josh Stevens, Rachael Pazornick, Sarah Sherman, and Eric Wolf.

What’s your favorite thing about working for BBYO?

Rachael: I love to see the development of teens over time. Even over the course of the year, you see such changes. At first, they needs lots of feedback every step of the way, but by the end they know what to do on their own. It’s really amazing to watch.

Eric: As a BBYO alum, I love being able to give others an experience that meant so much to me as a teen. It’s amazing to give teens an opportunity to thrive.

What’s the best thing about Jewish teens?

Josh: I love that Jewish teens are always finding new and creative ways to express their Judaism.

Jonah: Jewish teens are comfortable with challenging themselves. They’re looking for a place to give of themselves in order to make the world better.

What’s your favorite thing about being Jewish?

Sarah: What I gained Jewishly growing up, as a kid and a teen, has given me the lens for how I live my life now. Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world) have shaped me.

Eric: I like that there’s not just one way to be Jewish. You can decide what it means, decide to be a Jew without being religious, and still have your place.

Rachael: Being Jewish means there’s a community of people that support you. There are so many things that you can do with a Jewish lens.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Jonah: I’m torn between flight and super strength.

Josh: Teleportation

Sarah: Apparate (Harry Potter-style)

Rachael: Invisibility

Eric: Iceman (I’d control ice)

What are some words of wisdom that you have for teens?

Sarah: Don’t get too caught up in the process. Let things happen.

Josh: Don’t be afraid to be innovative. The community always has room for flexibility.

Jonah: There’s no reason to be afraid. You don’t have to do anything special in order to be special.

Rachael: Put down your phone and enjoy the world around you!