An inside look at some of JYPI’s best and brightest alumni.
Learn more about JYPI
The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning’s Jewish Youth Philanthropy (JYPI) program has been inspiring teens to give back to those in need and become part of the Jewish community from its inception in 2000. Since then, more than 2,100 teens have participated in the program, awarding more than $725,000 in grants to 180 non-profit organizations and completing over 11,000 hours of community service. As teens get the chance in the program to research and determine what issues need to be addressed in the community, they are given the opportunity to develop the leadership and communications skills needed for future success. Here’s a look at how some of the Partnership’s JYPI alumni are upholding the Jewish values of Tzedakah (giving), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and G’milut Hasadim (acts of loving-kindness) that they learned through this program.
Ben Gittleson 
“People can be Jewish in many ways: Spiritually, culturally, socially. To me, it’s very important to participate in social justice and actively strive towards change. No matter what you do, or how much you give, you can still have an impact.”
Now a graduating senior from Tufts University, Ben Gittleson first joined the JYPI program in 2004, participating in everything from monthly volunteer outings to serving as a chair of the JYPI Teen Council Advisory Board. There, Ben acquired the leadership skills and philanthropic values that led him to choose international relations as his future career path. At Tufts, Ben served as editor for his student newspaper, as a member of the executive board of the New Initiative for Middle East Peace, a program of the Institute of Global Leadership group and as an active member of his school’s Hillel chapter. In true JYPI style, he has continued his involvement in service-learning with a cultural exchange trip to Kazakhstan to volunteer and learn more about Jewish culture abroad and with a trip to Rwanda helping victims of genocide. After graduation, Ben plans to travel to Egypt for a year-long fellowship where he will study Arabic at the American University in Cairo. Ben sees his experiences, past and present, as a great opportunity not just to help others, but also to add a global perspective to his work in the Jewish community.
Michelle Favin
“The best way to give is to teach a man how to fish. It’s important to give, but it’s also important to invest in something that empowers the group and encourages self-sustainability.”
Ever since her first JYPI program experience in high school, Michelle Favin has been passionate about giving. From her involvement with the homeless community in DC, to her eco-tourism work abroad, Michelle has been an active participant in various service-learning opportunities. Now graduating from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in public policy, Michelle continued with philanthropic work throughout her entire college career. In high school, she served as an intern for the JYPI program. From there, she moved on to work with the Seven Bar Foundation, an organization specializing in microfinance projects for women, providing them with financial and professional support along the way. After graduation, Michelle plans to work in a non-profit education initiative called Uncommon Schools as a Kindergarten teacher in Brooklyn, NY, while simultaneously earning her master’s degree in teaching. From her experiences Michelle has not only learned the importance of sustainable giving and self-sufficiency for those in need, but she has also stayed true to her Jewish identity by making philanthropy a part of her everyday life.
Natasha Shangold 
“I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do for a while, but JYPI helped strengthen everything I believe in. It really helped me understand my Judaism better.”
From her days of pulling out tires from the Anacostia River as part of the JYPI service-learning initiative, Natasha Shangold has been passionate about environmental protection. She served on the JYPI Teen Council Advisory Board and as liaison to the adult board. After finishing her first year of college at Salisbury University this spring, Natasha has decided to major in Environmental Studies and plans to become an environmental biologist after graduation. She serves as vice president of her school’s Hillel chapter, as well as an active member in Book Club and Pep Band. She attributes much of her success and leadership skills to JYPI, which she describes as her “most rewarding experience.” Besides instilling a “Yes, you can” attitude in Natasha, JYPI also helped her to develop better communication skills and hold true to the philanthropic values of Judaism.
Lana Volftsun
“JYPI does a great job of connecting the dots between being Jewish and being charitable. It was my first experience of realizing the issues outside of my little bubble.”
Nearly 11 years ago, Lana Volfstun began her JYPI experience with service-learning and philanthropy initiatives in her community of Northern Virginia. It was the first time Lana was exposed to the issues of homelessness, poverty, and global conflict, right in her own backyard. Not only were her eyes opened to the troubles facing her community, but participation in the JYPI program also allowed her to realize that no matter the size of the donation or age of the donor, everyone can make a difference. Her passion for philanthropy continued past her teen years as she helped to form the Slingshot Fund – an organization aimed at providing support for undercapitalized and revolutionary Jewish charities. After majoring in business at Washington University, Lana came back to the DC area to start a career in technology consulting. She soon plans, however, to switch gears to the non-profit world to continue her love of giving. Even now, Lana is still active in teen philanthropy serving as facilitator for the past three years of one of the Partnership’s Northern Virginia groups. She credits the JYPI program with instilling in her a passion for giving and hopes to spark that same passion in others for many years to come.
Learn more about the Partnership’s JYPI program here or donate here to support our philanthropy education and service-learning initiative. You may also call 240-283-6200 to speak with someone live.
