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In an ambitious move to shape the future of Jewish leadership, the Orthodox Union launched the OU Pipeline Initiative, a groundbreaking program that brings together Yachad, NCSY, JLIC, and Human Resources in a unified effort to nurture future leaders from within. 

The initiative focuses on college-aged volunteers, strengthens leadership pipelines across the OU and broader Jewish community, and promotes cross-departmental collaboration with the goal of enhancing Jewish communal life by sharing best practices, engaging and retaining volunteers, cultivating leadership skills, and creating both immediate impact and long-term professional growth.

The OU Pipeline Initiative consists of three core components: the first is the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a yearlong program bringing together 30 elite volunteers—10 each from Yachad, NCSY, and JLIC —for mentorship, professional and leadership development, and a national leadership Shabbaton.

“OU mentors have built organizations, navigated challenges, and shaped Jewish life on the ground,” says OU Chief Human Resources Officer Josh Gottesman. “Fellows gain wisdom earned through years of service and leadership, learning not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind decisions and leadership styles, rooting their professional journey in mission and responsibility to the Jewish community.” 

The second element involves broader engagement of over 750 volunteers across the divisions through training, appreciation events, and growth opportunities; and the third facet is Career Forward, a fellowship helping JLIC-affiliated college students interested in Jewish communal careers to secure part-time internships.

“At the Orthodox Union, we see leadership development as both a responsibility and a privilege,” says OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph. “This initiative reflects the best of who we are—leaders across departments coming together to invest in our people and our shared mission. By building a strong leadership pipeline, we’re not only preparing individuals for future roles, we’re ensuring that collaboration, mentorship, and purpose continue to define our work and strengthen the Jewish community for generations to come.”

This latest program builds on previous OU investments in future Jewish leaders. In 2023, the OU launched its Executive Fellowship, a 10-month program introducing emerging leaders to all aspects of the Jewish nonprofit world and honing workplace skills needed for sustained communal impact. Conceived by Rabbi Dr. Joseph, the fellowship was inspired by a similar program at Yeshiva University.

Gottesman adds that the goal is to develop a steady flow of future leaders who are ready and inspired to step in when needed.

“At the OU, we approach talent development through sustainable infrastructure and by creating clear opportunities and growth pathways,” he says. “The Pipeline Initiative isn’t just about the OU’s needs; it strengthens the entire ecosystem of Jewish communal life by investing in people who can carry that mission forward. Talent is a communal currency. Some fellows will stay with the OU—that’s fantastic. Others will go on to lead in schools, shuls, federations, startups, or other industries—that’s fantastic too. While you can’t always control where people land, you can shape the quality and caliber of leadership across the board. That’s a win for both the OU and the broader community.”

NCSY advisors come together for a night of inspiration and skill-building

Yachad, NCSY, and JLIC collectively engage over 4,200 college-age volunteers annually through programs tailored to their missions. Yachad enriches the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families through social and educational programs, with advisors creating inclusive environments and providing personalized support to ensure meaningful engagement in Jewish communal life. NCSY engages Jewish teens through social and recreational programs that foster a positive Jewish identity and lasting community ties, with advisors leading Shabbatons, Torah-learning programs, JSU (Jewish Student Union) activities, and holiday events. JLIC empowers Jewish students and young professionals across North America and Israel through religious, educational, and social programming, leadership, and mentorship opportunities via its Yavneh program, with student leaders fostering Jewish life on campus and beyond through Torah learning, chesedprojects, and initiatives such as the Yavneh Shabbat Project, which helps underserved campus communities build vibrant Shabbat programs.

“Prior to the launch of the OU Pipeline Initiative, each of us was operating on our own to engage and support volunteers,” says Yachad Managing Director of Regions Rebecca Mayer. “Now, we’re collectively investing in their growth and equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the klal long-term, while fostering a sense of communal responsibility.”

NCSY National Director of Advisors Anna Kausz notes the initiative has created exciting new opportunities for inter-departmental collaboration.  “It gives advisors the chance to learn from and engage with one another, with mentors, and with their communities,” she says. “We are deeply grateful to the OU for investing in this population, believing in them, and continually finding new ways to support and cultivate Klal Yisrael’s next generation of leaders.”

Yachad participants and advisors enjoy a Yachad Shabbaton

Twenty-one-year-old Yolie Starck of Chicago, Illinois, was nominated for the Emerging Leaders Fellowship by her Yachad region for her leadership over seven years, including as a board member and Shabbaton coordinator. A pre-med Biology major at Touro University slated to graduate next fall, she hopes to pursue a healthcare career.

“In many ways, I view this path as community work aligned with my core values—helping others, making people feel seen, heard, and cared for,” she reflects. “I also hope to remain involved with Yachad for many years. The organization has had a significant impact on my life, and I am passionate about giving back to the community that has given me so much.”

She is honored to join the fellowship and sees it as a chance to connect with like-minded peers who share a similar passion for community involvement and leadership. 

“I am eager to grow personally and professionally, to develop my leadership skills, and to learn how to apply them meaningfully, both within East Coast Yachad and in Chicago,” she says. “I’m especially looking forward to new doors this fellowship may open and the chance to contribute more deeply to Yachad’s mission.”

JLIC in Israel and Yavneh on Campus Director Rabbi Jonathan Shulman notes that the new initiative enables JLIC to expand both the breadth and depth of its leadership development.

“Thanks to the OU’s investment, we can reach more students at early stages of their college leadership journey and create new opportunities for upperclassmen who have demonstrated inspiration and leadership talent,” he says. “That includes expanding our Yavneh LEAD (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Activism, and Dream) Fellowship for advanced student leaders to engage in high-level leadership training, cohort building, and projects, and launching our new Career Forward Fellowship.”

{IMG JLIC’s Yavneh LEAD Fellowship, its flagship leadership program, is designed to cultivate the next generation of engaged Jewish community leaders and educators.

{Caption JLIC’s Yavneh LEAD Fellowship, its flagship leadership program, is designed to cultivate the next generation of engaged Jewish community leaders and educators.

One such student leader is 21-year-old Bailey Spitz of Hollywood, Florida, a senior at the University of Maryland majoring in Government and Politics. As a freshman, she became actively involved with JLIC while serving as co-president of Yavneh’s National Board. In addition to planning co-sponsored JLIC–Yavneh learning and Shabbat programs, Spitz helps organize minyans and events, working closely with University of Maryland JLIC Co-Director Rabbi Josh Lehman.

“I’m really excited for this fellowship,” she says. “Through Yavneh, I’ve seen how powerful it is when leaders and students unite. This fellowship is a great chance to gain insight into what other leaders are doing firsthand, especially at NCSY and Yachad. I look forward to meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning about, and from, their incredible work.”

Spitz plans to attend law school next year while continuing Jewish communal involvement.  “I want to be deeply involved in the Jewish nonprofit world and, ideally, use my law degree in that space,” she says. “I also hope to contribute to Jewish education—whether through adult learning, seminary, or high school. I’m hoping my experience as an Emerging Leaders fellow will help me clarify exactly where I can make the greatest impact.”

The OU congratulates the following 30 elite volunteers who have been selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Fellowship:

Yachad: Yaniv Dahan, Shaina Ermine, Neima Fine, Devorah Gottesman, Ezra Klausner, Arielle Mayer, Micah Pickett, Adira Schreiber, Noah Spear, and Yolie Starck

NCSY: Caleb Breda, Aaron Colomby, Rena Cooper, Jessica Ghitis, Bayla Keiffer, Gabriel Lallouz, Chana Levi, Uri Ostrin, Shmuely Pak, and Sarah Rabitz

JLIC: Binyamin Alter, Dani Bank, Andrew Berger, Maytal Chelst, Samantha Klein, Sophie Koffsky, Eyal Lubin, Zachary Magerman, Bailey Spitz, and Ephraim Weiss. 

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