Cheshire Connecticut native and Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Greater Boston staff member, Karen Nahary, has been chosen to participate in the Next Gen Jewish Federation Fellowship, made possible by the Jim Joseph Foundation. This fellowship gives Nahary the opportunity to develop her leadership skills in the young adult engagement arena. She has been deeply involved in Jewish life throughout her childhood, young adulthood, and career.

Nahary attended Ezra Academy and was a member of B’nai Jacob in Woodbridge. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven was her family’s federation, and she served as the Regional President of the Hansesh region for United Synagogue Youth (USY).

The 18-month comprehensive program offers participants the tools and training they need to lead this critically important work. Joining forces for the first time, the Jewish Federation of North America has brought together the North Carolina-based Center for Creative Leadership and the Jerusalem-based M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education, to develop coursework and meaningful experiences that grow Federation professionals’ leadership skills and connect them more deeply to Judaism. The new initiative will also position them as innovators and leaders in the Jewish Next Gen space. The Fellowship will include leadership development, Jewish enrichment, coaching, mentoring, and a supervised applied learning project. Fellows will participate in four face-to-face seminars and will provide mentorship for two early career colleagues to help build capacity in CJP’s community and across the Federation movement. This program will help CJP significantly increase engagement of Next Gen young Jews and deepen their commitment to Jewish life. For more information, go to cjp.org.