Reflections from the National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat in Seattle

This September, we had the honor of hosting the National Young Leadership Cabinet (NYLC) Retreat in Seattle, welcoming over 300 Jewish leaders from across North America.

NYLC is the Federation’s premier young leadership development program, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders aged 30-40. With over 400 current members and 4,200 alumni, the Cabinet provides invaluable training and resources to empower individuals in their philanthropic journeys.

Bringing the retreat to Seattle this year was particularly meaningful for our Federation. It provided a platform for strengthening connections, enhancing leadership skills, and deepening our philanthropic impact as we unite to build a thriving future for Jewish communities worldwide. The energy and commitment displayed by participants were truly inspiring, and we witnessed firsthand the dedication of leaders working tirelessly for Jewish communities from coast to coast.

Below are two reflections from attendees that encapsulate the spirit of the retreat:

“This was my first year as a Cabinet member and it was my first retreat experience. I was filled with inspiration, joining hundreds of young Jewish leaders from across North America. We all gathered to find community and inspiration, share best practices, work through the pain and continued grief of October 7th, but also rejoice and draw strength from common purpose. I met leaders who have become advocacy warriors over the past year, confronting antisemitism in city councils, university campuses, Congress and Senate. I heard stories of leaders who are building connections within their own Jewish community, bringing much needed belonging and comfort to many, in a year of tremendous sadness and anxiety. And I was humbled and in awe to hear about the incredible work, aid and support that is made possible, thanks to the Jewish Federation—on all its tremendous organizations, professional staff and volunteers.

I wrote down fervent notes, and jotted down pages upon pages of inspired ideas that I would like to bring to life. It was exhausting and rewarding; overwhelming and fulfilling. I met people that will likely become part of my network and my life in ways I cannot yet imagine. It felt new and strange, but also very much at home. 

As an Israeli-American who is raising Jewish American children, I have been on a journey for quite some time, trying to figure out my path. I have asked myself many times over the past few years, and more acutely since last October, what is the mission I seek to promote for the good of my people? Is my passion and purpose to nurture my local Jewish institutions and community? Is it to educate about, and advocate for, the Jewish community and Israel within my kids’ schools? Is it to raise proud, resilient Jewish American children, who can advocate for themselves? The answer, it turns out, is yes – to all of these, and more. I came to realize that the Jewish Federation more broadly, and Cabinet specifically, are the organizing framework—resources, people, ideas—in which I can pursue all of these missions. And I have never felt more proud and inspired to support the Federation.  

While I am a transplant in the Seattle area, I have made it my home. I have formed powerful connections within the Jewish and Israeli American communities. I took great pride in showing off our beautiful city to fellow Cabinet members who came here for the retreat: they raved about the beauty, hospitality, venues and flavors they got to experience. But even more than that, I felt so honored and proud to be part of the amazing group of Seattle Cabinet members who I am now joining. My Chevre leave such a powerful impression on everyone who meets them, thanks to their leadership qualities, thoughtfulness, intelligence, and kindness. I cannot wait to see all the great, big things we will do together…. Here’s to community, resilience, strength, joy and Chevre.”

-Tamar Heyman

As I sit down to reflect on my final Cabinet retreat, I feel a blend of ownership, pride, and deep gratitude. This retreat, held in my new hometown of Seattle, marked a significant milestone in my journey with the Jewish Federations of North America and serves as a fitting close to this chapter of my leadership experience.

Moving to Seattle from Houston brought a whirlwind of change. I’m immensely grateful to have made this transition while still a member of the NYL Cabinet. From the moment I arrived, I found an immediate network in the local cabinet chevre, which helped turn initial Shabbat dinners into lasting friendships. Now, after what I consider one of the best retreats in recent memory, I truly feel like an integral part of both our Federation and the Jewish community here in Seattle.

Cabinet Retreat is not just a meeting; it’s a space where no one is a stranger. In the aftermath of October 7th, we all felt a collective calling to give back, to share our grief, and to connect. This retreat offered the chance to build lifelong friendships and form deeper connections. Each program, speaker, and breakout session inspired reflection, evoked emotion, and fostered the unique sense of energy that only our Jewish community can generate.

Hearing from a bereaved mother who lost her son, Sigev, at Nova, and learning how other Cabinet members took the initiative to build community in their own hometowns, reinforced the urgency for action. A quote echoes, “We are in the middle of creating a Jewish Holiday, they’re still trying to kill us, we can not lose.” It was a reminder that each of us is responsible for the well-being of our collective community. At Retreat, we had the opportunity to be vulnerable—sharing our personal and professional growth, the histories that tie us to our people, and why we continue to give our time, talent, and treasure. Together, on campaign day, chevre rallied and raised $2.4 million for Federation’s Annual Campaign and Israel Emergency Funds.

Throughout the retreat, I was constantly reminded of the power of connection. The Cabinet has been much more than a network; it has been a wellspring of support, mentorship, and friendship. As I closed out my final retreat, I reflected on the hundreds of conversations, shared hopes, laughter, and camaraderie that I had experienced with so many remarkable people.

As I step away from my role in the Cabinet, I carry a deep sense of gratitude, knowing that my journey with the Federation is far from over. Being Jewish is a lifelong commitment, one where we continuously strive to improve ourselves and bring Tikkun Olam into reality. I hope you, too, will be inspired by the passion of helping to create a better future for our city, our children, and Jews around the world.

-Daniel Barvin