Join us as we give a warm welcome to Or Caduri, 4Front’s new Relational Engagement Senior Associate. As the Baltimore Jewish community’s comprehensive teen initiative, 4Front serves as a hub for Jewish teens to explore their Jewish identity guided by the program’s four pillars–advocate, innovate, educate, and collaborate. Or will be running four teen programs: Peer Leadership Fellows, Social Innovation Fellowship, Teen Board Observers and J Camps CIT. Originally from Israel, his interests have enabled him to visit and live in various countries before moving to the U.S. in 2018. When he was in North Carolina Or led youth programs and sites in public schools. Currently, he resides in Owings Mills with his family.
Q: Why are you excited to join the 4Front team and what are you looking forward to bringing to this new role?
A: I am very thrilled to be joining the 4Front team. From the first time I encountered 4Front, it was clear to me that the team is dedicated to supporting the growth of Jewish youth both in life and in their exploration of their Jewish identity. As someone who values communication, spirituality, and human development, I believe that the work that 4Front is doing with youth is truly at the forefront – meeting youth ‘where they are’ and helping them develop tangible life skills through the lens of Jewish wisdom. For me, this is what ‘bringing Judaism into daily life’ is all about: bringing Jewish thought into the exploration of business, entrepreneurship, leadership, management, politics, advocacy and more. It gives our youth important guidelines that will allow them to create a positive impact in life through their vocations. In addition to this, 4Front’s programs allow Jewish youth to get together, communicate, and explore ideas that they may not have a chance to discuss in daily life. This is all very exciting for me to be a part of. I look forward to bringing my experience of leading youth programs, along with my experience in supporting people’s development and self-exploration, into this work.
Q: It’s very impressive that you will be running four programs! How will your past experiences shape the way you manage and balance your responsibilities?
A: I am very excited about each of 4Front’s programs and am coming in with an abundance of energy to plan and implement them. Is it really work if you truly enjoy it? I am excited to take on as much as time allows me to take. I am experienced in running youth programs, as well as in creating and facilitating enrichment classes and activities revolving around spirituality, self-exploration, and healthy living. This fits well with some of my new responsibilities and will allow for a shorter learning curve and increased efficiency.
Q: What inspires you to want to work with teens?
A: When I was in high school, I began sensing that there is much more to life than what I was experiencing in the public school system, and that led me to move abroad and explore life on my own as soon as I was able. While I am grateful today that I had the chance to grow up in the safe environment that school provided, I still feel as if there are so many important aspects of life that school does not prepare you for. I am naturally attracted to supporting youth in developing a healthy perspective of life while developing valuable life skills.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family, speaking with my friends in Israel, going on long walks in nature, meditating, and studying spiritual texts from the Jewish Kabbalah and from other traditions.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote/words to live by?
A: I resonate with the Jewish concept of ‘receiving so you may give to others.’ It is a key concept in the Kabbalah, teaching us that in order to receive lasting joy from life we must direct it onto the service of others.
