This summer looked different than what we originally imagined. Our Baltimore Diller Teen Fellows had been preparing all year for a trip to Israel, a central part of the program that brings teens together from across the globe. When the trip was cancelled due to the volatile situation in the region, our community was faced with the challenge of adapting and reimagining what this experience could look like.
Instead of traveling overseas, our cohort joined the Los Angeles and San Francisco Fellows for a week in LA. While the setting was unexpected, the spirit of the experience remained the same: building community, deepening Jewish identity, and exploring what it means to lead. Together, our teens celebrated Shabbat, shared stories, and connected across cities and cultures in ways that were just as powerful and memorable as any international journey.
To give you a glimpse into the week, two of our Fellows, Maya and Ayden, reflected on their experiences and what they are taking away from their time in LA.
What stands out most to you about the LA trip overall?
Ayden: What stood out most to me was the strong sense of connection and community. The trip showed me how diverse the Jewish people are, yet also how united we can be when we come together.
Maya: What stood out most about the LA trip was the amazing ability everyone had to adapt when plans changed. Even though we only found out two weeks before that we couldn’t go to Israel, the coordinators managed to create an incredible weeklong experience for all three cohorts. What impressed me most was how both the coordinators and the Fellows stayed positive and excited, even though the destination wasn’t what we expected. That combined spirit of adaptability really made the trip so meaningful.
How did spending time with Fellows from other cities impact your experience?
Ayden: Meeting Fellows from other cities really broadened my perspective. It reminded me that I’m part of something much bigger- a global Jewish network that stretches far beyond my own community.
Maya: It was so interesting to see how other cohorts approached things. I noticed that Baltimore tends to bring a lot of energy, while LA and San Francisco had a more relaxed vibe. That mix led to really engaging conversations during programming, since everyone brought such different perspectives and ways of life to the table.
What new perspectives or insights did you gain during the trip?
Ayden: I learned how important it is to listen to different viewpoints and how collaboration across communities can create real impact. Seeing that in action made me appreciate the power of working together.
Maya: I gained a lot from learning about the Jewish experiences of teens in both LA and San Francisco, and noticing where their experiences matched or differed from ours in Baltimore. Since I had never been to California before, I was also learning about the culture and lifestyle in general, which made the whole experience even more eye-opening.
In what ways did the trip challenge or inspire you?
Ayden: The trip definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in the best way. It inspired me to step into leadership with more confidence and trust in myself.
Maya: I was inspired by every single person I met on the trip. Everyone was so social, passionate about the programming, and genuinely kind. Being surrounded by that energy motivated me to continue exploring activities that strengthen my Jewish connection, because the trip helped me realize how meaningful and important that really is.
How do you think this trip will influence your future goals or leadership?
Ayden: This experience motivated me to stay involved in Jewish leadership and to use my voice to make a difference- not just in my own community, but wherever I can have an impact.
Maya: The LA trip showed me that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan- there’s always a way forward. As a leader, I’ll carry this lesson with me, reminding myself that adaptability is one of the most valuable tools we have.
Maya and Ayden’s reflections highlight what made this summer so meaningful: the resilience to adapt, the openness to learn from others, and the power of community. Even though the trip didn’t take place in Israel as planned, our Fellows discovered that the essence of the experience- the connections, the growth, and the leadership lessons- remained just as strong. Their voices remind us that Jewish identity and leadership are strengthened not only by where we gather, but by how we come together.
Diller Teen Fellows is a truly unique program that has Jewish teens creating unbreakable bonds not only with those in Baltimore, but across the globe. Click here to learn more about this incredible program!
