Aly Gerstman joins the Charleston Jewish Federation team as our Young Adult Division (YAD) Coordinator, a new part-time fellowship for recent college graduates to coordinate social events, Jewish gatherings and community service opportunities to the 21 - 35 years old crowd. Keep reading to learn more about Aly's important work, which benefits our vibrant, diverse and growing young Jewish professional community:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Boca Raton, Florida. Growing up, my family belonged to a Reform congregation, Temple Beth El. At Temple Beth El, I was bat mitzvah’d and was very involved in the youth group BOFTY. I eventually became a participant in the Reform youth group, NFTY-STR. I am also a huge camp person! I was a counselor and camper at Blue Star Camps for a total of eleven summers.
What brought you to Charleston?
I moved to Charleston in April 2016 because my boyfriend, George, is studying at MUSC.
What is your favorite Jewish food?
Matzah ball soup!
What are your main responsibilities as YAD Coordinator?
My main responsibility as the YAD Coordinator is to strive to understand YAD members’ interests, passions and aspirations with the aim of empowering them to make an impact in the greater Charleston Jewish community.
What are your professional goals?
I hope to be an elementary school teacher in the greater Charleston area.
What else are you involved with in the Jewish community?
I am currently working in Early Childhood at Addlestone Hebrew Academy. I mostly work in Lion's Den (the after school program), but I am in the classroom during the day a few times a week! I also teach religious school at KKBE; I currently am teaching religion and Hebrew to 2nd graders and Hebrew to 5th graders. I love being involved in the Jewish Community in Charleston!
What has been your favorite YAD event so far since you came to Charleston?
My favorite YAD event thus far was our Shabbat Dinner at Parker and Katie Wishneff's home on Isle of Palms this past August. It is so nice to spend an evening celebrating Shabbat, and spending time with my peers.
What do you do for fun? What else should we know about you?
I love to go to the beach and work out at Orange Theory.
What can I do to get involved with YAD ? How can I help?
Show up to any of our events or feel free to send me an email at yad@jewishcharleston.org; I would love to set up a time and place to meet with you. You can also find us in our YAD Facebook group, which provides updates and information on upcoming events, or join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/btvrmX.
To reach Aly directly, you can contact her at yad@jewishcharleston.org
To learn more about YAD, click here.
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