NowGen (formerly Young Jewish Phoenix) was reinvented in 2016 to foster connections and help build the Phoenix Jewish community. Since 2016, NowGen has expanded to include a growing number of programs that help deepen these connections. NowGen has now launched three focus areas: LIVE, GIVE and LEAD.
LIVE provides the opportunity to connect to each other and build Jewish community. It helps the Now Generation LIVE Jewishly. Events include Mazelpalooza, Blue + White Night, Party of 8 and affinity groups that include, but are not limited to: couples, PRIDE and young families. Also included is our Congregation Connection program, that connects young adults to synagogues across the Valley.
GIVE is the opportunity to give back through acts of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). NowGen has on-going partnerships with various organizations to give back; once a year we also host Mitzvah Madness – a day of service. NowGen also provides programming in conjunction with Women’s Philanthropy and other partners. The NowGen Giving Circle provides an opportunity for philanthropy that allows the participant to track their philanthropic investment closely. Also, NowGen offers a variety of ways to give back through its Chai and Ben-Gurion Societies. All of these initiatives are meant to teach the importance of GIVING Jewishly.
LEAD Jewish is the newest branch of expansion, providing opportunities for young adults to explore the Jewish community and find their leadership roles. Included is the NowGen Board and various new leadership programs. Phoenix also has a cohort of 12 leaders in the National Young Leadership Cabinet (NYL Cabinet). NYL Cabinet is the premier leadership program of the Jewish Federations of North America, our national partner.
NowGen is no longer the Valley’s best-kept secret as it continues to grow and gain more involved participants. It is an exciting time to be Jewish in the Valley and NowGen will continue to offer opportunities for young adults to explore their Jewish roots, give back and become the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Marty Haberer is the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
