Torat Chayim is excited to announce the following J.J. Greenberg Young Leadership Award Recipients:
Kai T. S. Schinaman
Kai Schinaman is a Japanese and American Jewish graduate of Haverford College, just outside of Philadelphia, PA. Born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and Jewish-American father, Kai grew up navigating multiple cultures, languages, and traditions—an experience that has profoundly informed his commitment to building inclusive and thoughtful Jewish spaces. He grew up attending Shabbat and Sunday school here at the JCC, and now when in Tokyo he divides his time evenly between JCC and Chabad. Kai attended the American School in Japan, graduating its high school in 2022. In an environment where Jewish life was scarce on campus and many fellow students did not receive much Jewish schooling, he carried his curiosity and ahavas yisroel to college. Kai has a Bachelor of Arts in History, from Haverford College, graduating this past May and played four years on the varsity Squash team. His academic work explores economics, urban development, and public policy from 1930-1950. On campus, Kai has sought to lead not only through formal roles but through presence, initiative, and care for others. He has been actively involved in Jewish communal life through Chabad on Campus, leading Kabbalat Shabbat services and helping organize weekly Talmud study groups. He also served as Investment Fund Director for Haverford College’s TAMID Chapter, a nonprofit organization that connects undergraduate students with Israeli companies through hands-on consulting and investment experience.
Now, Kai is planning to move to the United States to pursue a full-time career in finance while actively continuing his Torah education, and seeks to help Jews at his alma maters ASIJ and Haverford College reconnect with their Jewish identity and heritage. Kai is honored to receive the Torat Chayim Leadership Award and remains committed to living out its values—leading with integrity, cultivating Torah in everyday life, and responding to misconceptions about Israel by affirming its foundational commitment to equality, justice, and the rule of law as grounded in both Torah tradition and its Basic Laws.
Now, Kai is planning to move to the United States to pursue a full-time career in finance while actively continuing his Torah education, and seeks to help Jews at his alma maters ASIJ and Haverford College reconnect with their Jewish identity and heritage. Kai is honored to receive the Torat Chayim Leadership Award and remains committed to living out its values—leading with integrity, cultivating Torah in everyday life, and responding to misconceptions about Israel by affirming its foundational commitment to equality, justice, and the rule of law as grounded in both Torah tradition and its Basic Laws.
Arielle Wilhelm
Arielle Wilhelm grew up in Paris and currently works at the Shoah Memorial.
In parallel, she hosts the "Nashim" column on Radio J, highlighting the most significant female figures in Jewish history.
She also contributes to the Rothschild Hanadiv Europe Foundation's Kaleidoscope project, as French editor.
Coming from an Orthodox background, Arielle has always sought a practice that reconciles her love of tradition with her feminist and modern values. Her exploration within the Kol Elles Jewish studies program opened doors to a deeper understanding of Torah texts, previously inaccessible to her.
Proud of her Jewish identity, she has cultivated a passion for the study of religious texts and is now involved with Kehila Ayeka, a pioneer of Modern Orthodoxy in France, where she is in charge of communications and Talmud Torah.
In parallel, she hosts the "Nashim" column on Radio J, highlighting the most significant female figures in Jewish history.
She also contributes to the Rothschild Hanadiv Europe Foundation's Kaleidoscope project, as French editor.
Coming from an Orthodox background, Arielle has always sought a practice that reconciles her love of tradition with her feminist and modern values. Her exploration within the Kol Elles Jewish studies program opened doors to a deeper understanding of Torah texts, previously inaccessible to her.
Proud of her Jewish identity, she has cultivated a passion for the study of religious texts and is now involved with Kehila Ayeka, a pioneer of Modern Orthodoxy in France, where she is in charge of communications and Talmud Torah.
Ethel Melka
Shalom! My name is Ethel, I live in Jerusalem with my spouse Adyel and our beloved daughter Toam Simha (in Hebrew, Toam means “harmony” and simha means “happiness”). I was born in France and made Aliyah with my family at the age of 3 to realize our Zionist aspirations. I grew up in Tel Aviv, in a family that taught me to love others. I served in the army as the IDF spokesperson of the Samaria area. When I finished my service, I went on a long journey, in Israel and abroad, in search of meaning through simplicity: walking and meeting others. I met different people, different beliefs, philosophies, and religions and found in each of them a deep and different inner world. Those journeys brought me a lot of light and spirit and brought me back to my roots, to Judaism. And as someone who does not come from a religious home, I went on a journey within Judaism. Through the mystical and deep areas and beliefs, as well as the everyday practices. But I was left with difficult questions: about Judaism's relationship with the various nations, and its relationship with women. I graduated from Shalem College with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, where I also learnt Arabic. During these years, I realized that Judaism is a source of harmony, of peace between people, between different faiths, religions and nations. And I got to know Roots ((שורשים- جذور. The organization where I have been working for 3 and a half years. When I first got to Roots, I felt like this verse came to life: "He leads me in paths of. righteousness for His name's sake" (Tehillim 23) his name- Shalom. At Roots, I serve as the Israeli co-manager of activity and content. In addition to the strategic and administrative work, I get to work in the field as a facilitator and coordinator of various meeting groups. As the Alumni Program and the Women’s Group, and coordinate various additional programs and groups, including a group of yeshiva students and their Palestinian peers, Playback group for Israeli and Palestinian women and other groups. I also give lectures about the conflict through the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute’s “Forum for Regional Thinking,” and participate in a variety of peace seminars and meetings through several other organizations. And in these difficult days, when our holy land is bleeding, and even before that - when the country knew severe internal divisions, I believe that our Jewish and human values are necessary now more than ever. Out of the belief that this country can be a land of peace, precisely because of the uniqueness of each person in this country - the different currents in Judaism, the different nations. May we get to empower the Harmony- the Shalom
Susana Acrich
Hi! I'm Susana Acrich. I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, and for several years now, I've been involved in multiple projects related to Jewish education for children. I began my journey in this field as the Rosh Chinuch (chief of educational content) at Yajad Barcelona, a kvutza for non-formal Jewish education. Since 2020, I've been working on the ongoing Talmud Torah Adret project in Barcelona. Since I was young, I've been actively engaged with the evolving Jewish Community of Barcelona, and I've always been aware that the transmission of Judaism to young children is key to the continuity and growth of the Jewish Community. In this regard, I founded the kvutza (group) comprised of Jewish children aged 3 to 6 in the Talmud Torah project. Every Sunday, we hold dynamic sessions filled with Jewish content and games related to Jewish history, the Torah, the holidays (jaggim), Jewish values, and Hebrew. These children have improved significantly since we started, and our group is growing every month. Now, new children join the synagogue, participate in the holidays (jaggim), and even bring their families closer to our community. I'm really looking forward to this new year that has just begun as an opportunity for growth and improvement in this initiative, with a lot of dedication, passion, happiness, and Torah!
Eddie Chavez Calderon
Eddie Chavez Calderon wholeheartedly dedicates himself to social justice work, a commitment he has held since his teenage years. His personal journey, which involved overcoming obstacles and fighting for the rights of migrant communities across the United States, has shaped his unwavering dedication to justice. As a DACA recipient, Eddie intimately understands the challenges faces by immigrants, driving his belief that equal opportunities and rights should be accessible to all. Alongside his advocacy for immigrants, Eddie’s journey led him to develop a profound connection with Judaism. Inspired by Jewish tradition, teaching, and texts, and guided by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Eddie Converted to Judaism, intensifying his commitment to bringing justice and equity into reality. Eddie’s Jewish identity provides him with a unique perspective on the daily struggles and systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities. Through advocacy and faith, he actively works to build bridges, challenge societal norms, and create a world that upholds the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. Drawing from persona experiences and the principles of his faith, Eddie remains steadfast in his pursuit of a more just and compassionate society for all.
Tali Trèves-Fitoussi
Tali Trèves-Fitoussi is the president of the Ayeka association, where she co-founded with the Ackermann couple the first Modern Orthodox synagogue in France. She is also the co-founder of the Kol-elles project, an in-depth study circle for women. Tali advocates for women to have greater access to Jewish texts and leadership positions in the community. She has a degree in fashion management, and she is passionate about the theme of Jewish clothing and the sociology of fashion, a subject she teaches at Kol-elles and other Jewish organizations.
Impact of the award for tali:
“Activism and community engagement are not always easy. They demand considerable time and dedication, and often generate very little recognition.
The Torat Chayim Award was the first time I truly felt recognized for my commitment — not just for the cause itself, but as a person who chooses to show up and fight for what matters. That recognition gave me strength and courage to continue my work advocating for the empowerment of women in Judaism.
The prize money allowed me to develop new projects within my organization, expanding the reach of initiatives I had long dreamed of building.
Throughout my life, I had always believed that community involvement was simply the natural thing to do — that you stand up for what seems just and ethical, without expecting anything in return.
This award was a powerful moment for me. For the first time, I felt seen — not just as someone doing what she believes is right, but as someone whose engagement was truly valued. And even though the fights are never truly over, that feeling continues to carry me forward. I thank you a lot for that."- Tali Fatoussi
The Torat Chayim Award was the first time I truly felt recognized for my commitment — not just for the cause itself, but as a person who chooses to show up and fight for what matters. That recognition gave me strength and courage to continue my work advocating for the empowerment of women in Judaism.
The prize money allowed me to develop new projects within my organization, expanding the reach of initiatives I had long dreamed of building.
Throughout my life, I had always believed that community involvement was simply the natural thing to do — that you stand up for what seems just and ethical, without expecting anything in return.
This award was a powerful moment for me. For the first time, I felt seen — not just as someone doing what she believes is right, but as someone whose engagement was truly valued. And even though the fights are never truly over, that feeling continues to carry me forward. I thank you a lot for that."- Tali Fatoussi
Ricardo J Vargas-Echevarria
Ricardo J Vargas-Echevarria (he/him) is originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. A Social Worker since 2019, he likes to advocate for the marginalized and Vulnerable populations. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, who are his favorite people in the world. He is a Social Worker and lives Jewishly with pride. Ricardo was raised as a Reform Jew and has found a home in his Orthodox practice. He is a cat lover, likes to study History and is a passionate chef. Ricardo lives with the desire to be an agent of change in the world and be a better person everyday.
Avygayl Zucker
Avygayl Zucker is a junior in Yeshiva University. Born and raised in New York, Avygayl has dedicated their time towards community work. Throughout high school, Avygayl worked in the Jewish Center nearby and then went on to intern with the New York State Assembly in their district. After high school, Avygayl moved to Israel for two years to study in-depth Talmud and philosophy at Midreshet Amudim. There, Avygayl got involved with volunteering for special needs organizations, and continues to do so today. Avygayl has marched several times in New York with both the Israeli Day Parade and the NYC Pride March, and has participated in multiple educational initiatives on topics such as American politics, Middle Eastern relations, Zionism, and Israel as a whole. Most recently, Avygayl participated in the Uri L’Tzedek Racial Justice, Immigrant Rights, and Torah fellowship. From there, Avygayl joined Uri L’Tzedek’s “Tav HaYosher” initiative, taking on the streets of the Upper West Side and ensuring workers are treated ethically. Getting to be an advocate for social justice and celebrating workers rights has been an amazing experience and hopefully only the beginning of Avygayl’s work with Uri L’Tzedek
Ruben Gerczikow
Ruben Gerczikow is a communication scientist and author living in Germany. He researches about antisemitic, right-wing extremist and Islamist structures and he regularly publishes texts about them. From 2019 to 2021 he was the Vice-President of the European Union of Jewish Students and the German Union of Jewish Students.
Nick Jagdeo
Nick resides in Trinidad and is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and holds a BA in Business Administration, an MA in International Business and an MSc in Strategic Leadership and Innovation. He currently works as the Engagement Manager for Uri L'Tzedek and is organizing the Sukkot Fellowship for Jewish Immigrants. He is also pursuing an MA in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Yeshiva University and is pursuing a passion project to document and highlight the role Trinidad and Tobago played in opening its borders to Jewish refugees during World War 2. He hopes this project will give rise to a more welcoming attitude on his islands to the Venezuelan migrants who have fled the situation in their home country and are seeking a new start in Trinidad. Born in the UK, raised between Essex, Canada and Trinidad, and then later having moved to Israel, Nick defines himself as the quintessential immigrant and he would like to see a world where all immigrants are treated with more dignity, warmth and respect. He has nine-year-old dogs, George and Puggles, and is a stong advocate for animal rescues and animal rights.
Impact of the award for Nick:
“When I received the JJ Greenberg Young Jewish Leaders Award from Torat Chayim in late 2022, it came exactly at the moment I was starting a pro-Israel advocacy agency in the southern Caribbean with the intent of deepening ties between the southern Caribbean countries and the State of Israel. The receipt of this award and the accompanying grant money could not have come at a more opportune moment; together with other sources of income, the award money contributed to the start up costs of the Understanding Israel Foundation, which was launched in June, 2023.
In many ways, the seed money in honor of JJ served an even greater purpose than simply encouraging diplomacy; the events of October 7 forced me and the Understanding Israel Foundation to evolve into being the only representatives in the region explaining Israel’s stance while an explosion of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment erupted all around the region.
To the Greenberg family, I am grateful for this award and recognition. Both the award and the grant money to accompany the award was a welcome gift, and I hope that we have honored JJ nobly in this way.” - Nick Jagdeo
In many ways, the seed money in honor of JJ served an even greater purpose than simply encouraging diplomacy; the events of October 7 forced me and the Understanding Israel Foundation to evolve into being the only representatives in the region explaining Israel’s stance while an explosion of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment erupted all around the region.
To the Greenberg family, I am grateful for this award and recognition. Both the award and the grant money to accompany the award was a welcome gift, and I hope that we have honored JJ nobly in this way.” - Nick Jagdeo
Aryeh Kalb
Aryeh Kalb is a Junior at the Macaulay Honors College at Lehman College, CUNY, and is pursuing a degree in political science. He currently serves as a member of the Macaulay Scholars Council, a Senator on the Lehman College Senate, and a Senator on The University Student Senate of the City University of New York. He is currently a consultant for 21 in 21 an organization dedicated to electing womxn to the New York City Council. Previous political internships include the Jessica Haller campaign for New York City Council and The Office of New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. Aryeh was a curatorial fellow at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library, and a curatorial intern as part of their Schomburg Teen Curators Program.
Emile Ackermann
Emile Ackermann was born in Strasbourg, France, where he has been learning Torah since he was young. Emile went to Yeshivat haKotel after graduating from high school, and then moved to Paris to study international Law. He then studied at the French rabbinical school and taught in several Jewish schools and Sunday schools to children as a Bible teacher, while contributing to different newspapers. Emile is a fierce advocate of religious freedom and has vocally opposed the anti-religious, intolerant side of French secularism in the media, where he repeatedly took a stand against antisemitism and islamophobia, defending the right of Jews and Muslims to wear religious signs in public. He has also been active in interfaith groups such as Coexist and believes in meaningful dialogue between different religious traditions. With his wife Myriam, he created AYEKA, the first Modern Orthodox organization in France with the goal of building a community in Paris. In 2019, Emile became a student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, and he will be graduating in 2023.
Myriam Ackermann-Sommer
Myriam Ackermann-Sommer, BA, MA, was born and raised in Southern France and has lived in Paris for four years with her husband Emile before becoming a student at Yeshivat Maharat (NYC) while working on her PhD in Jewish American literature, after ranking first at the agrégation, a French national exam that enables graduate students to become junior lecturers. In the course of her Master’s Degree in English literature at the Sorbonne and the Ecole Normale Supérieure, Myriam focused mainly on Jewish American authors and Jewish philosophy, writing essays on novelist I.B. Singer and Bernard Malamud. Her favourite subjects are gender representations and the challenge of egalitarianism in Orthodox Judaism, the exchange of ideas between Judaism and contemporary critical theory, and Jewish ethics. A dedicated musician and songwriter, Myriam has earned a diploma in transverse flute in 2015 and loves to enhance the spiritual dimension of Judaism by singing her heart out in prayer groups and Youtube videos. With her husband Emile, she created AYEKA, the first Modern Orthodox organization in France with the goal of building a community in Paris. She will be graduating from Yeshivat Maharat in 2023.
Isaac Blumenthal
Isaac Blumenthal is a force for good. He graduated from Frisch (a Modern Orthodox High School in New Jersey), studied his first year at Baruch College in NYC and transferred to Northeastern University in Boston. At only 20 years old, he has committed himself to service. He has dedicated five months to volunteering at a church in Harlem. He has tutored underprivileged children in NYC in math and literacy. He worked at Beit Elazraki in Netanya for a summer. He has been a NJ Cares and NY Cares volunteer. He serves as a counselor on a help hotline for those at-risk. He has supported children who can’t afford to go to camp, as a counselor for them. He has interned for Uri L’Tzedek, the Orthodox Social Justice movement, and done so much more. He is a proud Modern Orthodox Jew committed to a more inclusive community and passionate about social justice.
Meir Mouyal
"My name is Meir Mouyal, I'm 21 and I live in Barcelona, Spain. Since I was young, I have always been involved in the Jewish community. It all began at the Jewish school of Barcelona, meanwhile I was also a Janij at the Tnuá and eventually became a Madrij. Currently, I'm finishing a Bachelor's Degree in Informatics Engineering, and in my free time I like to think, read and learn about philosophy and psychology. For this reason, with the help of Rabbi Daniel Ashkenazi, the Rabbi of my jewish community, and Andre, the youth director of my jewish community, we decided to start the Hevruta project. The goal of Hevruta is to encourage young jews to debate relevant controversial topics present in our day to day. Hevruta sessions not only promote critical thinking, but they also always provide the point of view of Judaism towards the topics in the discussion. And that's why we love it."
Dubi Michael Glikman
Torat Chayim is proud to award the J.J. Greenberg Torat Chayim Young Leadership Award for Europe to Dubi Michael Glikman of Berlin for his work in creating community around the Shabbat table. In the words of Torat Chayim rabbinic member Rabbi Rebecca Blady of Base BERLIN:
"Dubi is a phenomenal leader for students and young adults living in Berlin. He is currently leading a program called "Host-It," a project of Morasha in Berlin, which encourages young people to host their own shabbat dinner. He is passionate about providing them with education and tools to expand young Jews' knowledge and abilities to make Judaism a part of their lives. He is one of the first residents of a new home-based organization through Morasha and frequently hosts young people at home for inspiring programs that he often creates on his own. Dubi has a proven track record of chessed work and encouraging other Jewish students and young adults to participate in chessed. Most notably, Dubi has assisted in organizing clothing drives and food donation to the needy in Berlin over the past couple of years and feels strongly about involving as many people as possible in these initiatives."
"Dubi is a phenomenal leader for students and young adults living in Berlin. He is currently leading a program called "Host-It," a project of Morasha in Berlin, which encourages young people to host their own shabbat dinner. He is passionate about providing them with education and tools to expand young Jews' knowledge and abilities to make Judaism a part of their lives. He is one of the first residents of a new home-based organization through Morasha and frequently hosts young people at home for inspiring programs that he often creates on his own. Dubi has a proven track record of chessed work and encouraging other Jewish students and young adults to participate in chessed. Most notably, Dubi has assisted in organizing clothing drives and food donation to the needy in Berlin over the past couple of years and feels strongly about involving as many people as possible in these initiatives."