J'Burgh Israel Trip Participants

Beth Goldstein

I am most excited to have the opportunity to travel back to Israel and even more so to have it be with J'Burgh. Having grown up in Pittsburgh, I know how strong the Jewish community is here and I am looking forward to seeing how our city's efforts have impacted our sister cities of Karmiel and Misgav. Attending Shady Side Academy, Ithaca College, and then the University of Utah I've learned that know matter where you are it is important and rewarding to be involved in your community. I also enjoy Pittsburgh's sports community. Whether I'm playing intramural sports or going to Pitt basketball and Steelers games this is one of my favorite ways to spend my free time. I also enjoy taking pictures of which I know I will be doing a lot of while we're in Israel.

I ♥ J'Burgh. 

Rich Schein

I’m originally from the Garden State, and have spent the past seven years living in the Pittsburgh area pursuing my graduate studies, completing a double Masters and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh concentrating in rehabilitation science and health policy management. I’m very much excited to have been selected to go on this leadership mission to Israel with an amazing and diverse group of young Jewish professionals. Of course I’m most looking forward to seeing the sites as it’s been a very long time since returning to Israel (over 20 years) but its the interaction of the community and fostering relationships with the cities’ of Karmiel and Misgav that I’m most eager for. It’s going to be a great trip and look forward to sharing my experiences with everyone. 

Hara Lampert

My name is Hara Lampert, and I am the director of youth and family services at congregation Tree of Life *Or L' Simcha. I am very excited to be participating in this wonderful experience as well as bringing my experience back to the community in order to continue helping our sister cities!

Justin Jacobs

Going on a Birthright trip a few years back was great, but I'm excited to make a real connection to both the country and the people of Israel. What's more, I'll be making that connection in Pittsburgh's sister city alongside a group of this city's young Jewish folks. I can't wait to get started.

  

Jonathan (Kiki) Cohen

This is a picture of me (far right)from this past summer, with some friends on top of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. As the son of an Israeli, I've been lucky enough to go several times; however, this was the first time I felt like I was seeing it through my own eyes. I'm excited to go back with J'Burgh on the Partnership 2000 Trip to help out in Karmiel & Misgav.


Evan Durst

I’m Evan, I’m 26 and I’m in the process of finishing my last year of law school at the University of Pittsburgh.  I’ve lived in Pittsburgh since I was 12, but I’ve been a Pittsburgh sports fan since the day I was born.  When I graduate from last school, I hope I’ll be working in Environmental Law or Policy.  I also dominate Jesse Rosenthal in fantasy football.


Carolyn Slayton

I am so excited to be making my 4th trip to Israel this winter! I cannot wait to experience a part of Israel other than the tourist experiences of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Most importantly, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help a region that is in such desperate need of a helping hand right now. I am looking forward to having what I think is the experience of a lifetime. 


Steve Slusarski

Looking forward to getting back to Israel, staying with a family and getting to know one town, helping them out with whatever we can do.  Should be a great experience and tons of fun too.


Sophia Berman

I am an industrial designer - passionate about experiencing new cultures, learning how things work and how problems can be solved. Many generations of my family have grown up and lived in Pittsburgh (the reason I returned for college when I was 18); because of this I have a deep-rooted connection with the city and its history and community. My first trip to Israel was on Birthright with the Hillel JUC, when I was able to visit Karmiel and meet some of the families and students living there. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to return to Israel alongside such a wonderful group, with a mission to help strengthen the Karmiel/Misgav region, its people, and its connection to the Jewish community of Pittsburgh.

Jesse Rosenthal

My name is Jesse Rosenthal and I have been a member of the Pittsburgh Jewish community for the entirety of my 25 years. I am currently a 3rd grade educator with Propel Charter Schools teaching math, science, and social studies to the future leaders of this world. I am super pumped to be going to Israel with J'Burgh for a number of reasons, but the one that stands out most of all is the people - the amazing people I get to spend the majority of the trip with, and the potentially amazing people we will be meeting with in the Holy Land.

Rachel Zisman

Hi my name is Rachel Zisman. I work for Sodexo as the Marketing Coordinator for Pitt's Dining Services. Even though I'm a mountaineer at heart.  This will be my 2nd trip to the holy land and I'm am beyond ecstatic to go back!  My first trip was on Birthright and it was truly amazing. I'm excited to have a totally different experience this time and really have time to take it all in and do my part to help out a city in need.  I'm also excited to bond with the amazing group we're traveling with!  

Erin Stoller

Hi my name is Erin Stoller. I just graduated from Duquesne University, receiving my masters in Elementary Education. I am so excited to be going back to Israel. Its been a few years since I've been back, and I cannot wait! I am looking forward meeting new people and experiencing new things! 

Becca Ackner

I moved to Pittsburgh three years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I feel lucky to have made some of my closest friends through J'Burgh, and even more fortunate that J'Burgh is taking us to Israel! Having only been to Israel once before, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to see the country again with fresh eyes. I am most excited to visit the Children's Village, and to volunteer my time and efforts in any way possible to those who live there. Thank you again to all of our donors and sponsors for making this trip a reality.