The DFL program sees potential in every intern they handpicked. They see us as the future leaders of the Jewish community. Through this program they instill with us tools and a passion to contribute and be part of a community. The DFL ignites a passion in us so that we can continue to be passionate and share that passion with others. In order to be a leader, one must not be Jewish. However, one must be passionate and care about the community which we will hopefully continue to serve and be part of through our lives.
I am blessed to be able to work with Marilyn at the Hillel Lodge. Marilyn is a leader in the truest sense. She is completely selfless and passionate about her work. Each program she creates; one can see that she put her all into it. Through working with Marilyn, I am able to feed off of her love and passion. I have the opportunity to see that being a Jewish leader does not mean one must be a Rabbi or the head of an organization. Marilyn shows me how one can be a leader and give to the community by investing one’s talents and abilities into the community. There are many ways one can be a leader and Marilyn is a leader I wish to exemplify.
After every visit to the Hillel Lodge I feel a sense of love for the community I am part of. After every visit, I feel more connected to my community and heritage. At Hillel Lodge I learn from the residence what it means to have been a Jew many years ago. I hear old Jewish songs and learn about what customs some residence has practiced years back. This helps me feel more connected to my past. It allows me to feel a connection to other Jews and to hear about what it means to be a Jew over many decades in time.
DFL stands for two things. One is it allows us to connect to the greater Jewish community. The second is that through the DFL we are placed in a leadership role. The best way to feel connected to something is by being in a leadership position. Through being part of the DFL we are made to see how we can contribute to the community. DFL builds us up not to only be the leaders of tomorrow but the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. DFL teaches us that whatever our majors are, whatever our life paths will be, we can still contribute and give to the community. Each in our own ways using our unique talents and abilities.
By: Mushka Teitlebaum