- Elyssa Smith
National Young Leadership Cabinet Member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
During the first week of April, I had the opportunity to travel to Azerbaijan with the National Young Leadership Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Heading into the trip — my first mission with Cabinet — I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although I have traveled extensively in my life, I knew little to nothing about Azerbaijan before the mission was announced.
Azerbaijan, a country bordered by Russia and Iran, is full of contrasts. It is a Muslim-majority nation, yet home to the largest Jewish population in any Muslim country, with approximately 15,000 Jews. Despite its authoritarian government, Azerbaijan embraces its Jewish community. Throughout our trip, we heard firsthand from local Jews about the safety, harmony, and sense of security they experience living peacefully alongside their non-Jewish neighbors.
Our group included 120 inspiring and dedicated Jewish leaders from across North America. Together, we met with Jewish communities in Baku and Quba and visited several agencies supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and JFNA. In Baku, we made matzah with children at the Ohr Avner School (ORT), danced and shared joy with seniors at the Heseh Center, and packed Passover boxes for families in need through the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). We also traveled to Shuvelan Village to participate in a Jewish Agency Seminar, where we helped train teen camp counselors from across the region with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).
Each one of these experiences was meaningful in its own way, but what moved me most was the deep sense of connection and joy I felt during our interactions. Even without a shared language, we communicated through Jewish dance and song – our common heritage creating magical bond that transcended words.
As I reflect on the trip and the connections formed with my fellow Chevera, the idea of a “return to joy” continues to resonate. In today’s world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by division and chaos. But amid those challenges, moments of light and joy persist. Despite the ongoing struggles we face — including antisemitism and exploitation here in North America — I felt reawakened by the joy, hope and unity that defined this journey.
Baku reminded me that joy is not only possible — it’s also essential. And it’s our responsibility, as Jews, to be that light and help ensure it shines for others. I remain deeply inspired by the connections I’ve built through the National Young Leadership Cabinet and the Jewish Federation’s shared mission to support Jewish life around the world.
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The Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet Cabinet is the premier leadership training program of the Jewish philanthropic community. Cabinet educates, connects and inspires current and future global leaders and philanthropists.
Cabinet applications for the class of 2025 are currently open through May 5, 2025. To learn more and apply, click here.
