When it comes to advice for young professionals on how to start your leadership journey at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Noah Kimelheim, 26, will give you a true Philadelphian answer: “trust the process.”
An emerging leader in our Jewish community, Noah has eagerly unravelled many of the wonderful opportunities that the Jewish Federation offers young professionals to get active, be connected and give back. Working as an Associate at Delphi Property Group, LLC, Noah first got involved with the organization through the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group. After participating in NextGen’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) and the Young JFRE’s Mentorship program, Noah now serves on the NextGen’s At-Large Board.
Believing in the power of numbers and perspectives, Noah welcomes and encourages all of those passionate about ensuring a Jewish future to get involved.
“We benefit from strength in numbers and continue to grow from different generational outlooks on real world problems,” said Noah.
NextGen chatted with Noah to learn more about him and his journey with the Jewish Federation:
What are three fun facts about you?
- I am a triplet.
- I've backpacked many countries.
- I play and coach soccer.
Throughout your leadership journey in the Jewish Federation, what has been one of your most memorable experiences? Why?
As a whole, LDP showed me how the Jewish Federation impacts the community and greater region through numerous funding efforts and hands-on events that I found to be extremely important for those on the receiving end.
You were matched with a mentor with LDP and Young JFRE. How have these pairings helped you navigate your lay leadership and professional goals?
When I began LDP at the Jewish Federation, it was a little overwhelming with the size of the organization and the number of programs offered to give back to the community. But, both my mentors through LDP and JFRE showed me paths to ways I could impact positive change through the program and the Jewish Federation.
Professionally, I connected with my mentors through the programs and have been able to make valuable relationships with them and others that they introduced me to. I’ve done business with both mentors already and look forward to using them as resources in my career.
As a young professional, how has Young JFRE and NextGen helped you connect with your Jewish community?
Young JFRE helped me network more than most other programs I am a part of. Some of my closest friends and colleagues are part of JFRE, and that gave me a personal connection, which is important in my line of business.
NextGen helped me meet other people my age who care about Jewish continuity, and it helped me understand the importance in numbers and the work we are doing. Both programs gave me the opportunity to immerse myself within the Jewish community with a real purpose.
Why do you give to the Jewish Federation?
The Jewish Federation's commitment to inclusive funding of opportunities and programs is important to me. I understand that in order to make a difference in the world now, unity is of the utmost importance.
I give to support my community and trust that my gift will benefit those around me and that I also have the ability to choose where my gift is used.
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NextGen is the young professional affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about NextGen, please email Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org and friend us on Facebook.