Message from Ben Zakkai Chair Isabelle Novak:
It is my pleasure to give you the chance to meet our new candidate members.
Ben Zakkai is NCSY’s “Alumni Hall of Fame” and for 60 years our membership has annually, by secret ballot, selected new Alumni Inductees as well as up to twenty “candidate members” from among several thousand graduating NCSY high school seniors. I am delighted to share a brief biography of these extraordinary teen leaders.
Reading their stories is to be reassured that the NCSY magic still works as it has for so many of us for so many years!
Liraz Bega – Las Vegas, NV
Liraz Bega is a remarkable example of what it means to choose a Jewish life. Originally from Chicago, Liraz attended public school her entire life and comes from a secular, non–Shomer Shabbat home. Yet from the moment she connected with NCSY, she began an inspiring journey of growth—not only transforming her own life but beginning to influence her family as well. Her younger sister recently enrolled in a Jewish school, inspired by Liraz’s example. After going on NCSY’s Anne Samson TJJ with Chicago, Liraz moved to Las Vegas at the beginning of 11th grade and immediately became a leader in West Coast NCSY, joining the Vegas chapter board and attending Yeshivat TJJ the following summer. Her dedication to growth is unwavering—she consistently attends mishmar, learns with her summer advisors, and actively seeks out opportunities to deepen her connection to Torah and mitzvot. Liraz’s decision to attend Machon Maayan Seminary is a powerful and unexpected leap— something that once seemed far out of reach given her background. She is building a Jewish future not only for herself, but for her family and community, and is a deeply deserving recipient of an NCSY Ben Zakkai Anne Samson Memorial Scholarship.
Galya Belman – Pittsburgh, PA
From a suspension in 9th Grade to leading a weekly women’s Parsha chat and serving with distinction on Regional Board to blowing away every Israel seminary that interviewed her, Galya is the personification of growth in NCSY. She is a student at The Ellis School, an all-girls preparatory private school. Next year, she will use her inquisitive mind to nourish her thirst for meaningful Torah study at Baer Miriam, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Mikey Butler Memorial Scholarship.
Ilanit Benitah – Coddle Harbor, MD
Ilanit moved to the US a few years ago from Mexico. Even though they were not in Torah Day Schools, they were surrounded by traditional Jewish families. Her brother since a young age was battling illness and eventually, they moved to the States for treatments. She then entered public school in the suburbs of DC. She really felt the lack of being around more Jews like she had in Mexico and joined NCSY and loved everything she had to learn. Something inside her said she wanted more and continued to find new avenues to learn and grow in her Judaism. She started keeping Shabbos, kosher and trying to keep Tznius even though her family and friends didn’t understand. She fought super hard to go to seminary next year even though her parents did not understand the necessity and did not want to pay for it. She persisted and she is now going to spend a year in Baer Miriam assisted by a Ben Zakkai Moses I Feuerstein Memorial Scholarship.
Leael Benkandil – Sunrise, FL
Leael Benkandil, originally from Myrtle Beach and now living in Sunrise, Florida, comes from a traditional Israeli home that has not been deeply connected to Judaism. However, through her involvement with NCSY, she has forged a strong Jewish identity and an unwavering commitment to her spiritual growth. Leael has participated in two transformative NCSY summer programs, TJJ and Yeshivat TJJ, and is currently the TJJ president. In this leadership role, she has dedicated herself to facilitating programs and initiatives that inspire her peers. Throughout high school, she has remained an active and passionate NCSY participant, always striving to deepen her connection to Torah and mitzvot. Being one of the few Jews in her school has never deterred Leael from proudly embracing her Jewish identity. Her commitment to her faith and values has been tested in many ways, yet she has faced every challenge with determination and perseverance. Over time, she has worked on strengthening her observance of Shabbat and refining her commitment to tznius, further deepening her personal connection to Judaism. Despite numerous obstacles, she has made the courageous decision to take a gap year in Israel, where she hopes to attend Machon Maayan assisted by a Ben Zakkai Rabbi David Kamenetsky Memorial Scholarship.
Nathan Bershadsky – Northbrook, IL
Nathan began his involvement in NCSY when he signed up for the Anne Samson TJJ as a 10th grader. On ASTJJ, he really connected to the advisors and to Jewish learning and began his path of growth. Nathan is always seeking to learn more and makes sure to connect himself to people who can help him learn and grow. He has also pushed himself to be able to learn as much as possible on his own and taught himself Hebrew in addition to learning with NCSY staff and other community members. Nathan loves singing and connects to Judaism on a spiritual level that way. He loves being a part of the Jewish community and has made it a point to spend yom tov in the frum community. He joined his chapter board after ASTJJ and this year is the president of his chapter. He comes to all Shabbatons, all events, and is also on the leadership board of his school’s Jewish club. He recruits friends to come to NCSY programs and holds himself as a mentor to younger NCSYers. He has really taken on commitment to halacha and although his family is not religious, does his best to keep Shabbos at home or to spend Shabbos in the community. He plans to attend Netiv Aryeh in Jerusalem, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Elaine and Rabbi Pinchas Stolper Memorial Scholarship.
Raquel Darwich –Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Raquel Darwich, originally from Mexico and now living in Miami, Florida, comes from a traditional Jewish home. She has shown incredible dedication to her Jewish identity through her involvement in NCSY, attending three transformative summer programs: Anne Samson TJJ, Yeshivat ASTJJ, and Michlelet Mechina. Raquel is a committed NCSY teen, always consistent and present, and she continually seeks opportunities to learn and grow, often engaging in chavrusas with her advisors. Raquel attends public school, where she proudly wears her Judaism and is a visible example of Jewish pride to those around her. Despite the challenges she faces being one of the few Jewish students in her school, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her faith. Next year, Raquel plans to take a gap year at Machon Maayan, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Bessie and Captain Hyman Galbut Memorial Scholarship.
Tzofia Dean – St. Louis, MO
Tzofia is an incredible girl. She comes from a very difficult family situation but has persevered through it all. Tzofia went to public school for 9th-11th grade. She got involved in NCSY locally in St Louis and began to attend shabbatons, and then went on TJJ. For 12th grade, she switched into Jewish High school and is planning on attending Bnot Torah seminary next year assisted by a Ben Zakkai Rabbi Alan Kuperman Memorial Scholarship.
Hadassah Deutch – Hollywood, FL
Hadassah Deutsch, from Hollywood, Florida, comes from a traditional Jewish home. She has been involved in NCSY for a few years and has shown unwavering commitment throughout her journey. Hadassah spent two transformative summers with NCSY, first with Anne Samson TJJ and then with Yeshivat ASTJJ, where she grew tremendously from both experiences. Currently, she holds a position on the regional board, sharing the responsibility of helping build the ASTJJ community. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Hadassah has persevered and continued to grow, always remaining dedicated to her Jewish identity. Hadassah originally attended a school where there were very few Jewish students, making it difficult for her to stay connected to her heritage. However, her strong commitment to her Jewish identity has led her to take important steps toward growing spiritually. Now, Hadassah is committed to taking a gap year to deepen her connection with Torah and grow spiritually, with plans to attend Baer Miriam, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Bessie and Captain Hyman Galbut Memorial Scholarship.
Reuben Dragushan – Newton, MA
Reuben moved to the Boston area and got involved with NCSY in 9th grade. He was coming from a non-day-school background and had a lot of catching up to do. He is motivated, creative and passionate about his Torah learning and Jewish growth. He will be attending Aish Gesher in the fall.
Mendel Eisenberg – Pittsburgh, PA
Mendy, as a student at City Charter High, came on Yarchei Kallah in 9th Grade for all the wrong reasons and was hanging out with the wrong crowd. Since then, he has totally reinvented himself. After 10th Grade, he transferred to Hillel. He transferred on the condition that he would be able to continue attending Yarchei Kallah. The contrast to his conduct in the 9th Grade and now in the 12th Grade is a true model of growth. He was literally skipping activities to do extra learning. He has developed an appreciation for Gemara that is inspiring. He is also a model of Middos. He does not need any position or recognition. In fact, he sincerely offered to decline a position on Regional Board so someone else could serve. He has an innate sense of responsibility and a desire to be helpful. He is always the first to volunteer and the last one to leave. Next year, he is sure to continue to develop as a Ben Torah at Netiv Aryeh, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Mikey Butler Memorial Scholarship.
Koby Engel – Skokie, IL
Koby is a day school student who has been involved in NCSY for all of high school and has been on chapter board for 3 years. In 11th and 12th grade, he was chapter president. He also attended JOLT Israel, an NCSY summer program where he continued his growth. Koby is an incredible leader who is highly respected amongst his peers for his passion and dedication to Yiddishkeit. Koby uses his leadership qualities to instill and encourage growth amongst his friends. He brings his friends along to davening, when they otherwise may not go, and encourages them to attend NCSY programming to further their growth. He has a Chavrusa with an advisor and close relationships with NCSY staff. Even though he attends a school where many of his friends may face challenges with basic halacha, Koby has shown incredible strength and dedication in maintaining and deepening his own religious growth. Koby is acclaimed with the highest admiration amongst his rebbeim and teachers and with their endorsement he plans on attending Mevaseret next year, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Julia and Joseph Macy Memorial Scholarship.
Hunter Frank – Denver, CO
Hunter Frank is a bright and dedicated young woman who has shown remarkable growth and commitment to her Jewish faith, despite coming from a secular background. Raised in a family where Judaism was not a central focus, with a non-Jewish father and a secular education, Hunter could have easily drifted away from her heritage. However, her journey took a transformative turn when she transferred to a religious day school. Through this transition, she became a Shomer Shabbos girl, embracing the values of observance and community, and discovered the power of Jewish connection. Hunter’s profound spiritual growth is a direct result of her involvement in the NCSY program, where she immersed herself in Jewish learning and developed a deep sense of purpose. She rose in NCSY to become the regional president. Her commitment to Judaism was further strengthened by her experiences, which helped her navigate the challenges of balancing her past with her newfound religious identity. Hunter has stood out as a leader both in Denver and throughout Southwest region. She led the Denver chapter during challenging times for the city, and this year stepped up in supporting the chapter president in a year when there wasn’t full time staff in the city. Now, she prepares to attend Aish Gesher Women’s Seminary in Israel, assisted by a Rabbi Ralph Pelcovitz Memorial Scholarship.
Shani Greenberg – Round Rock, TX
Shani Greenberg is a remarkable young woman whose journey of Jewish growth has been shaped by determination and inspiration. Raised in a secular home in California, Shani’s first exposure to the beauty of Jewish life came through the guidance of a Chabad rebbitzen, who left a lasting impression on her as a young girl. When Shani and her family moved to Austin, Texas, six years ago, she found herself in a community with limited Jewish resources, making it difficult to continue her spiritual journey. However, she didn’t let this challenge hold her back. Instead, Shani sought out NCSY, where she found the support and inspiration she needed to continue her growth. Her involvement in NCSY not only deepened Shani’s connection to her Jewish roots, but also enabled her to develop into a true leader. She rose to the position of president of Austin NCSY, a small but quickly growing chapter, where she worked tirelessly to build a strong Jewish community and encourage others to engage with their faith. Shani went on the Olami Orlando trip and the Olami Launch Israel trip. She and her younger sister try to go on every chapter shabbaton they can with every Texas chapter. Now, as she prepares to spend the upcoming year at Bnot Torah, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Ezra Bentzion Lightman Memorial Scholarship.
Hinda Gross – Phoenix, AZ
Hindy Gross stands out as a passionate and self-driven leader who has built her Jewish identity with courage and determination. Coming from a less religious background, with parents who are Baalei Teshuva and limited access to formal Jewish education, Hindy’s path was anything but typical. Attending a Jewish school was not expected—she was the one who insisted on it, despite the challenges, because she wanted to create a space for Torah and community in her life. She has since become a true pioneer in her community. As Arizona NCSY Chapter President and West Coast Regional Board President, Hindy has inspired countless teens. She served on the CTeen board, regularly volunteers on Jr. NCSY Shabbatons, and runs a Bat Mitzvah club at her shul. Her weekly Dvar Torah and Torah blog reflect her love of learning and her commitment to sharing it with others. Hindy is also a proud alumna and staff member of Camp Nageela West Coast. She plans to attend Midreshet Lindenbaum assisted by a Ben Zakkai Ezra Bentzion Lightman Memorial Scholarship.
Chavivah Miller – St. Louis, MO
Chavivah is an incredible girl. She is the President of St Louis NCSY and is an amazing leader. She plans events, makes sure that others attend, holds people accountable, never misses an event no matter what kind of conflict arises, and is just so committed to NCSY and her leadership. Chavivah’s family has a long history of NCSY involvement (her father is a former Regional Director) and Chavivah has really made it her own. She is incredibly committed to NCSY and is a role model for other teens. She’s passionate and committed to her Yiddishkeit and is always searching for growth. She is an incredibly positive personality and makes the best of every situation. She is kindhearted, fun, and giving and just a model NCSYer all around. She plans to attend Tomer Devorah assisted by a Ben Zakkai Ezra Bentzion Lightman Memorial Scholarship.
[Editor’s Note: This is the first person ever nominated for Ben Zakkai whose parents and 1 set of grandparents were all Ben Zakkai members]
Tori Rehwaldt – Vancouver, WA
Nominated by: West Coast Region
Office(s) Held: President JSU Club; Member JSU National Board
Tori Rehwaldt is a shining example of a passionate and resilient young Jewish leader. Coming from a background with limited Jewish infrastructure, Tori took it upon herself to create meaningful Jewish opportunities—not only for herself, but for others. She founded and served as President of the Skyview JSU, designing programs based on student feedback and managing the club’s operations. On the JSU National Board, she elevated Jewish engagement on a broader scale by creating agendas and instructional content for student-led clubs nationwide. Tori’s dedication extends into the summer months, where she has worked as a counselor and art specialist at Camp Kesher and Camp Gan Israel, guiding campers with care and helping create joyful Jewish experiences. Her leadership is hands-on, thoughtful, and grounded in a deep sense of responsibility. Despite personal challenges—including the loss of her father at a young age and her family’s ongoing financial difficulties—Tori has never stopped moving forward. She plans to attend Machon Maayan Seminary assisted by a Ben Zakkai Anne Samson Memorial Scholarship.
David Shamayev – Keego Harbor, MI
David is the youngest of a family of four that together with his parents had a complete transformation having the oldest daughter pave the way with NCSY. David is a true leader. He is always concerned for the individual teens and the community. He is a generator of enthusiasm, Ruach, and passion for Torah and Mitzvot. He is going to take this growth to the next level at Shaalvim next year, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Mikey Butler Memorial Scholarship.
Michael Stoltzman – Savannah, GA
Michael is from Savannah, Georgia, and has shown incredible commitment to his Jewish growth. Although he initially attended a Catholic military school, which was known for its excellent education, he decided to leave after his involvement with NCSY’s Anne Samson The Jewish Journey (ASTJJ). Michael recognized the importance of being in an environment more conducive to his spiritual growth, and he took a bold step to pursue this path. Michael spent two transformative summers with NCSY on ASTJJ and at Yeshivat ASTJJ, experiences that deeply shaped his Jewish identity and understanding. His dedication to his growth within the Jewish community is evident in his active role as the regional board president of NCSY, where he leads with passion and commitment. Despite living much farther away from most of the group, Michael has never missed an NCSY event, a testament to his dedication and love for his community. Next year, Michael will continue his journey by studying at Derech Ohr Sameach in Israel, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Anne Samson Memorial Scholarship.
Kobie Talmoud – Silver Spring, MD
It is with great pride that I nominate Kobie Talmoud for the Ben Zakai Membership. Kobie is a role model of humility, leadership, and passion for Torah. His personal growth is remarkable—but even more impressive is how many others he’s brought along with him. Kobie starts his day with a 6:30 a.m. minyan just so he can learn before school. He spends evenings learning at the local yeshiva’s night seder, and always brings a Gemara to Latte & Learning to learn with others. He sends out weekly Divrei Torah to his friends and constantly initiates chavruta-style learning at events. His Torah isn’t just deep—it’s contagious. He leads informally but powerfully, welcoming new teens at JSU and NCSY events and creating an environment where others feel inspired to grow. Kobie’s dedication has shaped a community of teen learners who take Torah seriously because he showed them how. Kobie doesn’t seek attention – he seeks growth, truth, and connection. Through his actions, he exemplifies what it means to be a ben Torah and a Jewish leader. Kobie plans to attend Mevaseret in Israel, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Ezra Bentzion Lightman Memorial Scholarship, then he plans to attend the Lander College for Men having received an OU/NCSY – Touro Sarah Rivkah and Dr. Bernard Lander Memorial Leadership Scholarship.
Avital Vorobeychik – Saint Louis, MO
Avital has been involved in NCSY for many years and has come a very long way in terms of personal growth. She has worked on herself on her middos and her Jewish growth. She has had family difficulties and has persevered through them all to remain deeply committed to her beliefs even when her environment makes it difficult. She has grown tremendously in her Yiddishkeit, having chavrusas weekly for years now with her advisors and staff. She always looks to grow and is very passionate about what she cares about. She is extremely dedicated to NCSY and her leadership role and makes sure that meetings, events, and programs always happen. She is a giving person who really cares about others. She plans to attend MMY, assisted by a Ben Zakkai Anne Samson Memorial Scholarship.