Transforming Jewish Campus Life: How the Yavneh Fellowship Empowers Eytan Saenger’s Leadership Journey
The Yavneh Fellowship, a prestigious JLIC program, serves as a catalyst for developing the next generation of Jewish leaders on college campuses. Eytan Saenger stands among many outstanding students whose journeys through the program illustrate how the right resources help passionate young leaders transform their communities. His progression from fellow to mentor reflects the program’s success in nurturing student leadership across campuses nationwide.
Cultivating Leadership Through the Yavneh Fellowship
Now in his second year with the Yavneh Fellowship, Eytan has evolved from first-year fellow to mentor, guiding new Yavneh students as they begin their own leadership journeys. The fellowship’s comprehensive approach—combining national Shabbatons, leadership conferences, and personal mentorship—has provided him with the framework to develop his natural talents into effective leadership skills.
“The Yavneh Fellowship provides students with a mindset of leadership and community building,” Eytan often shares with prospective fellows. “It creates real opportunities to practice community building, event planning, and Torah learning in ways that make an immediate impact on campus.”
These opportunities for many students nationwide include hosting Shabbat meals, creating Israel-related programming, and participating in national student initiatives—all supported by programming funds, mentorship, and connections to a nationwide network of campus leaders.
From Campus to Capitol: Applying Yavneh Principles in the Political Arena
The leadership philosophy Eytan developed through Yavneh has assisted him in various political endeavors. He has already built an impressive resume, interning for Congressman Ritchie Torres and working with various government offices across New York State. His growing political profile has led to speaking engagements at Jewish events and an invitation to the White House Jewish Heritage Celebration last year.
Eytan further expanded his leadership experience as a participant in JNF-USA Alternative Break in Spring 2024, where he combined service work with leadership development in Israel.
“The community-building skills I’ve gained through Yavneh translate directly to political work,” Eytan explains. “Both require understanding diverse perspectives, building coalitions, and creating meaningful dialogue around shared values.”
His political experiences have reinforced his commitment to uplifting members of the Jewish community. Whether advocating for policy changes or organizing campus events, Eytan approaches leadership with the same intentionality and focus on genuine human connection that Yavneh emphasizes.
Leading JLIC at Binghamton with Vision and Purpose
As Co-President of the JLIC board at Binghamton University, Eytan and his co-president, Michal Seinfeld, work closely with Rav Jared and Sarit Anstandig to create a thriving Jewish community. His approach stands out for its focus on quality over quantity.
“Eytan has revolutionized how we think about success in our programming,” notes Rav Jared Anstandig. “He constantly pushes us to consider not just how many students attend an event, but how meaningful the experience is for each participant.”
Under his leadership, JLIC Binghamton attempts to think intentionally and thoughtfully about community building. Not only do they plan isolated events, but try to build a cohesive community where students feel genuinely connected. This transformation reflects the core values of the Yavneh Fellowship—that Jewish campus life should be about creating depth of experience and fostering authentic relationships.
Sharing Wisdom with the Next Generation
Eytan recently returned to his alma mater, SAR High School, where he delivered four separate hour-long presentations at an event titled “Am V’ometz” (Building Jewish Confidence), Eytan led a session teaching students how to interact effectively with campus organizations through intentional and meaningful action. His approach—which he described as “very Yavneh-esque”—emphasizes that successful advocacy and community building require both strategic thinking and genuine relationship development.
A Foundation Built on Jewish Values
Eytan’s leadership journey is built on a strong foundation of Jewish education and community experience. After graduating from SAR High School, he spent a gap year at Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem’s Old City, deepening his connection to Torah learning and Israel. His 11 summers at Camp Yavneh, including two years on staff, further shaped his understanding of how Jewish communities can bring together people from diverse backgrounds.
Building Tomorrow’s Jewish Communities Today
Through his involvement with the Yavneh Fellowship and JLIC, Eytan Saenger exemplifies how today’s Jewish campus leaders are laying the groundwork for vibrant, meaningful Jewish communities of tomorrow. His journey demonstrates that when passionate students receive the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities, they can create transformative experiences not just for themselves, but for entire communities.
Eytan’s impact extends far beyond campus—showing how the skills developed through programs like the Yavneh Fellowship prepare students not just for campus leadership, but for lifelong contributions to Jewish community and public service.
As Eytan continues to inspire others through his work with the Yavneh Fellowship—a program that provides college students with training, resources, and leadership opportunities to build religious communities on campus—his story serves as a powerful testament to how investing in student leadership today creates stronger Jewish communities for tomorrow.
Yavneh extends its sincere gratitude to JNF-USA for their generous and continued support of Yavneh programming, including the transformative experiences like the Alternative Break program that helps develop the next generation of Jewish leaders.
For more information about JLIC and the Yavneh program, please reach out to any of our Directors.
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