Honoring Atlanta’s Next Generation of Jewish Leaders
May 29, 2026
In a time when Jewish teens are navigating rising antisemitism, mental health challenges and the pressures of social media, 21 Atlanta students were recognized not only for their achievements, but for the kindness, leadership and compassion they bring to their communities every day.
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s JTeen initiative partnered with Hadassah Greater Atlanta to celebrate the 35th Annual Hadassah Chesed Student Awards, honoring students who exemplify chesed (loving-kindness) through service, mentorship, advocacy and community involvement.
Founded in 1992, the annual awards recognize students from Jewish day schools, synagogues and community organizations who demonstrate concern for Jewish life, Israel and fellow human beings through their actions. Over the past 35 years, the program has honored nearly 800 students across Jewish Atlanta.
“We just cannot overstate how important it is to instill Jewish knowledge, Jewish values and identity in our teens,” said Phyllis M. Collum, co-chair of the Chesed Awards and a Hadassah volunteer for more than 50 years. “This kind of focus is especially important today.”
Phyllis, who helped create the awards program more than three decades ago, said the recognition celebrates students whose leadership is rooted in kindness and action.
“Chesed means kindness, being a mensch,” Phyllis said. “These students didn’t choose to serve others to be recognized. They were recognized because they wanted to make a difference.”
During the ceremony, Leah Stinson, Federation’s Director of JTeen and JCamping, reflected on the impact of this year’s recipients.
“If you ever need your faith in the future restored, spend an hour with our recipients,” Leah said. “They’re amazing.”
Next year, the 36th Chesed Award winners will be honored on the first Sunday in May, 2027.
Meet this year’s 21 teen winners!
Nominated by: Atlanta Jewish Academy
“I see the importance of Israel advocacy and education which I why I have designated my time to hone skills in regards to advocating against antisemitism and furthering a Jewish Education.”
Mikaela Block
Nominated by: Congregation Sherith Israel
“All four years at Tapestry Public Charter School, Mikaela was a member of the cross country team at Tapestry and for two years was the captain. She also started a badminton club lasting for two years. Mikaela is planning on attending Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC next fall and studying science and art.”
Audrey Bronfman
Nominated by: Congregation Dor Tamid
“Audrey enjoys playing volleyball and volunteering at an animal shelter.”
Lauren Cohn
Nominated by: Temple Beth Tikvah
“My strong Jewish identity and love for Israel are a huge part of who I am, shaped by my family and seven summers at Camp Coleman, where I found a true sense of community.”
Nominated by: The Epstein School
“I have gone to The Epstein School since I was 18 months old and am excited to attend the Weber School next year. I live with my parents, two younger brothers, and our dog. In my spare time, I love to dance, read, sew, and play with my dog.”
Nominated by: Congregation Beth Shalom
“I’m a member of my school’s Technology Student Association. I have been attending Camp Judaea since I was eight years old and plan to be a counselor there this summer. I am a teacher’s assistant at my synagogue’s religious school. I enjoy working with others and taking on new challenges that help me grow.”
Stella Gegax
Nominated by: American Jewish Committee
“At school, she is a student leader for the Connections Program and Best Buddies International, building friendships between neurodiverse and neurotypical students. She also serves as Opinion Editor of The Forum, Paideia’s student newspaper, and tutors younger students in Hebrew at her synagogue.”
Isabelle Kats
Nominated by: The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy
“What makes Isabelle truly special is her loving heart. As one of her Davis Academy teachers put it, she is a ‘good human.’ Indeed, Isabelle balances strength and kindness in a way that makes her not only successful but cherished by those around her.”
Korah Kenyatta-Simmons
Nominated by: Congregation Gesher L’Torah
“I am passionate about youth advocacy through the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition. I’ve helped with canvassing and phone banking, marched at the Capitol, and spoken before the Fulton County School Board — experiences that have shown me how powerful young voices can be in shaping our communities.”
Kayla Kleinman
Nominated by: Congregation Etz Chaim
“I am highly involved in USY, taking on multiple leadership roles within my chapter and region throughout my four years of high school. When I’m not working or participating in youth group at my synagogue, I’m playing the tuba in my school’s band program or hanging out with friends.”
Molly Levy
Nominated by: Temple Emanu-El
“The experience that has shaped my values, personality, and perspective the most is the time I’ve spent at Camp Judaea over the past ten summers. I’ve become someone who is outgoing, supportive of others, and always positive.”
Einav Malka
Nominated by: The Weber School
“I love being involved in the Atlanta Jewish/Israeli community and making meaningful and enduring connections. I love insightful and inspiring Jewish and Israel education, but also just learning in general.”
Jill Malkin
Nominated by: Jewish Kids Group
“I love musical theater and doing art, I’m currently in my school’s showing of Mamma Mia! I play guitar and love music, as well as starting new crafts and paintings. Also, I’m a teen leader at Jewish Kids Group (JKG) and enjoy teaching and learning there.”
Mason Maslia
Nominated by: Congregation Or VeShalom
“I run my own sports card business, which I started at age 12, buying, selling, and trading cards. I’ve helped raise more than $110,000 for pancreatic cancer research as captain of Team Poppy for PanCAN PurpleStride in memory of my grandfather, Albert D. Maslia.”
Mylo Morantz
Nominated by: Temple Kehillat Chaim
“My plans for the future consist of getting a doctorate in English, becoming a certified piercer and a creative writing professor, and then retiring one day and opening a bookstore/bakery combination and being known as That Old Queer Jew In The Neighborhood.”
Kira Nadler
Nominated by: Congregation Or Hadash
“I am a motivated student who values leadership, service, and personal growth. I have developed strong teamwork, discipline, and communication skills. My future plan is to work with young athletes as a physical therapist when I graduate from UGA and then PT school.”
Gabriel Perlin
Nominated by: The Temple
“My name is Gabe Perlin. I am from Atlanta Georgia. I am a senior who is graduating from Riverwood Internatnial Charter School.”
Alexa Posel
Nominated by: Creating Connected Communities
“I love to travel, bake, craft, play soccer, and newly into running, having run my first half marathon back in October. Next year I will be attending the University of Georgia to study economics.”
Isabelle Siedman
Nominated by: Temple Kol Emeth
“I am a teen leader at my temple, and love being involved with the Madrichimot program, as well as KEFTY, our youth group.”
Eric Tepper
Nominated by: Congregation B’nai Torah
“My passion is in making a positive impact on both human and animal lives by recognizing vulnerability and fear, offering compassion and empathy, and helping those in need gain safety, confidence, and a second chance in life.”
Maxwell Zhiss
Nominated by: Temple Sinai
“I’m highly passionate about civic engagement, education, and youth leadership. I hope to continue creating special spaces for Jewish teens and other young people to lead with purpose and to continue taking the skills I’ve developed to higher levels as I grow as a leader and changemaker within the Jewish community and beyond.”
