6th ANNUAL AWARD
Here are the inspiring nomination stories for each winner
Maayan Gal
Age 15
Maayan is an amazing teen who inspires and uplifts her community. She loves being Jewish, is a passionate Zionist and cares for people around her. Maayan is currently a sophomore at Atlanta Jewish Academy (“AJA”). She is a team player and plays varsity soccer, volleyball and basketball. Maayan mentors a special needs teen twice a month through the Friendship Circle. She volunteers and leads shabbat morning groups at Congregation Ohr Hatorah for early childhood kids. She was selected for the American Jewish Committee’s Leadership for Tomorrow fellowship for this year. Maayan was also selected for the inaugural cohort of Ohr HaTorah Stone’s Nelech Program. This program accepts only 12 boys and 12 girls from North America to spend the second semester at a school in Israel to volunteer. Maayan raised money for Schneider’s Children Hospital in Israel. Maayan was nominated and participated in the Atlanta Jewish Federation Young Philanthropist program. Maayan also created an organized a monthly fundraiser at AJA where students could dress down if they donated money to cancer research.
Sari Grant
Age 16
Sari is a gem! She is a student at Weber and totally embodies what it means to be a Jewish teen student. She is also on the leadership board of Creating Connected Communities and recently hosted her own mahjong themed fundraising event which brought community members together to highlight the work of CCC and raised funds. She thought through the entire program herself, ensuring those that didn’t know how to play would have the opportunity to participate and learn. Personally, she has been a babysitter for us many times and brings so much love and joy to spending time with our four-year-old. As a Maccabee, Sari would be an incredible addition to the group!
Ma’ayan Rosenthal
Age 15
Ma’ayan Rosenthal is an exceptionally deserving nominee for the Maccabee Award. She is a passionate self-starter who consistently champions the underdog, driven by a sincere belief in the power of community and how even a small flicker of light can bring hope. This conviction is evident in her actions as an essential leader and mentor for Jewish children at the Ahavith Achaim Synagogue religious school. A dedicated team player on the basketball court, Ma’ayan is also an instrumental advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. Her commitment extends to The Weber School, where she actively participates in the Environmental Club, Israel Action, and Moot Beit Din. Especially important is the way Ma’ayan shows up in the world of her peers. She is kind when others might not be. She takes her friendships and the feeling of belonging seriously by including and helping others to feel as if they have a place. Through all her efforts, Ma’ayan lights the way for an ongoing impact for the Jewish people, just like a Maccabee.
Arianna Zalik
Age 17
Arianna currently serves as the president of our Teen Ambassador Board. She goes out of her way to welcome new teens into our community and consistently leads by example with her kindness and inclusiveness. Even when her friends can’t make it, she shows up, participates fully, and helps create the warm, fun atmosphere we strive for. In addition to her role at CTeen, Arianna also demonstrates outstanding Jewish leadership as an ambassador for SparkIL, proudly representing Jewish values, connection, and responsibility. She embodies what it means to lead with heart, pride, and commitment to the Jewish future.
Donate in honor of our Maccabees
Adrienne Litt-Bishko first became involved with JIFLA as a volunteer Loan Officer and has served on the Board in a variety of roles including Secretary, Co-President and Community Engagement Chair.
A dedicated leader in Jewish communal life, Adrienne has held numerous leadership roles across the Atlanta area, helping strengthen organizations and support their missions.
As she prepares to roll off of JIFLA’s Board at the end of this year, Adrienne is celebrated for her tireless efforts to raise JIFLA’s profile in the community and for her thoughtful, warm stewardship of supporters and clients. Even after her Board term concludes, Adrienne’s devotion to JIFLA remains steadfast, and she will continue to be a valuable volunteer.
“JIFLA has provided me with the opportunity to make a difference. Every time we make a loan, I know that I have changed the life of an individual or family. Every time I write a thank you note to a donor, I feel part of the most amazing, caring community.”
– Adrienne Litt-Bishko