Reflections from the National Young Leader Cabinet Retreat in Denver 

By Dr. Eliane Coffler, First-Year Cabinet Member and Leader in the San Diego Jewish Community 

When I think back on the National Young Leader (NYL) Cabinet retreat in Denver, so many moments stand out to me. From the very beginning, I felt this retreat would be something meaningful. Right away, I was connecting with people: an Uber ride with a woman from LA where we discovered ties to Cleveland and Hungary, dinner with someone from the San Diego delegation, and celebrating a Cabinet birthday with new friends by the first night. It already felt like the start of something big. 

Orientation was my first taste of what Cabinet is about. We wrote letters to our future selves, took Polaroids, and sealed them into a time capsule. We also mapped out our Jewish journeys using stickers and markers. As I traced mine — through Cleveland, San Diego, Israel, Budapest, Palm Desert, and back again — I realized that no matter where I’ve lived, there has always been a Jewish community to ground me. That thread of connection and belonging has carried me everywhere. I also chose the word identity as my word to carry forward, because I believe the way we define ourselves shapes the way we live and lead. 

The plenaries were powerful and emotional. Singing Hatikvah with my peers gave me chills and reminded me how much I miss Israel. Listening to a physician from Soroka Hospital describe the aftermath of October 7 and the Iranian missile strike more than a year later – and the support Jewish Federations of North America provided to rebuild and heal – made me feel proud to be part of this work. An advocacy session showed me another side of leadership: people who don’t work in politics or policy but decided to step up in Washington because they felt a responsibility to do so. That made me imagine a future version of myself – one who might also choose to lead in ways I hadn’t considered before. 

There was joy woven throughout, too. A citywide scavenger hunt had us running around Denver, laughing and convinced we were going to win. Evenings were spent at local hangouts, in long lobby conversations, and at karaoke – which I learned is a Cabinet tradition. Looking around at that karaoke bar, filled with at least a hundred Cabinet members singing, dancing, and laughing together, I felt a mix of gratitude and belonging. It’s rare, as an adult, to make so many deep, fast friendships with people who share your values and sense of purpose. 

A big part of what made the retreat so special for me was being there with the San Diego delegation. Standing beside Amanda-Lynn, who first introduced me to Cabinet, felt like a full-circle moment, and I couldn’t help but think about the serendipity that brought me here. Danielle, Ronit, and Allie brought so much warmth, fun, and grounding energy to the experience. Having them there – and sharing so many laughs and late-night conversations – made me feel even more at home. And then there was Dustin, our professional from Jewish Federation of San Diego, who radiates kindness and made all of us feel cared for and supported. Being with this group truly felt like being with family. I know that in the years to come, they will be anchors for me in this journey. 

On the final day, I felt the bittersweet energy of saying goodbye. We had our first-year breakfast, another plenary, and then I joined a deep dive at the Denver Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab. Hearing from leaders about antisemitism, security, and the importance of being prepared reminded me that leadership isn’t just about inspiration—it’s also about responsibility. Federation plays such an important role in protecting our communities, and that stayed with me. 

Leaving Denver, I carried a lot with me: the closeness of my San Diego delegation, the buzzing group chats with new friends across the country, and an incredible sense of gratitude for the people and experiences that brought me here. In just five days, I gained a stronger sense of Jewish identity, a deeper appreciation for responsibility and leadership, and the joy of knowing I am part of something that will shape me for years to come.