This week we read in Parshat Lech Lecha about the journey of Abraham and Sarah to a new place physically, spiritually, and communally as the founding Jewish family in our tradition. The Torah portion raises questions for each of us about the spaces from which we have departed and the places we find ourselves seeking. As I begin a new position at HEA as Director of Youth Programs, I reflect upon my own Jewish journey and how it has led me to this special opportunity to serve HEA.
Many of you might know me as an HEA Preschool parent, a congregant sitting next to you in services, or as “Dani Tavbin’s husband,” but my real name is Yuri Tavbin. I am originally from Belarus. My family fled from persecution and immigrated to Colorado to seek a better life when I was five years old. I am thankful to my parents for bringing my family here and for giving us the opportunity to be Jewish without fear of repercussions.
Now, as I raise my own two children, Blake (6) and Oliver (3), I consider how to best guide their Jewish journeys in America. As parents, Dani and I try to set a tone for our kids in which they can live out their Judaism authentically and passionately, just as we have been blessed to be able to do. I have had the opportunity to model my commitment to Jewish life to my own children and to youth in the Denver Jewish community through working in the Jewish non-profit sector for the last decade. It all started with my first job out of school as the Athletics Director at the JCC in Denver. In this role, I had the pleasure of leading many youth trips for the Maccabi games and multiple trips for teens to Israel. My passion has always been connecting with teens and children while helping them see the world through a Jewish lens.
During the past couple of years, I served as the youth advisor for the MCHY youth group here in Denver but was not able to dedicate as much time as I would have wanted due to my other responsibilities. With the expansion of the Youth Program Director position, I knew it was the right time for me personally and professionally to step back into the role at HEA. I’m looking forward to growing our USY chapter while building strong relationships with the core group of kids we already have in our community.
I am thrilled to “officially” be a part of the HEA family and welcome suggestions and partnerships from members of the community. I am stationed at the GYC (Goldberger Youth Center) and love visitors. Indeed, the characteristic of Abraham and Sarah’s journey that speaks to me most at this point in my life is the very fact that it was not their journey alone; rather, their journey was that of their family but also that of the Jewish people collectively. In the end, their journey was our journey. I look forward to taking this journey with you and our HEA families together.
