Dear Jewish Organizations, It’s Time That You Include Us

I am not just a proud Jew on the autism spectrum, but I don’t have a degree, even as many of my friends are graduating. Why? I’m not the typical learner. So, I utilize my time wisely by doing writing and content creation with a unique focus. 

I wouldn’t consider myself a “Jewish influencer,” as I have been watching and reading the news daily for the past 10 years. I’m only 22, but many would consider me to be much more informed than most of my generation. My memory is also super strong, and can store a ton of information in and for the long term, which is helpful and beneficial. I also wanted to be a journalist for a long time prior to October 7, and in a post October 7 world, my content has shifted, and I incorporate my journalistic experience as a storyteller reporting on the truth to educate others about the reality unfolding.

Culturally, Judaism values education, and whether traditional or informal, it still must be acknowledged and viewed as education. A degree does not mean someone is well educated or intelligent, and we have seen that in recent times. Even while young adults are navigating a post-grad world, the job market is still super competitive, and few Gen-Zs are getting hired. Rent is soaring and much of us are moving back in with our parents.

I keep repeating the statement to myself: “Maybe we’ll all become influencers someday.” That feels like a true statement now.

The reality is that Jewish organizations are so hesitant to hire “Jewish influencers.” Why though?

Influencers are often seen as informal or uncredentialed. Jewish nonprofits tend to prioritize academic backgrounds, nonprofit experience, or rabbinic authority, sidelining influencers even when they have large, engaged audiences. Organizations fear influencers might express views—political, religious, or social—that diverge from their official stance or alienate stakeholders. They prefer to tightly control messaging, which influencer partnerships naturally complicate.

However, in the Jewish community, we need to acknowledge that not everyone can go to college, especially if you are not the typical learner. There is also a college recession happening too, and Americans owe a total $1.8 trillion of student debt.

As college dynamics and Jewish cultural practices are shifting, we must navigate a new approach to hiring within the Jewish community and making inclusion a sought out priority, as it is one of our top values.