Jewish teens across New York City have stories to tell. This is one of the reasons why we started the New York Jewish Week Teen Journalism Fellowship — to gain access to communities whose diverse perspectives are crucial in covering the full breadth of stories impacting the 1 million Jews across NYC.
Our current fellows comes to us from public and private schools in the city, where they play tennis, work for school newspapers, participate in debate and are leaders in their Jewish student groups. You can read more about them below.
Meet Our Fall 2026 New York Jewish Week Fellows
Asher Gershenoff (he/him) is a junior at Bay Ridge Prep in Brooklyn, New York, where he is a member of the debate club, Jewish Student Union and investment club, and plays varsity soccer and tennis. Outside of school, Asher is active in BBYO, is part of the Explorer’s Program at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, and loves traveling with family and friends.
Jake Rothenberg (he/him) is a junior at The Abraham Joshua Heschel School, in Manhattan, New York. He is a staff writer and sports editor for his school’s newspaper, Heschel Helios. Aside from writing, he is a varsity baseball player and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Nathaniel Weintraub (he/him) is freshman at Horace Mann School in New York City. He writes articles for his school’s classics journal, debates, and runs competetively.
Will Nowes (he/him) is a junior at The Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx. He is a staff reporter of his school’s online newspaper, The Science Survey, where he writes and edits articles. Besides writing, Will is passionate about acting, being the founder and co-president of his school’s film club. He also enjoys watching football, movies, and bike riding.
Zachary (Zack) Leitner (he/him) is a junior at The NYC iSchool in Manhattan. He is a student reporter for his school’s online newspaper, iNews, where he researches, writes, and edits stories and features. He is the founder and president of the Jewish Student Union and a leader in the iSchool Model UN club. Outside of school, Zack volunteers weekly at Central Synagogue and works with older adults through DOROT. He is also one of two leaders in the American Jewish Committee LFT program, empowering students to educate themselves about antisemitism and Israel-related issues. In his free time, he enjoys going to the movies, traveling, biking and following the Yankees.
