BaMidbar Welcomes New Teen & Young Adult Advisory Commitee Members!

Through the launch of the Jewish Teen & Young Adult Advisory Committee, BaMidbar reaffirms its dedication to making sure no young person faces their mental health journey alone.

As part of its ongoing commitment to uplifting the voices of Jewish youth, we are proud to introduce our new Jewish Teen & Young Adult Advisory Committee. This initiative offers a meaningful platform for Jewish teens and young adults (ages 16–25) who are passionate about mental health advocacy, education, and leadership development. Members of the committee will:

  • Advocate for greater mental health awareness within Jewish communities

  • Strengthen leadership skills to influence the future of Jewish mental health efforts

  • Share critical youth perspectives with BaMidbar’s Board of Directors

  • Collaborate on an annual project that enhances BaMidbar’s programs, outreach, or advocacy

  • Help shape the next generation of Jewish mental health leaders

Meet Our New Teen & Young Adult Advisory Committee Members

Annie Joseph

Annie is an Admissions Counselor at Elon University, where she works with students from the New England area. She graduated from Miami University (OH) with a degree in Psychology and Comparative Religion.

Outside of work, Annie advises a local Jewish youth group, Durham Regional Temple Youth. She loves spending time outdoors, reading murder mysteries, and listening to podcasts.

Annie is thrilled to be part of BaMidbar’s inaugural Teen and Young Adult Advisory Committee and looks forward to contributing to this important work!

Benny Caruso

Originally from Dayton, OH, Benny is currently a Junior at Miami University, majoring in public health and entrepreneurship. Due to his own battles with mental health, he is passionate about it and its advocacy. As the DEI Chair of his fraternity, he has worked to foster inclusive environments and promote well-being among members. Benny has interned with Hillel at Miami, collaborating with Jewish students to create engaging events tailored to their needs and wants.

In his free time, he enjoys exploring Miami’s trails, spending time with friends, watching movies and TV shows, and visiting the university’s beehives. Benny is excited to join BaMidbar’s Teen and Young Adult Advisory Committee and contribute to initiatives that support youth mental health.

Sabrina Abselet

Sabrina (she/her) is a recent graduate of Boston University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in History of Art and Architecture. She is passionate about expanding access to mental health support, particularly within Jewish and immigrant communities.

As a first-generation Iranian-Jewish American, Sabrina brings a unique perspective shaped by lived experience, advocacy, and storytelling. She has worked in public relations, education, and public service, and is excited to contribute to BaMidbar’s mission to destigmatize mental health through connection and community.

Naomi Carr-Gloth

Naomi is a second-year student at the Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Hebrew. Naomi is passionate about mental health advocacy and is especially interested in supporting young Jewish individuals. She is excited to bring her voice and lived experience to BaMidbar’s Teen and Young Adult Advisory Committee!
Ethan Hughes
Ethan (he/him/his) is a Jewish educator and community builder excited to create people-centered mental health initiatives for Jewish teens and young adults. He recently explored the spiritual overlap between Jewish prayer and the music of Phish for Cincy Jewfolk and will soon study at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Based in Cincinnati with his partner Josie and their cats, Ethan is pursuing the rabbinate and eager to connect with the BaMidbar community.

How We’re Leading the Way

Jewish teens and young adults should have access to mental health support that is proactive, readily available, and grounded in Jewish values. BaMidbar empowers them with the tools to build resilience and develop strong coping strategies, strengthening both personal well-being and the future of Jewish life.

The launch of our new advisory committee marks both a significant milestone in our organization’s growth and an essential step toward ensuring that the perspectives and needs of young Jewish voices are woven into every aspect of our work.

Please join us in welcoming Annie, Benny, Sabrina, Naomi, and Ethan! We look forward to the contributions they will make in shaping the future of Jewish mental health support and education.

If you’d like to make to make a donation in honor of Annie, Benny, Sabrina, Naomi, or Ethan, please do so here.