A desire to learn is a key ingredient in developing Jewish identity. For 17-year-old Ladue High School senior Aitan Groener, the Bronfman Youth North American Fellowship offered the perfect opportunity to explore himself and the Jewish people.

Aitan was chosen from hundreds of applicants across North America as one of 26 to journey to Israel in this enriching, fully funded program.

“From what I heard, it was this learning driven, identity discovery, transformational kind of program where you get to meet really amazing people from across America and that was enough for me,” Aitan said.

The program, established by Edgar M. Bronfman in 1987, is not a typical tourist’s trip to Israel. The trip is limited to Jewish teenagers entering their senior year of high school and concentrates on learning about the fundamental concepts of Judaism. According to Aitan, there are three main ideas explored in the program: Jewish pluralism, social responsibility, and Israel.

“The biggest thing we got out of it was the pluralism aspect of meeting people who are Jewish but different than you,” Aitan said. “[My connection to Judaism] is really the feeling that I get when I meet another Jewish person, that we are part of the same people.”

Aitan, who has always been curious to explore the broader ideas behind Judaism, was thrilled to open his acceptance letter when it arrived on his birthday. As a Jewish teen in a changing society, Aitan was keen to explore his opinions on Judaism with others.

“Ideas of Judaism and Jewish philosophy and Jewish identity are the kind of things that I think about all the time, like the ideas of pluralism and Jewish community and what’s the best way to create a unified people and if that’s really our goal,” Aitan said.

The program allowed Aitan to use listening and conversing skills in order to shape a Jewish identity for himself.

“You don’t get that feeling that someone is trying to tell you what to think and what to believe,” Aitan said. “You are allowed to believe whatever you want to, but you are encouraged to challenge those beliefs and to ask questions and to think about it.”

Aitan’s thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed during his time on the Bronfman trip. Mishael Zion, co-director of Bronfman Youth Fellowships and director of education, believes that Aitan is much more than the average teen.

“Aitan is one of the deepest most thoughtful young people that I’ve met in a while,” Zion said. “He struggles until he finds answers and that is very unique in today’s youth.”

Even though Aitan is involved with many Jewish groups in St. Louis and is a member of Bais Abraham Congregation, the Bronfman trip was a completely unique experience for him.

“It gave me an opportunity to work through some religious issues I’ve had; about what kind of Jew I want to be, but it was mostly just to be able to think and to be able to talk,” Aitan said. “That was the best part.”

Aitan’s experience in the program allowed him to connect with teens who shared his interest in the infrastructure and philosophies of Judaism. Through spending time with the other 26 students on the trip, Aitan was able to compare his ideas with those of other Jewish teens who identified with his passion for learning.

“Judaism is just an amazing philosophy and this amazing belief structure that can improve anyone’s life and I like spending time with other people who also think that,” Aitan said.

Especially after his experience as Bronfman fellow, Aitain has taken it upon himself to engage with the teachings of Judaism and encourage others to do the same.

“I think he contributed to the community,” Zion said. “He has the courage to be confused and not always have an answer, but also the integrity to recognize truth wherever it is.”

Aitan has a unique view of Judaism and as he graduates high school and continues on his search for Jewish identity, he will continue to explore the people, the culture, and the religion of Judaism.

“Judaism is amazing enough that anyone who looks at it and gives it a try could be able to find something in Judaism that would inspire them almost across all boundaries,” Aitan said.