Home > Blog > Membership Reimagined > WHC Story: Mallory Herron
As president of WHECTY, Washington Hebrew’s senior youth group, Mallory Herron isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic get in the way of planning fun and meaningful events for Temple youth. The group has held a steady stream of programs this year, including a socially distanced outdoor movie night, an online Hanukkah party, and virtual bake-a-thons that donated treats to local charities.
Mallory’s involvement with Washington Hebrew over the years has taught her important lessons about resilience, compassion, and leadership. Her religious studies started in third grade when she recalls, “I met two of my closest friends to this day.” She became a bat mitzvah and was confirmed at Temple and now participates in WHC’s Post-Confirmation program.
Engaging in life at WHC, reflects the Bethesda teen, “is an opportunity for us to continue using the Jewish values we’ve been taught. Growing up with Mitzvah Day and having a tzedakah box every Sunday shaped my awareness of different issues going on, and from an early age made me aware of what I can do to help others.”
Mallory enjoyed meeting volunteers from interfaith communities while working at Mitzvah Day and Sunday Stuffing events, pre-Covid. “We got to talk about our experiences and their experiences,” she recalls. “And ultimately, seeing how many boxes of food we made and knowing how many people we were going to help really made a difference.”
A junior at Maret School, Mallory considers WHC to be a fun and safe community for young adults of all ages. “Having connections outside of school and sports is really special,” she says. “There are so many opportunities within, and the staff want to help you be the best version of yourself. Whether they’re sharing your name for an opportunity outside of Temple or asking you to lead an event that will teach you values or important aspects of life, they do that. And there’s also so much fun.”
Washington Hebrew is committed to engaging our teens. Giving them opportunities to lead, connect, and discover is at the heart of our mission. Our Congregational Commitment extends to every member of our WHC community at every stage of life.
