Jesse ’14 is a proud second-generation YULA graduate whose journey reflects creativity, commitment, and a strong sense of humor. The son of YULA alumni, his father from the Class of ’83 and his mother from the Class of ’86, Jesse chose YULA for high school (initially, he admits, for the free laptop), but quickly found mentors and experiences that would shape his life in far more meaningful ways.

One of those mentors was his first Gemara rebbe, Rabbi Sufrin, whom Jesse famously spent multiple years pranking. In a twist of poetic justice, Rabbi Sufrin would later hire him as Director of Admissions at the Boys Division, proving that sometimes revenge is best served as employment.

Following graduation, Jesse spent time at Ashreinu in Israel, where he deepened his learning and volunteered with Magen David Adom. He has dedicated nine years to serving the Los Angeles Jewish community as a Youth Director at two local shuls, inspiring the next generation with the same energy and authenticity he brought to his own YULA years.

For the past three years, Jesse has been training as a sofer and is currently writing Megillat Esther, channeling his creativity into sacred craft. That same creativity has flourished in other arenas as well—he has published 17 children’s books and wrote a film that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Jesse is also a four-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior, where he made a memorable Kiddush Hashem on Season 16, complete with a backup kippah.

Among his proudest accomplishments: marrying the girl who friend-zoned him back in his YULA days, proof that perseverance pays off.

From spirited student to community leader, author, athlete, and sofer-in-training, Jesse ’14 continues to bring heart, humor, and Kiddush Hashem to every arena he enters.