Daily Inspiration: Meet JJ Duchman

Today we’d like to introduce you to JJ Duchman.

Hi JJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
My name is Rabbi Jj Duchman. I was born and raised here in Los Angeles in the Hancock Park area of town. I was born to Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Dutchman, who, to their surprise, finally welcomed the first boy after six girls. That’s right, the prince has finally arrived. I grew up under of a lot of women. Powerful women. These women taught me everything I know. I watched as my mom and sisters were incredible community leaders and people shakers. My sisters were always the ones to volunteer first for charity needs or to lead another school community initiative. My parents, with their background in community service continued to be a part of various incredible organizations and programs to help people and further our community too. I watched. I learned. 

My father founded and facilitated the world’s first junior congregation, a fully led synagogue by children for children, which empowered and guided me to my very first experiences of becoming a Jewish innovative leader. The truth is it goes beyond my parents, both of my grandparents were leaders and their respected communities. My mom‘s dad started the world‘s first Jewish residential girls camp in upstate New York and, since then, has built a thriving organization that services thousands of people in need with their spiritual, emotional, educational, and financial support. On the flip side, my dad‘s parents were known for their hospitality and kindness, having survived the holocaust and rebuilding an edifice in New York City with generations of rabbis and community leaders to follow. 

Growing up on this backdrop, I was determined to continue following in these footsteps of giving myself over to our community. My passion was creating experiential and immersive experiences for Jewish children so they can learn to love and be proud of who they are and where they came from. 

Growing up in Hollywood and having all sorts of attractions around them, I always felt that it was important for them to have equally produced exciting and enrichment events and programs that highlight their own tradition and culture. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have faced much adversity over the time. Personal adversity facing my own skeletons and also the challenges to overcome fear and do great things. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets name apart from other young rabbi’s or Jewish leaders is that I feel like tradition and Judaism shouldn’t only be giver over by the pulpit or through educational classes, rather it needs to be lived. Immersing our kids in a way where they understand the why behind what their religion is telling them to do, empowering the kids to be a part of and often even lead it – front and center. Often, the excitement is built by creating an emotional connection to their religion and spirality through song or dance, and on that foundation, they get intellectual. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe that we will have to work even hard to keep scripture relevant and exciting for our students. I am in touch now with a company called TORAH VR, which brings Jewish education to the virtual reality world. I am working with custom fabricators and designers to create pop-up museums and other experiences for the JEWISH COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE 

Contact Info:

• Website: powerofyouthla.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillelhebrew/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rabbijjduchman2614?si=D94ibkhqKxWTYDtI