Leah Larson

Sharon, Massachusetts

Votes for Leah Larson: 820

Tell A Friend

Tell us about your nominee. Why should he or she be recognized as a Jewish Community Hero?

Leah Larson, age 18, is the founder of Yaldah Magazine, a magazine by Jewish Girls for Jewish Girls which she started at the age of thirteen. The quarterly, professionally published magazine has subscribers world-wide, an editorial board of young girls, a small staff, and is available in select book stores. In 2009, Leah's business became Yaldah Media, Inc. which will expand to publishing books for Jewish girls. Leah is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including: Tzivos Hashem International Power of Children Award, Kaplan Jewish Essay Grand Prize, Inspirational Luminary Award, Next Step Magazine Super Teen, Microsoft Start Something Amazing, and Small Business Cafe Grant.

What problem did your nominee identify in the community that needed to be solved? How has your nominee's efforts made a difference for others?

Leah saw how much young girls are influenced by what they read. She noticed that some popular publications did not reflect the values of Torah Judaism. Leah set out to create a magazine with a mission: provide Jewish girls with quality, kosher reading. Yaldah celebrates girls and women, Jewish life and values, and inspires creativity and leadership. Yaldah reaches girls of all Jewish backgrounds. In its mission to reach out to Jewish girls, Yaldah sponsors retreats, shabbatons, unity projects, and art and writing contests. Leah hopes to one day open a Jewish Girls Club.