At six years old, I had two big dreams: becoming President of the United States and mastering every spell in the Harry Potter universe. Reality eventually caught up with me, I realized the Oval Office might be out of reach, but my love for leadership never faded. And Harry Potter? Still my secret nerdy obsession. Funny enough, that same sense of magic is what drew me to CLTC.  

CLTC mirrors Hogwarts in the best ways: a place of growth, identity, and a little bit of magic that lasts forever.  

At Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat doesn’t just pick up a house—it reveals who you truly are by seeing your hidden strengths and values. 

At CLTC, leadership roles like Morah, S’gan, or N’siah work the same way. They’re not just titles; they’re opportunities to uncover what makes you unique and how you can contribute to the community.  

Personally, I didn't run for a mock board position at CLTC because I did not want to have any subconscious bias, however after everything I gained from my summer program, I learned that the position of Morahaligned with all my goals and values towards BBYO. Now I serve as chapter Morah and use every single skill I learned from my CLTC experience! 

The great hall at Hogwarts is always beautifully decked out with decor and magical tasting food, and where many friendships and bonds were created, shabbat dinners at CLTC was a similar experience.  

At CLTC each person is placed in a CLN (chapter leadership network), one CLN sole purpose was all about the details, including setting up our Friday night dinners in the dining hall into something straight out of the Great Hall at Hogwarts, but with a Jewish twist. Picture floating candles swapped for warm Shabbat lights, and tables overflowing like your Bubby went all out for a family dinner. It wasn’t just decoration, it was an atmosphere of connection, tradition, and a little bit of magic. 

Hogwarts teaches spells; CLTC teaches skills that change lives. I will seriously take the things I learned within my mock chapters, and leadership classes beyond BBYO. I learned how to lead with empathy, how to honor my personal boundaries while still being able to help others and a million other life skills. 

Because the real magic isn’t in a wand, it’s in knowing how to lead 

Hogwarts magic might live in fantasy, but the magic here is real. It’s in the ruach, the spirit that fills the room when voices rise in song, in the laughter that echoes during late-night conversations, and in the bonds formed over shared traditions. For me, that magic reached its peak when I became Bat Mitzvahed here a moment that didn’t just mark a milestone, it transformed my Jewish identity and deepened my sense of belonging. 

Now, let’s have a little fun and sort each leadership roles into its Hogwarts house. This portion is obviously purely opinionated and just for giggles, I'll be using my experience on my chapter board and applying each position with the values of their corresponding house.  

N’siah/Godol → Gryffindor 

To serve as president you need to lead with bravery and a whole lot of courage—standing up for your chapter, making tough calls, and inspiring others even when the path isn’t easy. That’s pure Gryffindor energy: bold leadership, fearless decisions, and the determination to protect what matters most 

S’ganit/ S’gan → Sliytheren 

As vice president, strategy is your superpower. You’re the one who keeps things running smoothly, plans ahead, and makes sure every detail aligns with the bigger picture. That ambition and resourcefulness? Classic Slytherin, always thinking two steps ahead and finding creative ways to achieve success 

Morah/ Moreh → Huffelpuff 

Morah is all about creating a warm, welcoming space and making sure everyone feels included. It’s the role that thrives on kindness, loyalty, and hard work—the exact traits Hufflepuff is famous for. If there’s one position that screams Hufflepuff, it’s Morah: the heart of the chapter, dedicated to building community and lifting others up. 

Shli → Ravenclaw  

Shaliach brings wisdom and curiosity to the table—always thinking about the bigger picture and finding creative ways to connect traditions with purpose. That intellectual depth and love for learning? Pure Ravenclaw, where knowledge isn’t just power, it’s a tool for building meaningful experiences. 

Mazkirah/ Mazkir (Maz) → Gryffindor 

As Maz, you need courage to speak up, take initiative, and keep everyone informed. It’s bold leadership—standing at the center and making sure the chapter stays connected, just like Gryffindor’s fearless energy 

Gizborit/ Gizborim → Ravenclaw 

Managing finances isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creativity and problem-solving. Gizborit has to think ahead, find smart solutions, and balance priorities, which is pure Ravenclaw wisdom and ingenuity. 

I hope you enjoyed this little journey through my Jewish Hogwarts. From the ruach that filled every song to the leadership lessons that shaped who I am, CLTC gave me more than memories—it gave me magic I can carry into real life. So, whether you’re a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin at heart, remember this: the greatest spell isn’t in a wand, it’s in the confidence, community, and purpose you discover at CLTC.