She’s A Maccabee Awards Honorees Announced

The Jewish Interest-Free Loan Association of Georgia (JIFLA) recently announced the 2025 honorees of the She’s a Maccabee Awards, an annual Chanukah tradition now in its sixth year. This initiative celebrates extraordinary Jewish women whose skills, passions, leadership, and commitment to Jewish values create lasting impact within our community.

Established to honor modern-day heroines who embody the courage, resilience, and leadership of the Maccabees, She’s A Maccabee highlights individuals who bring light to others through action and service.

“Giving back has not only made an impact on those around me but has also allowed me to better myself,” said Shira Price, first teen She’s A Maccabee honoree. “Community service helps me live the Jewish values I was taught at a young age and make a real difference.”

“Last year, our committee was so moved by the work of Shira Preis that we created a special Rising Maccabee category in her honor,” said JIFLA Associate Director Stephanie Gewirtz. “That experience inspired us to shift the program for 2025 and more intentionally elevate the remarkable work teens are doing across our community.”

This shift helped drive a special theme for this year. In honor of longtime JIFLA volunteer Adrienne Litt-Bishko, and in celebration of the remarkable teens in our community, the awards now include a new generation of honorees under the theme L’dor V’dor — From Generation to Generation. The awards this year recognize Jewish young women age 19 and under who are already leading, serving, and inspiring others. This reflection of the legacy Litt-Bishko has built — through her commitment to community, mentorship, and the values passed from one generation to the next — expresses that spirit by intentionally highlighting teens who exemplify the Maccabee spirit through their service and leadership in the community.

Maayan Gal (Age 15)

Maayan Gal is an amazing teen who inspires and uplifts her community. She loves being Jewish, is a passionate Zionist and cares for people around her. Maayan is currently a sophomore at Atlanta Jewish Academy (AJA). She is a team player and plays varsity soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Gal mentors a special needs teen twice a month through the Friendship Circle. She volunteers and leads Shabbat morning groups at Congregation Ohr Hatorah for early childhood kids. She was selected for the American Jewish Committee’s Leadership for Tomorrow fellowship for this year. Gal was also selected for the inaugural cohort of Ohr HaTorah Stone’s Nelech Program. This program accepts only 12 boys and 12 girls from North America to spend the second semester at a school in Israel to volunteer. Gal raised money for Schneider’s Children Hospital in Israel. She was nominated and participated in the Atlanta Jewish Federation Young Philanthropist program. Maayan also created an organized a monthly fundraiser at AJA where students could dress down if they donated money to cancer research.

Sari Grant (Age 16)

Sari Grant exemplifies Jewish leadership, creativity, and compassion. A student at The Weber School, she serves on the leadership board of Creating Connected Communities (CCC) and independently organized a mahjong-themed fundraising event that brought together participants of all experience levels while raising funds for CCC’s mission. Thoughtful, inclusive, and joyful, Grant brings warmth to every space she enters and is deeply committed to strengthening Jewish connections.

Ma’ayan Rosenthal (Age 15)

Ma’ayan Rosenthal is a passionate self-starter who believes deeply in the power of community and inclusion. She serves as a leader and mentor at Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s religious school, participates actively in basketball, and is a strong advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. At The Weber School, she is involved in Environmental Club, Israel Action, and Moot Beit Din. Known for her kindness and willingness to uplift others, Rosenthal ensures those around her feel seen, valued, and included — lighting the way forward like a true Maccabee.

Arianna Zalik (Age 17)

Arianna Zalik currently serves as president of the Teen Ambassador Board, where she consistently leads with warmth, dedication, and inclusivity. She makes it a priority to welcome new teens, foster meaningful connections, and show up fully — regardless of who else is present. In addition, Zalik serves as a teen ambassador for SparkIL, representing Jewish values, responsibility, and unity. Her leadership reflects deep pride in the Jewish future and a commitment to community-building.