The theme for the Pittsburgh Shabbaton this year was Israeli Innovations, chosen by the Bogrim leaders of Pittsburgh YJ.  These leaders organized astonishing peulot about drip irrigation, waze, and other forms of technology all created in Israel.  The leaders, ranging from ninth to twelfth grade, planned breathtaking games and fun discussions, that the kids participated in while learning about innovations that Israel created.  The kids even engaged in a tikkun olam program created by one of the Bogrim leaders where they helped make blankets for kids in hospitals. While some kids call the Shabbaton a “day at camp while still at home,”  in Pittsburgh YJ, we like to believe that is is even more than that. The Shabbaton is a place for kids of all ages to come together and become a family. Kids from different parts of the city and even different cities become best friends in under 24 hours and bond with people that they will never forget.  While the end of the Shabbaton is always sad, it is extremely heartwarming to hear kids discuss how they can not wait to see each other at the next event or even at camp. As Young Judaea our mission is to help kids discover who they are, and the Shabbaton is just one of the amazing ways that kids connect with themselves and with the people around them.

Check out the pictures from our Shabbaton here

18 Under 18 is a select group of outstanding Jewish teenagers who spent their time working to make the Jewish community in Chicago a better place.  Young Judaean Tziona Chernoff was chosen to be honored this year with 17 of her peers.

In Tziona’s application, she wrote about “how the lack of communication between Jewish teens from different sects of Judaism lead to animosity and mistrust, and if we use social media to bridge the gap then we could help solve that issue”. She noted that the orthodox teens grow up with this idea that they need to “fix” or “save” non-religious teens which make them unable to talk to other Jewish teens, then conservative and reform never really communicate with Orthodox so they have misconceptions based on media that lead to mistrust.

She spoke about my love for Young Judaea, and being on regional board, as well as being involved with a religious community like my school. She also focused about  hervolunteering in La Ribida Children’s hospital, and spending time with the children there.

From November 30th – December 3rd, 40 teens from the Midwest, with a few guests from the Northeast and Texas, gathered together to have fun with their camp friends, make new memories, and learn more about others and themselves. We talked about communication and connection – the different ways language can be understood and influenced, and the affect it can have on a person. The weekend was full of fun, friends, and education. We had 4 peulot (programs) that were about different aspects of theme, communication and connection, that took place in small discussion groups. We also had SNF, Saturday Night Fun, which was a sports themed party complete with a photobooth, sack races, and more!

Testimonials

“I felt like the weekend was one big success. Being on the Mazkirut (teen board) for the first time was both stressful and fun. I had an amazing experience creating convention, and then when I got there I got to see everyone enjoying it. As someone who hasn’t gone to camp with all of the kids in attendance, it was really cool to meet and bond with the underclassmen who were newer to convention experience at the beginning of the weekend, but came out of it as pros. I was so happy to see that everyone truly enjoyed the weekend experience they had, as did I.” – Melanie Silver, Midwest Pirsum.

 “It was a blast leading and participating in this winter convention. I especially loved seeing the bonding moments with the many underclassmen that attended and the upperclassmen. For many 8, 9, and 10th graders, this convention was their first. The upperclassmen attending were eager to show them the ropes through new TY Rikud dances, peulah participation, and just generally spending quality time together. In other words, it was incredible to see our theme of connections and conversation extend beyond the programming.” – Maya Garfinkel, Midwest Mazkira.

“Convention was really fun because I got to see my camp friends and do the camp things that I can’t do during the year, like singing songs and doing rikud. [Convention feels like home because its] returning to the tradition and culture of camp. Like when we all started singing the announcement song, I felt at home with my people. Having a weekend of camp is way better than going to school.” – Mira Strauss, 11th grade

“If I had to describe convention in 3 words it would be hilarious, friendship, and mini tanks [a game played at convention]. I felt at home at convention because I got to be with my best friends and the amazing staff. I was most excited about seeing my camp friends that I haven’t seen in over a year and camp traditions – Shira shketa,rikud, and havdalah.” – Kira Hoffman, 9th grade

Na’or Aaron describes convention as amazing, home, and k’hilah (community). “I felt most at home when we all just sang at once like it was the last time we’d ever sing together and it was amazing. I was most excited about the peulot in general. People should go to Midwest Spring Convention because [Winter Convention] is one of the most amazing experiences I can ever claim to have as my own and I wouldn’t trade it, or the YJ family, for the world. You meet so many amazing people, but yet it feels so small, and everyone’s there just to celebrate camp. There’s this homey/family vibe that everyone flows with that makes it feel like a real family. If you have no real ‘out of family’ family in your life, go to convention and I promise you it won’t let you down.” – Na’or Aaron, 8th grade

Simon Aizenstein describes convention was fun, exciting, and relaxing. He felt at home throughout the weekend because of the people that he was surrounded by. He was most excited about all the activities. He believes that everyone should go to Spring Convention so that everyone can reconnect outside of camp. – Simon Aizenstein, 8th grade

Adira Lunken describes convention as family, excitement, and peulot. She enjoys the fun, loving environment and getting to see all of her best friends. She thinks that everyone should go to Midwest Spring Convention to get closer to their friends and meet new people. In addition, she thinks everyone should go to have an amazing weekend! – Adira Lunken, 10th grade

“Three words I’d use to describe Winter Convention are ‘Best Weekend Ever.’ The thing that made me feel at home was the friends I made from past convention, but also the small convention body size which made everything feel even more home-like. The thing that made me most excited was reuniting with my best friends and meeting all new people. [Why should you go to Spring Convention?] Why wouldn’t you go to Spring [convention]? See your friends, meet up before camp, sit through asepha (elections), and just chill with people who love YJ just as much as you!” – Tania Blanga, 12th grade, YJ Texas

Rebecca is in her second stint (and fourth year) as the Senior Advisor to the Midwest Mazkirut.  Born and raised in Skokie, she was fortunate enough to attend Solomon Schecter where she gained the invaluable basis for her love of the Hebrew language and Jewish education. If that wasn’t enough, Rebecca was dedicated to Young Judaea as a child and a teen, participating in local activities and serving as a teen on the Midwest Regional Mazkirut. She also attended Camp Young Judaea Midwest, Tel Yehudah (the teen leadership camp of Young Judaea), participated in Young Judaea’s Machon in Israel and was a staff member at CYJ Midwest.

Her love for Hebrew grew and she decided to pursue mastering the language academically because of her strong connection to the very words and history of Hebrew. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on Jewish Studies, Hebrew Language and Semitic Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies, Rebecca decided that Experiential Jewish Education was her calling. After graduating and then serving as the Assistant Director of programming and Logistics at Camp Shalom (day camp) in Madison, she jumped into the role of Engagement Associate at the Hillel at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Studying abroad at the Spring in Jerusalem program at Hebrew University, where, among other things, she studied Hebrew with Israeli students, was a transformative experience for Rebecca and she realized she wanted to help students on a larger scale. Beyond Israel, thousands of Jewish students study abroad throughout the world and there are unlimited opportunities for them to have Jewish enriching experiences. In her current role at KAHAL: Your Jewish Home Abroad, a Jewish non-for profit start-up based in Chicago, Rebecca Schwab is the Campus Operations Director and handles all aspects of KAHAL campus recruitment, student engagement, reintegration efforts, strategic marketing throughout the United States. Throughout her work in the Jewish world, Rebecca is committed to the Jewish people and inspiring other to make the difference we all want to see in this world.  Rebecca’s favorite time of the year is Winter and Spring Convention with Young Judaea!

Maya Garfinkel – Mazkira

I have had a blast spending my third year on regional Mazkirut as Mazkira! I have been an active member of the Chicago Young Judaea club for the past three years in addition to being AVP of Finance and then AVP of Logistics the following year. Outside of YJ, I am very active in my school’s theatre and music departments. I am hoping to leave Midwest Mazkirut having strengthened the regional clubs of the Midwest in addition to building a Mazkirut of strong, capable leaders.

Ben Hirsch – Administrative Vice President of Logistics

I’m Ben Hirsch and this past year on the Midwest Mazkirut has been fantastic! I have been on Maz for two years, last year as Administrative Vice President of Finance and this year as Administrative Vice President of Logistics  I’ve also been very active in Chicago YJ. In addition to Maz, I’m on my school’s Cross Country, Basketball, and Volleyball teams. I spend my free time with my friends, playing guitar, or listening to music. I am so proud of our Maz for planning two incredible conventions and helping show why Midwest is the best!

Charlie Met – Administrative Vice President of Finance

I have been honored to serve on the Midwest Mazkirut this year as a representative for the Midwest Young Judaea region! I live in Madison, Wisconsin and have been involved in Young Judaea since I was in third grade. Aside from Young Judaea, I am a competitive baseball player in addition to being involved in multiple youth leadership movements and school organizations. I am happy to have grown as a leader on Mazkirut this year and look to carry what I have learned over with me in my future journey to come.

Tziona Chernoff – Bogrim Programmer

I am excited to have been re-elected onto the midwest Mazkirut. I will be returning as Bogrim programer, after spending last year as Pirsum. The goal of this year was to have inclusive themes where all Chanichim can feel connected or engaged throughout the Peulot. I enjoy seeing the Conventions having one theme that carries throughout the whole weekend. Outside of Young Judaea I am involved in my school’s fencing team, model UN team, and the Yearbook of my school. I truly love working with this Mazkirut, full of strong Jewish leaders. This summer I will be returning to my home at CYJ midwest and work as a counselor.

Max Aizenstein – Ofarim/Tzofim Programmer

I am thrilled to be on Maz for my first time this year. I went to CYJ Midwest for 6 years and then TY for 2 years. I am also an active member in Young Judaea Pittsburgh, which is ever growing. Outside of YJ I play soccer for my school and play basketball. This year my goal is to create more year round programs in smaller YJ cities as well as grow as a leader.

Daryn Smith – Social Action Programmer

I have absolutely loved serving on the Midwest Mazkirut this year! I have attended most of the Midwest conventions in the last 3 years and served on the Va’ad of communications for the last 2. Outside of YJ, I ice skate, swim, and am involved in several other community service organizations, including Dance Blue(a fundraiser for children with cancer) and EAP (a program to help minority students take AP classes). It has been a wonderful experience to work with my fellow maz members to plan two awesome conventions and inspire Judaeans to participate in social action!

Melanie Silver – Pirsum

I’m so excited to have been on the Midwest Mazkirut this year. I was the Chicago City Coordinator for the 2016-2017 year, as well as worked on an Alternative Spring Break program for Young Judaea. I attended CYJ Midwest from 2011 – 2016, Tel Yehudah from 2016 – 2017, and went on Alternative Winter Break in New Orleans in 2016. Outside of YJ, I’m also involved in my synagogue’s youth group, the band program at my school, as well as the fencing team. It has been so amazing to work with Mazkirut to run year-round programming for the Midwest region.

Young Judaea Israel Program’s Community Manager  

Job Description: 

The Young Judaea Israel’s Program Community/Content Manager will develop and build an integrated global digital presence that advances YJI programs, as part of YJI marketing and recruiting efforts. The Community Manager will report to the Director of Marketing, creating and implementing an online communication strategy to increase YJI visibility and create new leads for YJI’s programs. 

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure an integrated and strategic approach to all aspects of Young Judaea’s digital presence. 
• Manage, maintain and develop all YJI’s web and social media platforms. 

• Manage all online campaigns including all paid campaigns as well as constant contact blast emails etc,. 
• Main liaison for in-house graphic designer to ensure all materials adhere to YJ branding guidelines. 
• Create ongoing PR opportunities both online and in print for all YJI programs. 
• Integrate web, social media and mobile platforms to strengthen connection with current YJI participants and their families, as well as create relationships with new potential participants. 
• Work closely with external partners both in Israel, American and UK  
• Create new leads through constant virtual interaction on relevant websites, blogs and other social media platforms. 
• Track impact of strategies and tools, and refine approach as needed. 
• Track and employ e-mail, web and social marketing analytics to measure the impact of Young Judaea’s entire digital operation 
• Helping all marketing and recruiting efforts to grow number of participants in all of YJI programs. 

 

Qualifications: 

• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and verbal communication skills. 
• Proven track record in growing website traffic, social media and e-lists. 

• Superior project management ability and organizational skills. 
• Strong project management skills, including exceptional organizational skills and attention to details; ability to drive and manage projects from conception to completion. 
• Capable of working well with a wide variety of personalities and leadership styles and with multiple departments. 
• Creative, resourceful, flexible team player. 
• Knowledge of Israel and the American Jewish community a plus. 

• Familiarity with website management; ability to manage contractors on overhaul and update content. 
• Experience of Wordpress an advantage 
• Israeli driving license a must 

 

Please send cover letter and resume to paulg@youngjudaea.org.il

Shalom L’kulam,

Kehilla, community, is and has always been a pillar of our great Movement and as 2018 kicks into gear and we excitedly continue the second half of our term, the National Mazkirut would like to elaborate on just that.

This has already been an incredible year for our beloved Movement. From a new approach to Alternative Winter Break focusing on issues of Race in America to an  exponential increase in programming and participation across our different communities, all of this is due to the hard work of our peers becoming leaders and taking initiative. While we are proud of the year Young Judaea has had so far we want to take the time to share our vision for this community.

This summer, our entire National Mazkirut had the privilege of attending Machon, Young Judaea’s summer Israel program. One night we met in the lobby of a youth hostel in the North of Tel Aviv and made a decision; with the all the commotion, controversy, and polarization occurring globally in both the Jewish and Secular worlds, Israel and America, it is our highest and most important responsibility to make it clear that Young Judaea is a community and a space where all are welcome. No matter one’s gender, race, sexual orientation, ideology, or religious observance, no one should ever feel that they will not be accepted in our community. In this meeting, we agreed that what makes Young Judaea and Israel similarly great is the interactions they offer through their open and diverse setting. We plan on continuing that space for generations of chanichim to come.  In a time where dialogue and humanization are desperately needed, we trust our Movement and the work we will put in will help continue the Young Judaea tradition of creating global leaders and life changers.

As we traveled our beloved homeland together and learned of its complex culture and history, it was obvious to us that so much of its strength is due to the shared value of community. But how do we bring this back to Young Judaea?

By encouraging diversity, ensuring a safe space for all, and pushing our members to understand each other, we produce a community of compassionate and intellectual individuals. Pluralism unifies our community by what makes us all individually different. What may seem to divide some, only makes our Movement stronger. The diversity of our community makes all involved better listeners, better problem solvers, and inspires a more understanding and compassionate people. In Psalm 82:1 we learn that “G-d stands in the Divine Assembly,” – a Kehilla Kedoshah. In our own assembly this year, National Midwinter convention, we and our peers will be discussing the idea of Liberation. We believe it is time that as a movement we take a hard look in the mirror and think about not only how we can be more inclusive in our own community but how we also have the responsibility to ensure the liberation not only of our own people but of all people everywhere.

As the National Mazkirut, whether it be in our summer camps, local or national programming, or even in our own group chats with friends, we know that for Young Judaea the responsibility to uphold that “Divine Assembly” began 108 years ago and continues today.

If you would like to contact the National Mazkirut please email us with any questions or comments at mazkirut@youngjudaea.org

Kol Tuv,

National Mazkirut 2017-2018

Maccabee Raileanu
Mazkir
Los Angeles, California

Ezra Meyer
Merakez Irgun
Bethesda, Maryland

Matan Berman
Merakez Chinuch Bogrim
Atlanta, Georgia

Noa Pitkowsky
Merakezet Chinuch Ofarim Tsofim
Bronx, New York

Rebecca Slavsky
Merakezet Tikun Olam
Plainview, New York

Adina Ornstein-Luks
Merakezet Pirsumim
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

 

After visiting the holy sites of all three Abrahamic religions around Jerusalem this semester, we were presented with a final question: “Is religion the source of all conflict in the world?” If you watch the news lately, you might be led to think that it is to blame. However, I think religion is just an easy target for the underlying source of conflict which is humans’ difference of opinion over how to live their lives. Religion provides people with a purpose, and I think without organized religion, there would still be conflict due to people’s disagreements over the “best way” to live. I’ve come to realize that by believing in God, be it Allah, Hashem, or The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we recognize a truth and communal set of values that we believe will help us live moral lives and achieve our goals. The texts that we read to teach us these values (ie. Tanach, Mishnah, Christian Bible, Qur’an, etc) are interpreted by people everywhere and we affect this truth. Life experiences impact how these texts are read and interpreted and therefore conflict emerges from those differences in perspective. These distinct outlooks would have manifested themselves in other ways even if we weren’t applying them to religious texts. Universal agreement would never exist since we all live such unique lives.

In our Jerusalem class we visited a Muslim community and spoke with a woman named Yasmine who moved from England to Jerusalem, converted to Islam, and married a Muslim man. She spoke to us and explained her reasoning for converting to Islam. All of her reasons were peaceful and beautiful, and she saw something in the religion that most people don’t see in this day and age. People practice religion and live their lives by putting different spins on our shared texts. I believe that it is those human flaws and reflections of their own feelings and attitudes that either lead to conflict or to coexistence. These sacred texts can be compared to drugs in that their use or misuse depends on the hands of those who pursue them. One with corrupted ideals, such as religious extremists, will use them to their own advantage and will use beauty to justify evil. However, religion can provide an impressive framework for life that allows us to achieve the most we can and do good.

Furthermore, this class has helped me to understand all of the complex ties that people of many faiths have to this city and the sensitivity which that carries. This one small place has consistently played a huge role throughout history and can affect people in so many ways. I was interested to learn about Jerusalem Syndrome that people can get when they come to Jerusalem where they become delusional by the magnitude of the city. Overall, I really appreciated how we read passages from the holy books of all 3 faiths and learned the stories and central tenants of each religion. From text studies and visits to holy sites, I enjoyed experiencing Jerusalem where this mixture of experience and interpretation are on display.

This past Thursday, as our teens stood next to Wilhelmenia Hickson’s tiny house in Lake City, South Carolina, it was clear they were ready for action. Although not as cold as what our friends were facing in the Northeast, it was still quite chilly. While I grumbled a bit in my own head about the temperature, the teens were completely unfazed as they waited to hear what the day would bring.  They looked adorable in their work glasses as they listening intently to Tuck, the team leader from Home Works of America, who would be responsible for guiding them in their task for the day:  to help repair Mrs. Hickson’s roof and bathroom.

After talking about general safety, breaks, lunch and other banal details, Tuck took out a piece of paper and asked one of the teens to lead the group in a prayer reading.  One of the teens, most likely for the first time in his life, read from the Gospel of Mark. I stood there, watching the faces of these Jewish teenagers, looking for signs of shock or surprise.  I found none.  The boy read his piece and handed back the sheet of paper, and with his friends, awaited the next instruction. Tuck then asked if there was a prayer that the teens said in “their church.” Without hesitation, several of them called out, “let’s say the shehechyanu”. The rest nodded and the group began to sing the Debbie Friedman melody for the prayer. I watched the teens and I watched Tuck, who was visibly moved by the lovely singing.  The moment passed and a few minutes later the teens were ripping shingles off the roof, fixing toilets, using power tools and hauling trash.

Several times over the week of Alternative Winter Break, I watched as our teens faced what most individuals might find uncomfortable or difficult. The teens dealt with the realities of being Jewish in a very Christian community, and while there is no question they were impacted by it, they took it in stride, like everything else that week.  We gave them laborious work to do and they did it without hesitation; when asked to wait while supplies were gathered, they waited; when asked to spend time with the elderly, helping them dust and tidy their small quarters, they did so without question. They listened to difficult stories about poverty, slavery, mass incarceration, Walter Scott and the Mother Emmanuel nine.  They debriefed and decompressed together and many of them made promises to continue to learn, fight for racial justice and be an ally to those that need them.

What I learned “on my vacation” this year was that teenagers are strong, resilient, thoughtful and kind and, in this time when many are worried about the future, I say, bring it on… they can take it!

Today, we volunteered at what was essentially a giant Christmas party for those of Charleston that were in need in one way or another.  I chose to help out with “maintenance” –  essentially to pick up garbage. This gave me a opportunity to look around and see everything, as opposed to being in one place. I was not particularly surprised by what I saw; what I WAS surprised by is how shocked my peers were at what they saw when we discussed our experiences afterwards. I always forget that people who live in other places are not used to this kind of things – not the volunteering and helping, but the poverty faced by people like the ones we were there to help. Where I live, a very large percentage of the population is impoverished, just like these people.  Nothing is done for them. So while I hate to say that I am “used to seeing this” and while I don’t want to detract from what anyone did today, I must point out that the work that we did does not turn us into amazing, helpful people. Many people here and around the world live in poverty and they receive no help. If we want to take something away from today, it is that helping a few people once is not nearly enough. However, it is a good way to start and to get an understanding of what is happening outside of ones own small universe.

~ Alyssa Rider; 12th grade – Newburgh, New York