Shalom ,

I’m Itay, and I wanted to share a bit about my Year Course experience with you.

I’m sure you’ve heard a million things about what goes on during Year Course, but I wanted to give you a fresh perspective—straight from an Israeli Scout (aka the best part of the program).

I’m part of Garin Atid, a group of Tzofim (Israeli Scouts) on Year Course. And if you ask me, we’re definitely one of the best things Year Course has to offer. There are a ton of gap year programs in Israel, but Year Course is one of the only ones where Israelis and participants from abroad actually live together and become best friends for life.

Israelis my age have the option to do a year of service before we draft into the IDF, and every year, the most amazing people (aka me 😎) get to join this program. We spend the year with Americans, Canadians, and Brits, learning from each other and figuring out life together.

The relationship between the Israelis and Americans on the program is a special one because it’s a relationship from which we learn a lot. It has something more to it than a regular friendship.

I get to show my new friends around my home in Israel, correct their Hebrew when they are ordering food, and teach them how to argue with the waiter to get extra tahina for free. In return, they teach me all about life in America. So far, I’ve learned some very important things, like:

✅ What a fraternity is (still a little confused, not gonna lie)                                     
✅ Where I can find the best Pizza when I come visit the States
✅ That Thanksgiving without turkey is basically a crime

One of my favorite experiences on Year Course so far was when my best friends from the program came to stay with my family for Shabbat. It was so funny watching them enjoy a real Israeli Shabbat dinner. It’s loud, there’s way too much food, and the chaos is all new for them. It meant so much to me that they came to spend time with my family, and now they know they have family in Israel for life.

In my opinion, I think being on the program makes the experience much more authentically Israeli. As they hear the songs we love, visit the places we enjoy, and get to know Israel in an authentic and real way, we get to help our friends live their dream Israeli life.

Year Course has already been one of the best experiences. Meeting my friends for life and seeing Israel through their eyes has been so special. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Shabbat Shalom!
Itay the Israeli Scout

We recently spoke with Cyndi Schoenbrun and Chanale Hidegkuti (Lipsky), lifelong Young Judaeans and alumni of Year Course 1971-1972. Cyndi and Chana are now flatmates in Israel following Cyndi’s recent Aliyah! The two had a lot to say on growing up in the movement, memories of Year Course, recent reunions, and what it means to live in Israel now.

Watch a video of Cyndi and Chana reuniting at the airport when Cyndi made Aliyah!

Tell us a bit about your YJ history.

Cyndi: I was active in my region in Eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia as a teen. I went to camp Tel Yehudah only in 10th and 11th grade before going on Year Course. After Year Course I went away to a small town college in the middle of PA with barely any Jews, let alone Young Judaeans, and after I graduated and returned to the Philadelphia area, the first thing I wanted to do was get a job in my profession and get involved with YJ in some capacity. A friend of ours from Year Course was the Senior Advisor and I got a job running a club. Two years later I got married to the EPA Regional Director!

Chana: I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio originally. And I was in the Cincinnati chug. We were so lucky we had HUC there. So we had a continual, contingent of well educated folks. And then I went to Camp Tel Yehudah I went for regular and I went for MA, and then we went on Year Course, which was THE bomb. We loved it! I worked for the movement before and after as a chug leader, and I was on the International Executive Board for programming, I was in Hamagshimim, and I worked at camp.

When did you start having Year Course reunions?

Cyndi: Chana and I were friendly on Year Course, there were 80 of us, but nothing really happened until we had our first reunion outside of Washington D.C.

Chana: I used to fly to California for work, and one time instead of staying in a hotel I stayed with a friend from our Year Course. We decided to try and find every person from our Year Course, and we did. We found all but one. Some are in Israel, some in America, but it was wonderful (that first reunion we had).

Cyndi: That was when people started getting more in touch with each other on a wide ranging basis. and then it came time to begin planning our 50th reunion. And that was when you and I (Cyndi and Chana) started to work together. We planned the reunion along with eight people. It was originally supposed to be in Israel, but because of COVID was on Zoom. We ended up having two reunions that way.

Tell us about Aliyah.

Chana: I made Aliyah in 2019. And, that was, an experience. I learned a lot. And then just about the time that Cyndi was thinking of coming, I was finding an apartment for two. And the intention was, when you come, we’ll be the two. We have a little two bedroom apartment, very cozy, very nice. On a clear day, you can see the Dead Sea and Jordan, we are on the Green Line. Since Cyndi came in and from that point on, it’s been a matter of accommodating to being Israeli.

We’re learning a lot and we’re getting around. We’re being part of the community. Life is good!

Impact of YJ

Chana: We are still in contact with our chevrei and we’re old. Did we mention we’re really old? But, you know, we visit Young Judeans who have been here (in Israel) forever, our madrichim and our chevrei, and our life is involved in part, with people who have been Young Judeans, in other years.

I’ll tell you one cute story. The first week I got here Friday night, we went to a new shul, I asked someone, “שהוא בית הכנסת האמריקאי” And finally I get to this, big shul and there’s stairways up and there was a greeter at the door, and he looks at me and he says, “Hillary Lipsky, Young Judaea Year Course ’71-’72!” I said, how could you possibly know that? He said, “Kobi Ableman, Young Judaea Year Course ‘74-’75 come inside and meet your chevrei!”

So at that moment we were connected with, at least a decade of olim from Young Judaea.

Chana: We are your we are your quintessential Young Judaean chevrei. We have Young Judaeans living all around us (in Israel).

Chana: Let me clarify. Young Judaea was the most consequential, important moment of my entire life.

Cyndi: Me too.

Chana: Mel Reisfield would speak at camp. You know, you would measure your development in the movement by how many times you had heard his sicha. He got up one time in the moadon and he said, “There has not been a time in history where Jewish people could live three generations, in a civilized society. For those of you in the room who are Ashkenazi, do the math. It’s you.”

So when you see that ugly anti-Semitism pop up, do not tarry. It didn’t work so well the last time. Soon as you see it, if you’re not already in Israel, get up and get yourself to Israel. So, for me, it’s like a an electrode in the brain. And then I’m looking around in my world and I saw it, and that electrode came alive. And I reached out to Nefesh B’Nefesh I did everything I needed to do so we could be here.

Both: It’s really okay with us specifically if you find a Young Judaean  and who’s questioning how their life could be in Israel. Please, connect them with us.

What’s a memory that sticks out from your time on Year Course?

Cyndi: We were the last full Year Course before it split up into different sections. We had ulpan each day for about four hours. I still didn’t speak a comprehensible Hebrew but one of the things that amazed me was how I still was able to get around. And it was because of Young Judaea that I felt comfortable being in Israel. I didn’t feel that it was going to take me seven out of the ten months to acclimate to the country. And, I remember getting a really bad sunburn when we were at Caesarea on the beach area.

Chana: In those days, we couldn’t pack suitcases and take them. We were allowed one suitcase so most of our clothing and all came in trunks and on a ship. Trunks, trunks, can you imagine that? It was delayed and two months later it finally arrived. And that night you would thought everybody was going for their senior prom.

We were all dressed and I remember that first Friday night…I always had this background of connecting to Judaism. And they took us that Friday night to the Kotel. Even now, I’m still getting choked up just remembering it. It was like the culmination of everything that we had experienced through Young Judaea, through being in camp, and, I won’t say that was the only big memory, but it was just really incredible.

Chana: You got to know people from everywhere on Year Course. And we all had the same thing at the core. And that’s what made it a cohesive group. You didn’t necessarily hang around with all 73 or 78 other people, but there was a something of a cohesiveness. Young Judaea gave us that reason and purpose and that mission.

Interview with Dan Goldstein

When did you start meeting weekly in DC for the hostages? Tell us about these meetups.

On the second or third week of the war, I joined with a group running weekly vigils for the hostages at the American Red Cross Headquarters, which is within sight of the White House. This is one of multiple groups in the DC area running regular events for the hostages, where all the groups are a mix of Israeli and American participants. Nowadays, the vigils are mostly on the National Mall near the Capitol, with some other sites on occasion. Most of the events get around 30-40 people on a weekly basis — sometimes a lot more — but never more than a handful of Young Judaeans, usually just the same 5-6 Young Judaeans each week. The lack of Young Judaeans at the events has been a huge disappointment for me.

Is there any one memory or story from a rally that stands out in your memory?

There have been so many amazing moments over the past 16 months! One recent one was in December, when Keith Siegel’s wife Aviva marched with us and spoke to us, holding her granddaughter’s hand. As I’m sure you know, Keith grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and was a childhood friend of multiple Young Judaeans, including the very well-known Alon Tal (Young Judaea’s first Knesset member!). When Aviva spoke with us, we didn’t even know for sure whether Keith was alive — and now here he is, back home in Israel with his family.

Why do you think it’s important to advocate for the hostages?

Advocating for our hostages embodies all the values that we learned in Young Judaea: Zionism; the redemption of captives; “all Jews are responsible for each other” (כל ישראל ערבים לזה, a song we sang at Tel Yehudah), Tikkun Olam… How could we not go to the vigils and marches for the hostages?

What is your YJ history?

I grew up in UNYS region, went to TY as a camper 1975-78, TY kitchen 1979-80, Yearcourse 1979-80, TY madrich 1982-83, made Aliyah 1984, lived on Kibbutz Ketura 1984-2001, had Young Judaeans as my sergeants in the IDF, was the Shaliach for Midwest/Central States/WPA 1994-96 (so also at CYJ Wisconsin 1995-96), sent our son to TY 2010-11.

How can interested Young Judaeans join you for these rallies?

Find me on Facebook! I can give you all the information you need.

By Sigal Waisman Bierman, Year Course 2024-2025

Standing here in Poland, a place where history weighs so heavily in the air, I find myself wrestling with thoughts I didn’t expect. Before this trip, I thought that being here would make it easier to picture what the Jews of Eastern Europe went through. But even walking through the camps, surrounded by evidence of their suffering, I find that it’s still hard—impossible, even—to fully grasp. Without seeing the faces of the victims or hearing every individual story, everything risks becoming generalized.

I wondered, at what point do people become numbers? And is our way of learning about mass casualties—focusing on scale—doing more harm than good?

This question followed me to Auschwitz. That day I learned that Auschwitz is a museum, and I know many of my peers felt differently about that. Personally, I had no idea what to expect. At first, I was angry. The thought of it being treated like a museum felt disrespectful, like it was turning unimaginable pain into a display, making the Holocaust a “past” instead of a living, searing memory. Some aspects still frustrate me, like what our guide Miriam pointed out about the entrance tickets—printed with your name and “ticket to Auschwitz.” How could that not feel jarring, when so many Jews had similar tickets, but theirs led to death and suffering instead of an educational tour?

But as I walked through the museum, something shifted. Seeing the photographs, the videos, and the artifacts brought me closer to people’s realities. Sometimes more than other locations where things have been destroyed, becoming empty fields with small plaques. I realized those artifacts weren’t just relics; they were connections to lives stolen too soon. They gave me a glimpse of individuals, not just numbers. Each different shade of hair color. Each individual key to family homes. Each unique shoe encompasses fashion sense. As hard as it was to see, it was also impactful in a way I didn’t expect.

My biggest realization reminded me of something we experienced just a few weeks ago, when we volunteered at the Gaza envelope. That day, we were supposed to help the farmers by cutting weeds and clearing fields after October 7. Instead, most of us ended up back at a small shack, singing, dancing, and laughing together. At the time, I felt guilty, thinking we weren’t doing enough—thinking we should’ve been out there working harder, helping in a more concrete way.

At the end of the day, the farmer came to speak with us. I expected him to be upset, to reprimand us for slacking off. Instead, he thanked us. He said our joy, our laughter, our unity as young Jews thriving and bringing light to a place scarred by horror was more meaningful than any work we could’ve done. It was the light we brought that mattered most.

And isn’t that exactly what we’re doing here? Of course, we’ve come to learn—to witness, to mourn, to try to understand. But above all, the fact that we are here, together, as young Jews thriving in a place that once symbolized unimaginable darkness for our people, is the greatest mission we could have. It’s the ultimate act of defiance against the hate and evil that tried to destroy us.

The true victory of the Jewish people isn’t just survival. It’s our unity, our joy, and our love for life. Being here, walking these grounds, and sharing these moments together—it’s the greatest revenge we could ever take against the darkness of the past. We are here, bringing light to a place that once knew only darkness. And in doing so, we honor the memory of those who were lost in the most meaningful way possible: by continuing to live, love, and thrive.

By Shayna Strauss
Gesher 2024, CYJ TX

After a year of being surrounded by constant Anti-Zionism and misinformation it was refreshing being able to be with Jews who share the same values as me. Despite what is going on in the world my connection to the land, Jewish Identity, and Zionist beliefs strengthened.

Gesher was filled with fun activities like the snorkeling in the red sea, rappelling off of a mountain, trying Israeli food, walking around the shuk, and so much more. I cherish the learning that took place and I’m confident when answering the hard hitting questions that I face during the year at home. Being able to talk to families of hostages, friends of fallen soldiers, and people from towns under constant fire helped me understand the reality of what is going on, something impossible to wrap your head around back in America. We explored the challenges facing Israel today domestically and internationally while giving us hope of coexistence and the future of Israel. Not one time did I feel unsafe or scared because of the amazing counselors who were able to navigate touring around the country during war time. I met lifelong friends and made memories that will last a lifetime.

One of my favorite things about the Gesher program was having Israelis my age on the program. They were able to show me what it is like being Israeli, their favorite stores, foods spots, etc. to the point that I did not feel like a tourist, but instead a part of Israeli society. Israel showed me what it is like to be myself freely and openly, not having to constantly explain why I believe or celebrate a holiday. All around, Gesher was the most fun and meaningful experience I’ve ever had. Since coming home I have been inspired to be openly proud of my Zionist identity despite that hate I may receive. I am prepared to go to a college campus, as I’m graduating next year, and have started learning Hebrew to feel more comfortable what I now see as my future home.

Learn More About Gesher

By Adina Frydman, CEO Young Judaea

As I sit in my comfortable El AL airplane seat, counting down the hours of my arrival to my second home, Israel, it is also hours from the release of the first three hostages, Romi, Emily and Doron. For them it will be a different homecoming.

For me, I will travel from Ben Gurion airport to my hotel, where I will recover from mild jet lag after a few hours of sleep. For them, they will be brought back in cars over the very border they were taken hostage 15 months ago. They will be examined for signs of physical, mental, and emotional trauma, reunite with their families, and then spend the rest of their lives in recovery and healing.

But still, we will both be finally home.

As a Jew currently living in the diaspora, the experience of coming back to Israel, is a deeply emotional one. From the minute I step on the plane I feel my heartbeat hasten and my anticipation grow as I get closer and closer. As the wheels touch the tarmac, I feel overtaken with emotion and shed a few tears. And that first breath I take when I step out of Ben Gurion and roll down my window in the taxi, I know I am home.

In this week’s parsha, Va’eira, we start with God hearing the cries of the people and remembering his covenant.

וְגַ֣ם | אֲנִ֣י שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי אֶת־נַֽאֲקַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִצְרַ֖יִם מַֽעֲבִדִ֣ים אֹתָ֑ם וָֽאֶזְכֹּ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי

I have also heard the Israelites’ groaning, complaining that the Egyptians are enslaving them, and I have recalled My covenant.

And what is this covenant? To redeem them and to bring them home.

Regardless of the extent to which Torah is present in your daily lives, it is impossible not to notice the alignment to our present day events with the parshiot in the coming weeks leading up to the Israelites ultimate Exodus from Mitzrayim and eventual arrival to the Promised Land. Obviously, the analogy ends there. But, for the hostage families, all Israelis, and Jews around the world, the days and weeks to come will be filled with emotion and angst. For while we believe some of the hostages are coming home, we don’t know for certain, and we don’t know whether they will be dead or alive. We are also keenly aware of the price we are paying for each life. Over 1900 prisoners will be released in this exchange. And yet, without a negotiation and ceasefire, the bloodshed, of both Israelis and Palestinians, will not end.

When our kids were little and they had tantrums, we would look at them and say, “we don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Of course, this was long before any of this transpired and they understood the idea of a real terrorist, and the harsh reality that sometimes we do negotiate, because if we don’t, the price we will pay is simply too big.

It is much more complicated than that, as many of us know. The question of what a life is worth? Why does it seem that Jews value Jewish life so much more than Palestinians value Palestinian life? The ratios in the prisoner/hostage exchange show that clearly. I think about the young men and women who are making the commitment today to serve in the Israeli army knowing that it is a calculated risk, a risk for their country. How much strength does it give them to know that Israel will not abandon them. With each hostage that is returned there is a boost to morale, a morale that creates resiliency and the courage to remain on the front lines. Let us never forget that it is on their backs that we continue to have a place to call home.

As Chaim Weizman famously said and then Nathan Alterman turned into the famous poem, we all know, “A state is not handed down on a silver platter.”

Thank you to all those responsible for maintaining and perfecting our precious Israel, that we have the privilege to call home.

By Rabbi Adam Drucker, Director of Education

Immediately after October 7^th, before war tourism and volunteer groups began to arrive, a group of 70 gap year students from Young Judaea Year Course chose to stay in Israel. Given the choice to continue their gap year during a time of complete distress and confusion for the country, or to leave and make new plans, this group felt compelled to help Israel’s most vulnerable populations and step up in a time of need.

Directly after the attacks, the Year Course group was moved to the Young Judaea founded Kibbutz Ketura to ensure their safety. While on the Kibbutz, participants began volunteering throughout the area.

In the early days after October 7^th, government ministries were not functioning and the responsibility to care for those directly impacted was left to local municipalities and volunteer groups. Once the Year Course cohort had arrived in the south, the staff began to establish links with the local representatives and leaders of these groups to ascertain what was needed. With most of the Israel’s work force above the age of 18 called up to the IDF, the resource of 70 able bodied and energetic gap year students spread among the local leadership in Eilat and the Arava.

It was these groups who Year Course would work with in the first six weeks of the war, volunteering to help displaced families, farmers, soldiers, and all those affected by the attacks.

Participants reflected on those days following the attacks and shared their thoughts on what it meant to contribute in those early days.

Several participants helped cared for displaced children from the Gaza Envelope communities, while their parents took the time to cope with their trauma, and plan for their future. Maya Kaye’s (Fresno, CA) and Zoe Alon (Fort Lauderdale, FL) helped evacuees by running dance classes and other extra-curricular activities. Maya recalled, “By engaging with displaced children from the Gaza Envelope, I found a sense of belonging and purpose,” and Zoe added, “I wanted a sense of connection to the people I was helping.”  Maya went on to share how her decision to stay and help was driven by a belief in the importance of solidarity and compassion in fostering resilience and healing. By offering moments of joy and distraction, they sought to provide comfort and support during a challenging time.

Some Year Coursers spent time working in distribution centers in Eilat, helping displaced families who had lost everything from the attacks. Klara Walny (Northbrook, IL) remembers, “The main volunteering body (18-40 year olds) had been called up from reserves and were on the front line fighting which is why I needed to be there. These families came into the distribution sites distressed and with few belongings, and with my limited Hebrew, a smile, and a willingness to help, the families left calmer and in a better state of mind. I see no reason not to roll up my sleeves and keep going. I am here for a reason.” Her commitment stemmed from a desire to alleviate suffering and contribute to the community, evident in her efforts to provide essential assistance to those in need.

Reflecting on their experiences six months later, participants’ motivations varied but shared a common thread of compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference during a time when Israelis were abandoned by Israeli governmental institutions. Rafi Nagorsky (Chicago, IL) felt it was his duty to step up, “It was definitely clear that since most of the rest of the country was occupied with other things, if we weren’t volunteering it’s possible that no one else would.”

Many of the participants were so deeply impacted by this moment of solidarity and selflessness, that as of today, nine have enlisted to serve in the IDF. Sophie Gilbert (Woodmere, NY), is one of those students who felt the war sparked something in her, “There was something about the war which made me realize not only do I want, but I that need to be an agent of change in my country.”

The Young Judaea Year Course students found a deep sense of fulfilment in their roles, whether it was providing practical assistance, fostering connections with displaced families, or simply offering moments of joy to Israelis during hardship. Through their collective efforts, they discovered a newfound sense of purpose and solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to Israel, Zionism, the values of Tikkun Olam.

Although there is still much darkness in a post October 7^th Israel, Year Course participants who’ve remained in the country have become small, yet bright lights of hope, shaping countless lives and empowered by the desire to give of themselves.Immediately after October 7^th, before war tourism and volunteer groups began to arrive, a group of 70 gap year students from Young Judaea Year Course chose to stay in Israel. Given the choice to continue their gap year during a time of complete distress and confusion for the country, or to leave and make new plans, this group felt compelled to help Israel’s most vulnerable populations and step up in a time of need.

Directly after the attacks, the Year Course group was moved to the Young Judaea founded Kibbutz Ketura to ensure their safety. While on the Kibbutz, participants began volunteering throughout the area.

In the early days after October 7^th, government ministries were not functioning and the responsibility to care for those directly impacted was left to local municipalities and volunteer groups. Once the Year Course cohort had arrived in the south, the staff began to establish links with the local representatives and leaders of these groups to ascertain what was needed. With most of the Israel’s work force above the age of 18 called up to the IDF, the resource of 70 able bodied and energetic gap year students spread among the local leadership in Eilat and the Arava.

It was these groups who Year Course would work with in the first six weeks of the war, volunteering to help displaced families, farmers, soldiers, and all those affected by the attacks.

Participants reflected on those days following the attacks and shared their thoughts on what it meant to contribute in those early days.

Several participants helped cared for displaced children from the Gaza Envelope communities, while their parents took the time to cope with their trauma, and plan for their future. Maya Kaye’s (Fresno, CA) and Zoe Alon (Fort Lauderdale, FL) helped evacuees by running dance classes and other extra-curricular activities. Maya recalled, “By engaging with displaced children from the Gaza Envelope, I found a sense of belonging and purpose,” and Zoe added, “I wanted a sense of connection to the people I was helping.”  Maya went on to share how her decision to stay and help was driven by a belief in the importance of solidarity and compassion in fostering resilience and healing. By offering moments of joy and distraction, they sought to provide comfort and support during a challenging time.

Some Year Coursers spent time working in distribution centers in Eilat, helping displaced families who had lost everything from the attacks. Klara Walny (Northbrook, IL) remembers, “The main volunteering body (18-40 year olds) had been called up from reserves and were on the front line fighting which is why I needed to be there. These families came into the distribution sites distressed and with few belongings, and with my limited Hebrew, a smile, and a willingness to help, the families left calmer and in a better state of mind. I see no reason not to roll up my sleeves and keep going. I am here for a reason.” Her commitment stemmed from a desire to alleviate suffering and contribute to the community, evident in her efforts to provide essential assistance to those in need.

Reflecting on their experiences six months later, participants’ motivations varied but shared a common thread of compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference during a time when Israelis were abandoned by Israeli governmental institutions. Rafi Nagorsky (Chicago, IL) felt it was his duty to step up, “It was definitely clear that since most of the rest of the country was occupied with other things, if we weren’t volunteering it’s possible that no one else would.”

Many of the participants were so deeply impacted by this moment of solidarity and selflessness, that as of today, nine have enlisted to serve in the IDF. Sophie Gilbert (Woodmere, NY), is one of those students who felt the war sparked something in her, “There was something about the war which made me realize not only do I want, but I that need to be an agent of change in my country.”

The Young Judaea Year Course students found a deep sense of fulfilment in their roles, whether it was providing practical assistance, fostering connections with displaced families, or simply offering moments of joy to Israelis during hardship. Through their collective efforts, they discovered a newfound sense of purpose and solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to Israel, Zionism, the values of Tikkun Olam.

Although there is still much darkness in a post October 7^th Israel, Year Course participants who’ve remained in the country have become small, yet bright lights of hope, shaping countless lives and empowered by the desire to give of themselves.

Get to know Young Judaea’s new Central Shaliach and Director of Israel Education, Amit Castel!

 

By Adina Frydman, CEO of Young Judaea Global

As we turn the page on summer and try to hold on to the final moments of sun,  we feel the shift from pre to post Labor Day (well, at least if you are in the Northeast). For those in the South or West, you are already deeply in the routine of school.

As I head into the office in 94-degree weather, although it still feels like summer, I know that the truth is, my summer is over. For YJ campers each year, the end of summer doesn’t just signify the start of school, it means the end of camp!

This summer, I had the pleasure of touring all seven camps and was reminded again of what is so unique and special about a Young Judaea camp. Let me tell you what I saw.

Unadulterated joy and laughter throughout the day. The playfulness of wearing pajamas all day, making string bracelets, having mud fights, bug juice, cheers and song, and of course the magic of a camp Shabbat. Not to mention the staff are sometimes sillier than the campers (to make it fun for the kids of course…)

I saw kids getting out of their comfort zone to try a new sport, meet a new friend, and challenge their existing perspectives by encountering different opinions.

At camp I witnessed incredible sportsmanship, balanced with healthy competition. While the joke is that we are all winners in Young Judaea, that is actually not true in color war, bikurim, and maccabiah. But most impressive is that the winning teams cheer on everyone else with as much enthusiasm as they cheer for their own win.

Lastly, I saw exemplary role modeling from our tzevet (camp staff). And while this applies to all staff, I am particularly talking about the young seasonal staff who would do anything to make sure that every chanich (camper) has the best experience possible: no camper left behind.

From the early morning wake up rituals to peulot laila tov (good night activities), they are the heroes that make every moment count. And it is only sweeter because they are part of a long chain of Young Judaeans passing on the traditions that their madrichim (counselors) gave to them.

These are just some of the highlights of what I saw at camp this summer. No wonder we are sad to let it go! Perhaps we can hold on to that camp feeling as we go back to our year-round lives.

As we wind up another fabulous season with over 3500 campers, I want to thank…

All the staff who gave their all this summer.

All the parents for trusting us with their kids.

All of YOU for supporting each of our camps and Young Judaea to make these magical summers a success!

See you in the summer of 2024!

Camp Registration is open already with early bird discounts – don’t wait!

Sincerely,

Adina

By Samara Kohn, Tel Yehudah 2021, Gesher 2022, Served on LINYC Maz and National Maz.

It was Friday and I was in Jerusalem with over 120 Jewish American teens. Everyone was dressed up in their nicest Shabbat attire. Girls in dresses, boys in button-down shirts. We had just wrapped up my favorite service of the week, Kabbalat Shabbat and it was finally time for dinner. We all sat down, did the blessing over the bread and wine, and devoured our third piece of schnitzel for that day. In the middle of our meal, the French group that was staying at our hostel sat down for their meal as well.

When my group finished eating, we started Friday night Shira. We were singing and dancing and screaming songs in Hebrew and English at the top of our lungs. The French group, who didn’t speak any English, got up and started screaming the same songs we were singing with the same tunes, but in French. They tried to be louder but could not compare to our group of Americans. Suddenly a boy from Young Judaea starts screaming the American national anthem and everyone joins in. The French then begin to scream their national anthem. When the two groups finished, the room went silent and in unison, both started to sing the Hatikvah. I stood there in awe while chanting my country’s national anthem.

The pride I felt at that moment was indescribable. Being a Jew had never felt that good. Two groups from entirely different continents gathered in our homeland with two key similarities: our pride in Israel and our love and devotion to Judaism. The satisfaction I felt to have the privilege to experience this really made me love being a Jew so much more. On the holiest night of the week, in the holiest city in the world, I began to see Judaism from a different light. Being a Jew isn’t just about gathering for prayer or following the mitzvot, being a Jew is about being a part of a community that you can find all around the world. Whether this community is in France, Israel, or on your college campus, all Jews are connected. Wherever I go I wear my Magen David (Star of David) around my neck. I refuse to wear any other piece of jewelry because when they see that star around my neck, Jews around me know they have a community right next to them.