Uncategorized Young Judaea’s Midwest Winter Convention – November 30th – December 3rd 2017

Lead by the Midwest Mazkirut (teen board), Maya Garfinkel, Ben Hirsch, Charlie Met, Melanie Silver, Tziona Chernoff, Max Aizenstein and Daryn Smith, 39 teenagers from the Midwest including 3 “field trippers” from Texas, NJ and Long Island, 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!

Check out all of the pics HERE

Thanks to the Midwest Senior Advisor Rebecca Schwab and to our weekend “Madrichim” (counselors) Adina Lipschultz, Levi Applebaum, Robin Silver, Jessica Morris, Amos Pomp and special guest, National Senior advisor, Nathan Rubinger.

Convention Quotes:

“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