MIDWEST E D I T I O N
THE NCSY NEWSLETTER
CHANUKAH 2012
Jewish Family Experience The Jewish Family Experience (JFE) is a brand new initiative hitting the Chicago area this year, and it is already having a profound impact on the lives of Jewish kids and their families. JFE is a dynamic, family-based learning program dedicated to educating and inspiring Jews across Chicago’s northern suburbs regardless of their affiliation or background. The Jewish Family Experience offers classes for children in grades 2-8 on Sundays from 9:30am -12:30pm at the Jewett Park Community Center. There are also weekly presentations and forums allowing parents to discuss a variety of Jewish topics. The program is a joint effort of Midwest NCSY and the Chicago Torah Network (CTN) with support from the Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago.
190+
Participants at our Senior NCSY Fall Convention held in Minneapolis
75%
Midwest NCSY program attendees who come from public school
The Jewish Family Experience nurtures the whole family by providing genuine Evan Hessel from Vernon Hills, Illinois, adult learning experiences coupled with learning about Shabbat in his JFE classes. dynamic Hebrew School programming in a safe child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah a meaningful, memorable, and welcoming atmosphere that encourages and, of course, fun experience. exploration. The classes, taught by engaging and talented teachers, combine hands-on experiential Tuition for the year is only $475 and parents can learning with an innovative curriculum to create receive a $50 credit for referring a friend to the a positive Jewish experience. The parents attend program. For more information contact Rabbi weekly discussions led by the Rabbis of CTN, and Yehuda Polstein at (773) 706-6020 or yehuda@ our Bnai Mitzvah track is dedicated to making each jewishfamilyexp.org.
28
Jewish Student Union public school clubs that meet each week around the region, facilitated by Midwest NCSY
19+
Programs that take place every week in Midwest NCSY
Dr. Jay and Margie Robinow Dr. Jay and Margie Robinow have been involved with NCSY for nearly two decades. Frequently opening their Overland Park, Kansas home to host NCSYers and NCSY programs, Jay and Margie consistently contribute to NCSY with their time, effort and financial resources. How did you first get involved in NCSY and why do you continue to support it? We have a vision for the development of the Kansas Jewish Community and NCSY is an integral part of it. Kansas is a wonderful place to live and a wonderful place to live Jewishly. We became involved in NCSY when our kids were little so they would have an exciting group of Jewish friends. Teens are Continued on next page...
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... Donor Spotlight continued the key to the future. We support NCSY because it is a successful program to help our teens be Jewish, stay Jewish and grow into Jewish leaders. What do you wish other people knew about NCSY’s teen outreach? We wish that all Jewish people knew that NCSY helps teens be happy, successful, respectful and thriving young individuals. We have seen this to be true for kids across the spectrum of Jewish affiliations and backgrounds. NCSY can awaken a desire in a teen with minimal background to explore and grow in their Judaism, as well as provide a spark and inspiration for the kids that already have a stronger Jewish connection.
JULIA GARTSMAN & MORAN GREENBERG Teenagers dream big. They dream about what they will do after they graduate high school and about where they will live after they are done with college. Julia Gartsman and Moran Greenberg are 12th graders at Vernon Hills High School. They have been active in NCSY throughout their four years of high school and their dream was to go to Israel for the summer. They wanted an experience that would help them feel more attached to their heritage, but also be a lot of fun. “Moran has already been to Israel but she never expected me to come with her,” said Julia. Of course, spending a summer in Israel is an expensive proposition. For Julia and Moran, a summer trip to Israel was indeed a big dream. But through their JSU (Jewish Student Union) club and the International NCSY office, Julia and Moran were able to spend 5 weeks in the most incredible place on earth. The Jerusalem Journey, known among hundreds of public school teens as simply TJJ, is a month-long program where teens are able to travel from the Golan Heights to the shores of Eilat and everywhere in between. TJJers swim in the Kineret, visit archaeological digs, participate in incredible hikes, experience a magical Shabbat in Tzfat, visit the Kotel (Western Wall) and float in the Dead Sea. With incredible NCSY advisors leading the way, Julia and Moran were able to see history come alive while learning about their Jewish heritage.
“Truly there is no better place for a teen to get inspired than in Israel, and no better way to see and experience all that Israel has to offer than TJJ,” said Midwest NCSY Regional Director and CEO Rabbi Micah Greenland. “We are so proud of Julia, Moran and all the Midwest teens who filled up an entire bus this summer on TJJ.” “This was our dream, and we did not think it would happen,” said Moran. “Now that we have experienced TJJ we really feel like we have grown as members of the Jewish people.” Julia and Moran have been busy since they got back. They feel more connected to Judaism and to the land of Israel. As active members of their JSU clubs, they have spoken to many teens about the advantages of going on NCSY’s amazing summer programs.
NCSY can awaken a desire in a teen with minimal background to explore and grow in their Judaism as well as provide a spark and inspiration for the kids that already have a stronger Jewish connection. How has your NCSY involvement benefited your own family? Our five kids have developed their connection to Judaism, their closeness with Jewish peers and their Jewish identity through NCSY. The opportunities to develop leadership skills have served them well as they move into the next stages of their lives. Personally, even we as adults are grateful for the opportunity to get to know many wonderful advisors and kids from all over the United States.
“Just do something,” said Julia. “Now is the time to really figure out who you are, so dream big and don’t stop until the dream becomes a reality.”
Dream big and don’t stop until the dream becomes a reality. Dr. Jay and Margie Robinow with their family.
Bringing to Light the Innovative Programs that Connect Teens to their Judaism
SHORESHET TAKES OFF IN ST. LOUIS. Shoreshet, designed by Tzippy Meisel, is a program that allows the girls of St. Louis NCSY to enjoy all-girl activities while growing spiritually. Soup & Stories in the Succah was a delicious hit that infused the girls’ Succot experience with meaning. They also enjoyed an unforgettable evening while they danced the night away in a private dance studio. NCSY is very excited to watch Shoreshet grow and make a powerful mark on the St. Louis community.
DINNER & LEARNING AT THE SANDWICH CLUB
Midwest advisors gather together for a weekend full of learning and training.
Skokie NCSY has been meeting weekly at the highly successful Dinner ‘n Learning program at the Sandwich Club. Every Wednesday evening, as part of joint program with the ATT, as many as 50 day school and public school teens get together for dinner and learning with advisors and discuss topics such as Jewish holidays and philosophies.
MIDWEST NCSY INVESTS IN OUR STAFF
KANSAS CITY CREATES NEW LEADERS
Professional development and staff training are emphasized throughout the year in Midwest NCSY, the best example of which was a Staff Enrichment Shabbaton held in Skokie this past October. Encompassing over 45 volunteer advisors and over 15 professional staff from across the country, the Shabbaton included training sessions for new and returning staff, team building exercises, and opportunities for the staff to be further strengthened as they embarked on a new year of working with teens. With a freshly inspired team, the weekend prepared NCSY staff for a phenomenal year of growth and inspiration for Jewish teens.
FIRESIDE MELAVA MALKAS IN INDIANAPOLIS
MEMPHIS STARTS OFF STRONG Memphis NCSY started off the year with a kickoff BBQ, Latte & Learning and a large oneg. The fun continued when 23 Memphis NCSYers came together at Paintball Park for a threehour extravaganza on three different paintball courses. Thirty kids from Memphis are attending Fall Regional in Minneapolis.
Every Monday, as part of joint program with the ATT, public school teens from Midwest NCSY’s North Shore chapter meet at Mizrahi Grill in Highland Park. The free Dinner ‘n Learning program provides shwarma with a fantastic camaraderie for Jewish teens on the North Shore. The teens jump-start their week by participating in a discussion related to Judaism.
MIDWEST REGIONAL SHABBATON UPLIFTS MINNEAPOLIS COMMUNITY Held on the campus of the beautiful new Yeshiva of Minneapolis, nearly 300 NCSYers joined together for a weekend full of fun and inspiration. Community members participated in various parts of the program and left extremely impressed by the energy, excitement and spirituality that filled the air.
An amazing new program is underway in Kansas City. Fifteen qualified students meet once a week for dinner and a unique learning session. The students are paired with a young mentor from the community to discuss relevant topics to Jewish life today such as medical ethics, business ethics, death and burial and much more. These students are given the opportunity to delve into matters that typically are not touched upon at school. In addition, the session closes with a professional leader from the community giving an important presentation on the topic of the week. Aside from gaining knowledge and insight on these delicate topics, at the completion of 10 weeks the students are also rewarded with a generous scholarship to a follow-up Jewish enrichment program.
TORAH HIGH MINNEAPOLIS MEETS ALEPH BETA ACADEMY Minneapolis NCSY began its second year of Torah High with a twist. Incorporating the Aleph Beta Academy online courses into the program, students watched short videos in class that acted as springboards for deep and meaningful discussions. Participants then took advantage of the educational material at home by accessing their online Aleph Beta profile. Students earn high school credits while enjoying fun and informative lessons.
PHOTO CREIDT: CHAYA ROSS
Throughout the early ending Shabbatot of the winter months, NCSYers gather together on Saturday nights for fireside Melava Malkas at the Zitin home with s’mores, boardgames, and Torah learning. NCSYers get a taste of the great indoors with a roaring fire (in the fireplace). Teens come for the food, fun and friends but always leave with more Torah than they came with. Learning topics vary but include everything from upcoming holidays, Parshat HaShavua, and even Gemara with some students.
MONDAYS AT MIZRAHI A HIT IN NORTH SHORE
Memphis NCSYers prepare for war in a game of paintball.
Chicago Weekly Events in partnership with ATT North Shore Chapter
Buffalo Grove Chapter
Frappatorah
Mondays 7:30 – 8:30pm
Dinner 'n Learning
Starbucks at Aptakisic & Buffalo Grove Rd.
Mondays 7:30 – 8:30pm
Contact Jenny at serlej@ncsy.org
Okner Winter Conclave, Itasca, Illinois (Grades 9-12)
Mizrahi Grill, 215 Skokie Valley Road Highland Park, Illinois
Skokie Chapter
Contact Avigayil at strulowitza@ncsy.org
Wednesdays 8:00 – 9:00pm
Jan. 25-27
January 2013 – March 2013 Tuesday nights, 7:30 - 9:00pm
The Sandwich Club, 4507 Oakton St Skokie, Illinois
Senator Mark Kirk Israel Scholars Program
JSU Clubs
(Grades 5-8)
Wilmette Community Rec. Center (Located at 3000 Glenview Road)
Every other Wednesday at lunch
Feb. 14-18
This 12-week program explores topics such as Israel’s impact on the world today and Jewish medical ethics. Teens discover the practical implications these topics have for Jewish leaders. Participants who attend 10 out of 12 sessions receive their choice of a $150 stipend or $500 towards any NCSY Summer Program. Visit israelscholars.com to learn more or to register.
Dec. 27-31
Jr. NCSY Winter Shabbaton, Chicago, Illinois
Yarchei Kallah (Grades 9-12) Open to public school and day school teens, NCSY offers the perfect balance of an intensive, yeshiva-style learning experience and down-to-earth fun.
Dinner 'n Learning
Contact Levi at zeffrenl@ncsy.org
Evanston Township High School Glenbrook South High School Every other Monday after school
Niles West High School
Every other Wednesday after school
Glenbrook North High School Every Wednesday after school
Vernon Hills High School
Every other Monday after school
3200 W Touhy Ave Chicago, IL 60645
UMBRELLA AD GOES HERE
Executive Leadership Rabbi Micah Greenland Regional Director/CEO greenlandm@ncsy.org
Rabbi Moshe Isenberg Chief Communications Officer isenbergm@ncsy.org
Rabbi Donny Schwartz Associate Regional Director rabbidonny@ncsy.org
MIDWEST MESORAH 3200 W Touhy Ave Chicago, IL 60645 847-677-NCSY www.midwestncsy.org
NCSY HAS YOU COVERED Whether it's an after school program like JSU, an engaging learning program like Latte & Learning, a weekend-long retreat like Conclave, or an incredible summer program for public school teens in Israel like TJJ, NCSY has you covered.
www.ncsy.org
NCSY is the international youth movement of the OU.