PROGRAM GUIDE YOUTHCON CONVENTION SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2012 STAMFORD HILTON, CONNECTICUT
PRESENTED BY
Service Center Speed Networking & Brainstorming
Speakers Lounge Exhibitor Hall
Dining Room
Auditorium
SOCIAL SPHERE DIGITAL MEDIA SYNAGOGUE ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT SPIRITUALITY 2
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NCSY & OU Executive Leadership Rabbi Steven Burg, International Director, NCSY; Executive Director, OU Keevy Fried, Associate International Director, NCSY Joseph Stechler, National Youth Commission Chairman, OU
PROGRAM GUIDE
OVERVIEW Pg 4............................... WELCOME MESSAGE Pg 5............................... OUR SPONSORS Pg 6............................... YOUTHCON CHEAT SHEET Pg 7............................... SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Pg 8............................... ABOUT THE SCHEDULE Pg 9............................... SERVICE CENTER Pg 10............................. DETAILED SCHEDULE Pg 19............................. SPEAKER BIOS Pg 31............................. ABOUT NCSY
Rabbi Judah Isaacs, Director of Community Engagement, OU Emanuel Adler, OU Community and Synagogue Services Chair & Secretary of the OU Board Dr. Simcha Katz, President, OU Rabbi Steven Weil, Executive Vice President, OU Paul S. Glasser, Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, OU David Frankel, Chief Operating Officer, OU Shlomo Schwartz, Chief Financial Officer, OU David Olivestone, Senior Communications Officer, OU
YouthCon Executive Leadership Rina Emerson, YouthCon Director Dovid Bashevkin Penny Pazornick Duvi Stahler
YouthCon Advisory Board Ilan Caplan, American Jewish World Service Mijal Bitton, Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future Daniel Fast, UJA Federation of New York Tova Garr, The Jewish Education Project Shuki Taylor, Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future Ilana Shushansky, American Jewish World Service
YouthCon Team Abbie Adamit Alan Avitan Alison Barnett Tova Flancbaum Yossi Katz Allison Nitzky Michael Orbach Penina Rosen Kayla Weil
How to reach us YouthCon 212.613.8110 www.youthcon.org info@youthcon.org twitter.com/youthconlive NCSY 11 Broadway New York, NY 10004 212.613.8233 www.ncsy.org info@ncsy.org twitter.com/ncsy facebook.com/myncsy OU Synagogue Services 212.613.8149 synservices@ou.org Please note: The views presented by the speakers at YouthCon do not necessarily reflect those of NCSY or the Orthodox Union.
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To our dear YouthCon participants: It is our distinct privilege and pleasure to welcome you to YouthCon 2012, the second annual convention for informal Jewish educators. The most essential component to YouthCon’s success is its participants. It is because of you that this day is so special. We are truly proud and grateful for the broad range of professionals who have made the effort to participate in today’s conference. You made this conference possible: Thank you. Today’s conference celebrates your dedication to the emerging field of experiential Jewish education. Just like last year’s convention, the underlying hope for this conference is to create a culture of collaboration among the professionals in the field of informal Jewish education. However, aside from the learning experience we hope to provide at YouthCon, this year, we have chosen to reimagine YouthCon as a celebration, a festival, of the field of experiential Jewish education. In that spirit, we have created more opportunities for informal conversations, group brainstorming and networking so professionals can experience the amazing breadth and exciting new developments in the world of informal education. Last year, we established different tracks of emphasis so participants could focus on their own personal areas of interest. This year, in an effort to further our mission to cater to the conference’s most valuable asset, you, we have also added individualized modes of presentation for each topic to accommodate the differentiated styles of learning of our participants (you’ll find out more details about our re-imagined format in the introduction to the schedule, later in the guide). We look forward to sharing a day filled with ideas, passion, questions and strategies. Most of all, we hope today is a day you enjoy. Sincerely,
Steven Burg International Director, NCSY; Executive Director, OU
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Rina Emerson
Duvi Stahler
Director, YouthCon
Director of Marketing, YouthCon
Dovid Bashevkin
Penny Pazornick
Program Director, YouthCon
Synagogue Programming, YouthCon
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GENEROUS SPONSORS
YouthCon could never have happened without the gracious support of our sponsors. We thank them for their support of YouthCon and Jewish Education.
We would also like to thank and welcome the following Friends of YouthCon:
MICHAEL ELLMAN JEREMY JOSZEF
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MAURY LITWACK ARI SOLOMONT
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Event staff YouthCon event staff are here to help and enhance your YouthCon experience. They are the kind folks in the red polo shirts. They have undergone intense training at our super-secret underground YouthCon laboratory and are glad to help you. If they don’t have the answer you are looking for, they probably know the person who does. Unfortunately, our prototype for a YouthCon information robot powered by IBM’s Jeopardy winning program Watson was not ready in time for YouthCon 2012 (we’re semi-optimistic about 2013).
Ummm… What’s with the nametags? As a conference for informal educators, we try to keep things informal and personalized. So instead of printing scripted nametags, we left them blank to allow you to not only write your names, but also to express your interests and personalities. Be creative with them. Or not. Just be yourself! : )
Is personal mentoring available? It sure is! Another feature we have re-imagined for YouthCon 2012 is our Service Center, which will feature targeted mentoring for one-on-one practical consultations in key areas that experiential Jewish educators are interested in. Some of the Service Center topics include: •
Facebook/Twitter management
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Resume writing
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Inclusion programming
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Bullying strategizing
Drop by the Service Center to sign up or find out more!
Speed networking It’s not only about what you know. It’s who you know. In that vein, we have introduced Speed Networking that will be available during the lunch break to give you the opportunity to have quick face time with others at the conference. It’s a great and a fast way to meet new informal educators. Join in!
SMS alerts Thanks to the digital expertise of Protexting.com, we will be providing SMS alerts directly to your phone to notify you of session timings and general YouthCon announcements. To sign up, text youthcon to 63566. We promise not to flood your inbox. Really.
Social media Tweet as you go. YouthCon Hashtag: #YouthCon Follow YouthCon: @YouthConLive "Like" YouthCon: www.facebook.com/youthcon
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9:00am.......................................... Registration LOBBY
9:30am.......................................... Welcome Message YOUTHCON AUDITORIUM
YouthCon was not developed in a vacuum. Hear why this conference was convened and what we hope to achieve from the leaders of YouthCon.
10:10am – 11:10am...................... Breakout session #1 See pages 10-11 for more information
11:20am – 12:20pm..................... Breakout Session #2 See pages 12-13 for more information
12:20pm – 1:50pm...................... Lunch
Sponsored by Century Coverage Corp. DINING ROOM
12:50pm – 1:40pm...................... Speed Networking & Brainstorming NEXT TO YOUTHCON AUDITORIUM
See page 14 for more information
1:50pm – 2:40pm........................ YouthCon Plenary Sponsored by PJ Library YOUTHCON AUDITORIUM
See page 15 for more information
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
3:00pm – 4:00pm...................... Breakout Session #3 See pages 16-17 for more information
4:15pm – 5:15pm......................... YouthCon Sparks & Closing YOUTHCON AUDITORIUM
See page 18 for more information
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YOUTHCON
ABOUT THE SCHEDULE YouthCon has five areas of focus: 1. Digital Media 2. Organizational Management 3. Spirituality 4. Social Sphere 5. Synagogue
Our innovative presentation format: YouthCon features a re-imagined and innovative presentation format. Each area of focus is presented in four distinct modes to reflect the different ways people learn and engage.
15 Minutes of Fame Each block features three 15-minute presentations showcasing a new idea or practice within the area of focus.
Panel Leaders with distinct views were specifically chosen to present a broad spectrum of ideas while confronting the central issues at hand. This portion of the conference assembles leaders within each field to discuss and debate major issues within a given track.
Workshop Practical and concrete tools will be conveyed for participants to implement into their everyday responsibilities. These sessions feature a leader in the field who will impart the latest practices.
Brainstorming Brainstorming allows for informal networking and sharing for the conference participants. These sessions feature an open agenda, which allow participants to create their own conversations within their area of interest.
The goal of the varied schedule ensures that each participant is able to learn with the focus and mode of presentation of his or her choice.
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SERVICE CENTER
Resume Building
10:10am - 11:10am
11:20am - 12:20pm
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Breakout Session #1
Breakout Session #2
Breakout Session #3
MARK YOUNG Davidson Graduate School
DINA RABHAN YU School Partnership
DINA RABHAN YU School Partnership
DOVID BECKER The Joel Paul Group
MARK YOUNG Davidson Graduate School
WILLIE HOCHMAN The Joel Paul Group
ARNOLD SAMLAN Jewish Connectivity
Social Media
SCOTT SHULMAN Israel Free Spirit
ARNOLD SAMLAN Jewish Connectivity
STEW GREENBERG Rush Hour Solutions
SCOTT SHULMAN Israel Free Spirit STEW GREENBERG Rush Hour Solutions
JEREMY JOSZEF Camp Morasha
JONAH HALPER Altruicity
Presentation Prep.
DOV EMERSON DRS Yeshiva High School
REBECCA SCHRANG Yachad
Inclusion
Synagogue
DONI JOSZEF The Positive Project
ELI HAGLER Yachad
DANIEL OLSON Camp Ramah
DEBORAH ROCKOFF Yachad DANIEL OLSON Camp Ramah
SHIRA BERKOVITS Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
SHIRA BERKOVITS Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
HERSCHEL JOSEPH Or Torah
JONATHAN ROSENBLATT Riverdale Jewish Center
JONATHAN RAVANSHENAS Beth Jacob
JONATHAN ROSENBLATT Riverdale Jewish Center
EFRON STURMWIND Lincoln Square Synagogue
DAVID CUTLER Young Israel of Staten Island
EFRON STURMWIND Lincoln Square Synagogue
DAVE FELSENTHAL Orthodox Union
ILAN HABER Self Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC)
DAVE FELSENTHAL Orthodox Union
Alumni Engagement
BECKY VOORWINDE Bronfman Youth Fellowships
Service Center availablity subject to change. Please stop by the Service Center for the most updated information.
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SERVICE CENTER
The YouthCon Service Center features targeted mentoring for one-on-one practical consultations in key areas in which experiential Jewish educators are interested. Feel free to stop by the Service Center during the times listed below.
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10:10am – 11:10am
SCHEDULE
FOR SESSION LOCATIONS, PLEASE REFER TO THE MAP ON PAGE 2
DIGITAL MEDIA
PANEL
Going on Air: Using Digital Media to be More Personal Than Ever Using digital media doesn’t mean being less personal and more removed from developing real relationships. The Cohosts of CharityRadio (www.charityradioshow.com) will discuss and demonstrate how to use innovative digital and social media campaigns to power old-school conversations to connect, educate and inspire your audience to action.
JONAH HALPER
BRIAN REICH
ALTRUICITY LITTLE M MEDIA
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
15 MINUTES OF FAME
♦ Stay in Touch? The Benefits of Engaging Alumni Alumni of your programs can be your greatest advocates and sources of feedback. How can you develop strategies for alumni engagement that are scalable and appropriate within the context of your budget and capacity? Rebbeca will explore the benefits of engaging alumni with a focus on understanding your motivations for staying connected and how to build mutually enriching relationships with alumni.
REBBECA VOORWINDE BRONFMAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIPS
♦ Your Best Foot Forward: Developing as a Professional Within Experiential Jewish Education Hear from one of the leaders in headhunting how to develop and distinguish yourself for future employers. Learn new ways to express your accomplishments and enhance your professional development in order to become what the leading Jewish organizations want and need.
WILLIE HOCHMAN THE JOEL PAUL GROUP
♦ Beyond Boring eNewsletters: Innovative Communications With Your Stakeholders Do you wonder if your message is getting out to your campers, students, parents, prospects and alumni? Do you question the effectiveness of your communication efforts? This session will discuss some fundamentals on how to break through the clutter and engage constituents.
JEREMY JOSZEF CAMP MORASHA
SPIRITUALITY
PANEL
Spirituality Crisis: Does it Exist? Can we Fix it? Spirituality. For some people it’s an overused cliché. For others it’s the most neglected part of our rich tradition. Hear different perspectives on how and where youth find spirituality. Why do some find spirituality so easily, while others seem to have given up searching? A fascinating collection of opinions and approaches will be shared on this timely issue.
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ZAHAVA FARBMAN
SHAUL WERTHEIMER
CHAI LIFELINE
CHABAD OF QUEENS COLLEGE
YAAKOV GLASSER
MODERATED BY SHMUEL ISMACH
NEW JERSEY NCSY
YOUNG ISRAEL OF GREAT NECK
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BREAKOUT SESSION #1 WORKSHOP
Thinking Outside the Box With Where You Give: Reimagining Tzedakah for the 21st Century – AJWS Curriculum Presentation This session is intended for educators who are looking for innovative resources for teaching tzedakah. The “Where Do You Give?” curriculum – designed for teens but adaptable for all ages and settings – takes students beyond Rambam’s ladder of the 8 forms of giving Tzedakah and into deep questions of where we give, to whom and why. Experience the curriculum firsthand, with demo lesson plans taught by experienced AJWS educators. All participants will walk away with a free copy of the curriculum.
SASHA FELDSTEIN AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE
SYNAGOGUE
15 MINUTES OF FAME
♦ Age is Just a Number: Tot Shabbat Programming and Strategies Without a doubt, they are the future of the Jewish community. So why is Jewish programming for toddlers so often overlooked? Explore the basics of what a successful Tot Shabbat program can look like. Participants will walk away with a set list and helpful tips on engaging both children and parents.
CARMIYA WEINRAUB HEBREW INSTITUTE OF RIVERDALE
♦ Shul Hopping: A Look at the Different Avenues for Synagogue Spirituality Joe Winkler garnered considerable attention for his powerful series, “Shul Hopping,” published on Jewcy.com. He explored different synagogues from across the spectrum and creatively discussed the narrative that emerged from the experience and what each one can offer. Discover for yourself what you can learn from his innovative journey.
JOE WINKLER HUFFINGTON POST, JEWCY, VOL1BROOKLYN
♦ Leading Your Leaders: Youth Leader Training and Development So you’ve got a youth leader in your synagogue, but how do you lead the youth leader? This session will focus on how to properly train and prepare teenage youth counselors for successful Shabbat programming. Topics will range from creating systematic training sessions to informal teaching opportunities, with a particular focus on teambuilding, accountability, professionalism and proactivity.
SCHEDULE
SOCIAL SPHERE
JONATHAN RAVANSHENAS BETH JACOB
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11:20am – 12:20pm
SCHEDULE
FOR SESSION LOCATIONS, PLEASE REFER TO THE MAP ON PAGE 2
DIGITAL MEDIA
WORKSHOP
It’s Not Just for Students: Using Technology to Teach Others and Develop Yourself There has been considerable attention on how tech has changed the way children learn, but have we properly considered how they have changed the way we should be developing ourselves? Hear from one of the leaders in the EdTech world on new strategies and tools for transmitting ideas through digital media and using technology to develop your most valuable asset: You.
DOV EMERSON DRS YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
PANEL
Experiences Without Borders: Experiential Jewish Education and the Process of Jewish Identity Formation Experiential education: It’s more than just camp. Learn new strategies and programming ideas from young social entrepreneurs in the emerging field of experiential education. The panel will also discuss how strategies and ideas can be implemented in a variety of settings and situations.
REBECCA BARNETT
HART LEVINE
STERN COLLEGE
HEART TO HEART
MARC FEIN
MODERATED BY ALIZA ABRAMS
UPSTATE NY NCSY
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE JEWISH FUTURE
SPIRITUALITY
15 MINUTES OF FAME
♦ Bible Raps: Making the Smart Phone Wiser Bible Raps combines the core meanings of Jewish texts with the cadence and rhythm of hip hop. Matt Bar, founder of Bible Raps, will discuss some of the successes he's had through his approach as well as the challenges educators face in the age of smartphones and tablets.
MATT BAR BIBLE RAPS
♦ Bringing Heaven Down To Earth: Spirituality Strategies Viva la revolution! Explore practical tips that will revolutionize the way you understand and integrate spirituality into your programming. Reb Judah Mischel, a scholar, educator and spiritual rock star, will present practical and useful tools for spirituality programming.
JUDAH MISCHEL HASC
♦ Defrosting Judaism: Making Judaism a Relatable Experience Why does our Judaism sometimes feel like an estranged relative? Noted educator and lecturer Dovid Goldwasser will discuss new approaches for instilling a sense of warmth and familiarity within our Jewish identity and practice.
DOVID GOLDWASSER KHAL BNEI YITZCHOK; TOURO'S LANDER COLLEGES
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BREAKOUT SESSION #2 15 MINUTES OF FAME
♦ Building Positivity by Learning the Happiness Skill To gain the interest of our youth, educators must first gain their attention. Ah, but how? Aren't they all glued to their iPhones and iPads? Yes. And that's exactly where educators need to meet them. Learn about a new innovative approach to building self-esteem and positivity among teens by reaching out to them where their attention already is.
DONI JOSZEF THE POSITIVE PROJECT
♦ What Can We Stand? What do We Stand for? Confronting Bullying Bullying is an epidemic plaguing our youth. The abuse of power, hurt and exclusion are not new, but it challenges those who work with children and teenagers to question what we can stand. How much pain can and should be tolerated? How can we contribute to kinder social networks? How can we support the development of a caring, socially responsive and responsible community?
RONA NOVICK HIDDEN SPARKS; AZRIELI GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JEWISH EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION
♦ To the Best of our Ability: Inclusion Strategies for Individuals With Disabilities No Jew can be left behind. Led by leaders in the field of inclusivity programming, learn new ways to integrate individuals with disabilities into your programming. Everyone has the ability to cater to people of all abilities and disabilities within their organization.
REBECCA SCHRANG YACHAD
SYNAGOGUE
WORKSHOP
Little People and God
SCHEDULE
SOCIAL SPHERE
A lot of attention has been given in the Jewish community towards teens and young adults, but have we sufficiently considered how we program for Jews of an even younger age? The renowned Jonathan Rosenblatt, leader of the Riverdale Jewish Center, will discuss his innovative solutions for developing first step programs for experiential learning and early movements towards content study for elementary school children. It’s never too early to introduce the majesty of the Jewish experience.
JONATHAN ROSENBLATT RIVERDALE JEWISH CENTER
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SCHEDULE
12:20pm – 1:50pm LUNCH
Located in the Dining Room SPONSORED BY:
12:50pm – 1:40pm
SPEED NETWORKING & BRAINSTORMING Located in the room adjacent to the YouthCon Auditorium
Speed Networking Its not only what you know. It’s who you know. Speed Networking will give you the opportunity to have quick one-to-one face time with others at the conference. It’s a great and a fast way to meet new educators. Join in!
Brainstorming Brainstorming allows for informal networking and sharing for conference participants. These meetups feature an open agenda which allows participants to create their own conversations within their area of interest.
Digital Media
Camp Programming
Miriam Brosseau
Micol Zimmerman Burkeman
Organizational Growth
Student Activities
Daniel Fast
Rivkah Schack
Spirituality
Synagogue Youth
Noam Weinberg
Penny Pazornick
Social Sphere Tova Garr
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Located in the YouthCon Auditorium
Where Are We Headed? A Discussion of Jewish Values, Identity and Community Living on the front lines of experiential education, it can be easy to lose sight of the greater trends and needs for the broader Jewish community. YouthCon has assembled some of the most noted and influential leaders in the Jewish world to share their personal experiences on their professional path within Jewish organizational work and what we can anticipate next in the Jewish community.
Richard Joel President, Yeshiva University
Ruth Messinger President, American Jewish World Service
Shimon Waronker Headmaster, The New American Academy
Moderated by Steven Burg
SCHEDULE
1:50pm – 2:40pm YOUTHCON PLENARY
Executive Director, Orthodox Union International Director, NCSY
SPONSORED BY:
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SCHEDULE
FOR SESSION LOCATIONS, PLEASE REFER TO THE MAP ON PAGE 2
3:00pm – 4:00pm
DIGITAL MEDIA
15 MINUTES OF FAME
♦ Reimagining Jewish Education in the Digital Age The future is here. Technology can be used to bring the highest level of Judaic studies into your home, school, youth group and shul. Learn how you can integrate blended learning as an effective tool to enhance the quality of your educational programming.
ARYEH LIGHTSTONE NY NCSY; ALEPH BETA ACADEMY
♦ Harness the power of #SocialMedia: Tips, Tricks and Best Practices Got any tricks up your sleeve? Learn from the social media maven the best practices and tricks on several social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Instagram. This session will focus on how organizations can and should maximize their social media impact with simple and easy-to-do action items.
DAVID YARUS MR. YOUTH
♦ Jewish Retro Media: Social Media Tools to Make the Past Relevant Nothing captures the imagination like a good story. Authentic photos, videos and primary sources describing the past can help you tell your story more effectively. JTA Archive blogger Adam Soclof offers advanced tips and tricks for finding and sharing Jewish media online that will enhance your social media presence, impress your funders and make history come alive for young people of all Jewish backgrounds.
ADAM SOCLOF JTA
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
WORKSHOP
Transformative Leadership Shimon Waronker helped transform one of the most dangerous public schools in New York City. Imagine what type of transformations you can learn to make from him for your organization. Explore the importance of relationship building and how to build yourself as a leader by empowering others to lead.
SHIMON WARONKER THE NEW AMERICAN ACADEMY
SPIRITUALITY
PANEL WORKSHOP
Overflow: How to Access Spirituality and Teach Others To Do the Same Oftentimes it feels like we are FM and spirituality is AM. Learn how to tune into the frequency of spirituality, while helping others discover their “stereo hearts.” Charlie Harary, an internationally renowned speaker, will help you rediscover how spirituality can transform the mundane to the magical with his unique brand of inspiration, humor and creativity.
CHARLIE HARARY H3 CAPITAL LLC
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BREAKOUT SESSION #3 PANEL
Does Tikkun Olam Need Tikkun? The Role of Social Action in Building Jewish Identity Who knew tikkun olam could ruffle so many feathers? In a series of much discussed articles, Joel Alperson challenged the central role social action plays in forming Jewish identity. Come join the conversation between Joel and Ilan Caplan of AJWS, where they will confront tough questions about the role of social action in Jewish identity formation and how we can enhance the way tikkun olam is presented and practiced.
JOEL ALPERSON OMAHA FIXTURE INTERNATIONAL
ILAN CAPLAN AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE
MODERATED BY YAEL KELLER URI L'TZEDEK
SYNAGOGUE
PANEL
iProgramming: Synagogue Programming in the Digital Age In the new hyper-stimulated digital age, the calm and serenity of Shabbat poses new challenges for exciting synagogue youth programming. Learn to deliver never-to-miss programming that will allow you to reach kids on Shabbat with the same excitement with which they are engaged in their iPads and multimedia. Just because Angry Birds is not part of your programming schedule doesn’t mean your youth events can’t be as exciting and engaging.
SCHEDULE
SOCIAL SPHERE
SHIRA BERKOVITS HEBREW INSTITUTE OF RIVERDALE
EFFY BRAUN CONGREGATION KEHILATH JESHURUN
JASON DAVID CONGREGATION BETH AARON
JONATHAN RAVANSHENAS BETH JACOB
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SCHEDULE 18
4:15pm – 5:15pm YOUTHCON SPARKS Located in the YouthCon Auditorium YouthCon Sparks features the next big ideas in experiential education. Reminiscent of TED talks, each speaker is given six minutes to present an idea that will change the way you think about experiential education. It may be a new opportunity or a new perspective, but we have no doubt that each of these speakers will leave you thinking about experiential education through a new lens. Emcee:
ERIN COOPER NCSY GIVE
MOSHE BENOVITZ NCSY KOLLEL
YAEL BUECHLER MIDRASH MANICURES
AMI HERSH & DANA LEVINSON RAMAH NYACK
SHIMON WARONKER THE NEW AMERICAN ACADEMY
MARA YACOBI JLOVE AND VALUES
Closing:
STEVEN BURG OU/NCSY
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Aliza Abrams ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE LEARNING AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION, Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future
Aliza Abrams is the Assistant Director of the Department of Service Learning and Experiential Education at Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future. Since 2005, Aliza has worked with thousands of college students and oversaw the development of 15 international service missions annually. She led many of the missions herself and has trained and sent out more than 3,000 students on Torah Tours. Aliza’s passion for the Jewish community and love for experiential education is fueled by her volunteer and teaching experiences from around the world. Website: http://www.yu.edu/cjf
Joel Alperson PRESIDENT, Omaha Fixture International
Joel Alperson was the National Campaign Chairman for the United Jewish Communities in 2007, as well as a past Chair of UJC’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. He served two terms as the national chair of UJC’s Network Communities. Joel created a free streaming Jewish media website at www.jadio.org and worked for 10 years to help national radio talk show host Dennis Prager complete his commentary on the Torah. He is the president of Omaha Fixture International, a member of World Presidents Organization and a Wexner graduate. Email: joel.alperson@omahafixture.com
Website: http://www.jadio.org
Matt Bar FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Bible Raps
Matt Bar is founder and Executive Director of Bible Raps, a program that launched out of the PresenTense Institute and The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in 2007. Bible Raps reached thousands of young Jews with Torah-rich performances. Bible Rap teaching materials are being used in countless classrooms and teachers are currently being trained to be certified "Bible Raps educators." In 2011, Bar was named to The NY Jewish Week's "36 Under 36" list and Bible Raps was named to the Slingshot Guides Top 50 Jewish Non-Profits. Email: bibleraps@gmail.com
Twitter: @bibleraps
Website: http://www.bibleraps.com
Rebecca Barnett ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, Stern College
Rebecca Barnett is a participant in the Yeshiva University Certificate Program in Experiential Jewish Education. Originally from Columbus, OH, Rebecca is finishing her Doctorate in Educational Administration at The Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Having taught Limudei Kodesh for five years, Rebecca is now the Assistant Director of Admissions at Stern College. Rebecca loves learning from her students and collaborating with her colleagues. Her involvement in NCSY, Moshava and Counterpoint UK has further developed her love for Jewish education. Email: rebecca.barnett@yu.edu
Website: http://www.yu.edu/admissions
SPEAKERS
Email: Aabrams@yu.edu
Dovid Becker ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, Joel Paul Group
Dovid Becker is the Assistant Vice President at the Joel Paul Group. Dovid’s expertise is in Organizational Development and in devising human capital solutions to attract, retain and motivate staff. Dovid graduated YU with a Bachelor in Psychology, has a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is continuing his studies at Touro University working towards a Master's Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. A Baltimore native, Dovid currently lives in Forest Hills with his wife. Email: dovid@joelpaul.com
Twitter: @joelpaulgroup
Website: http://www.joelpaul.com
Moshe Benovitz DIRECTOR, NCSY Kollel
Moshe Benovitz is a popular educator and administrator for various Jewish programs and institutions. He teaches at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalaim where he also serves as the Director of Student Affairs. For the past 19 years, Moshe has served the highly acclaimed NCSY Summer Kollel, working as the program’s director since 2000. He has been involved in all aspects of NCSY Kollel’s phenomenal growth and continues to maintain it as one of the premier summer learning programs for Jewish teens. Moshe also serves as Dean of Summer Programs for all of NCSY’s summer tours. Email: benovitzm@ncsy.org
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Website: http://www.ncsysummer.com
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Shira M. Berkovits YOUTH CONSULTANT, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
Shira M. Berkovits is a WINGS Youth Consultant for the OU and previously served as the Youth Director of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale. Shira has a PhD in Learning and Behavioral Psychology from CUNY, where she was an Enhanced Chancellor’s Fellow and adjunct professor. Currently, Shira is pursuing her JD degree at Cardozo Law School, where she is a Monrad Paulson Scholar and intern at the Innocence Project. Shira hopes to combine her psychology and legal expertise in the defense and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents.
SPEAKERS
Email: melodyberkovits@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.ou.org
Miriam Brosseau SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, Darim Online
Miriam Brosseau hails from the burgeoning metropolis of Racine, WI — home of S.C. Johnson Wax, the Racine Belles and kringle. Growing up, she spent most of her time playing guitar and roller skating. She attended UW-Madison, graduating in 2006 with a dual degree in Jewish Studies and Modern Hebrew. Miriam also holds a masters in Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus College in Chicago. Miriam is a Jewish professional by day, working on special projects in social media with Darim Online and developing online networks among synagogues and early childhood centers with The Jewish Education Project. By night she is the rock star lead singer of “biblegum pop” duo Stereo Sinai (the other half of the band is her husband, producer Alan Jay Sufrin). Miriam enjoys watching awesome 90’s TV, trolling farmer’s markets and dangling things in front of her cats. Email: miriam@darimonline.org Twitter: @miriamjayne and @stereosinai Website: http://mjbrosseau.tumblr.com
Effy Braun YOUTH DIRECTOR, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun
A native of Los Angeles, Effy Braun migrated to New York for college where he received an MS in Marketing and an BA in Judaic Studies from Yeshiva University. He has more than seven years of experience in educational programming in the metropolitan area, ranging from nursery through college. Effy is entering his third year as the full-time Youth Director for Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. Email: effy@ckj.org
Website: http://www.ckj.org
Yael Buechler FOUNDER AND CEO, Midrash Manicures
Yael Buechler is the founder and CEO of Midrash Manicures, which features weekly manicures for the Parsha and Chagim. Midrash Manicures offers narrated workshops, educational materials and a product line of holiday nail decals. Yael serves as the Rabbi-in-Residence at the Lower School of Solomon Schechter School of Westchester. Yael was named one of The Jewish Week’s “36 under 36” Jewish innovators in 2010. Email: midrashmanicures@gmail.com
Twitter: @midrashmanicure
Website: http://www.midrashmanicures.com
Steven Burg EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OU; INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, NCSY
Steven Burg is the Executive Director of the Orthodox Union (OU) and the International Director of NCSY. Steven began his career with the OU over 20 years ago as a college advisor for NCSY. As Executive Director of the OU, Steven has developed greater programming synergy among the OU’s many branches and redefined the organization’s focus. A graduate of Yeshiva University, he received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). He currently resides in Bergenfield, New Jersey with his wife Rachel and their six children, Aryeh, Elie, Devorah, Zevi, Natan and Ayelet. Email: burg@ou.org
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Twitter:@stevenburg
Website: http://www.ou.org
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Micol Zimmerman Burkeman COMMUNAL EDUCATION NETWORKER, Jewish Education Project
Micol Zimmerman Burkeman received her BA in Communications at the University of Southern California and her Masters in Jewish Education from Rhea Hirsch School of Education at Hebrew Union College in LA. She spent the last ten years furthering Jewish education at summer camps and numerous synagogues. She currently works at The Jewish Education Project in New York where she offers guidance, support and professional development opportunities to youth professionals to help elevate the field of Jewish teen engagement. Email: mzimmerman@jewishedproject.org
Website: http://www.JewishEdProject.org
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, American Jewish World Service
Ilan Caplan is a program associate in American Jewish World Service’s department of education and community engagement. He is excited to return to YouthCon, having presented at last year’s YouthCon plenary about “productive discomfort” and approaches to nuanced education around the intersection of Jewish values and social justice. Ilan graduated from Harvard College with a BA in Music and Religion. He has been working as an educator with AJWS since August 2010. Email: icaplan@ajws.org
Twitter: @ijcaplan
Website: http://ajws.org
David Cutler DIRECTOR OF SUMMER PROGRAMS AND FINANCES, NCSY
For the past 17 years, David Cutler has been the youth director of the Young Israel of Staten Island. He is also the Director of NCSY Summer Programs and Head of NCSY Finances. Under David’s leadership, NCSY Summer Programs have doubled in size, influencing the lives of thousands of Jewish teens throughout the world. Email: cutlerd@ou.org
Website: http://www.ncsysummer.com
SPEAKERS
Ilan Caplan
Jason David YOUTH DIRECTOR, Congregation Beth Aaron
Jason has a passion for creating fun, exciting and educational programing for children of all ages. He is the youth director of Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck, NJ. Jason also teaches special education in the Sinai program at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston, NJ. During the summer months, Jason is a unit head in a large NY-area camp. In his spare time, Jason enjoys playing sports, cooking, playing guitar and spending time with his family. Email: bethaaronyouth@yahoo.com
Dov Emerson ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys
Dov Emerson is an Assistant Principal at the DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys, part of the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB), in Woodmere, NY. Dov is a founder of #jedchat, a weekly Twitter chat for Jewish educators, and he is the administrator of YU 2.0, an online community of practice for Jewish educational technology. Dov is recipient of the 2011 Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award and he was recently honored as a member of The New York Jewish Week’s 2012 “36 Under 36.” Email: dovemerson@gmail.com
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Twitter: @dovemerson
Website: http://about.me/dovemerson
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Zahava Farbman ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CRISIS INTERVENTION AND BEREAVEMENT SERVICES, Chai Lifeline
SPEAKERS
Zahava Farbman is a social worker who has built a career offering crisis intervention and bereavement services. She has worked for Chai Lifeline for the last 16 years. She worked as one of the directors of Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s camp for children with cancer and other medical challenges, for eight years. For the last eight years she has served and continues to serve as the Associate Director of the Crisis Intervention and Bereavement Department at Chai Lifeline. The department deals with the full scope of crises, traumas and tragedies on an individual family level and community levels both nationally and internationally. In addition, Zahava is the Coordinator of Crisis Intervention and Bereavement at Achiezer Community Resource Center in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway as well as at Ohr Naava in Brooklyn. She is the responder for mental health emergencies for Hatzala of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. Zahava lives with her husband and children in Woodmere, NY. Email: zfarbman@chailifeline.org
Daniel Fast PLANNING EXECUTIVE, UJA-Federation
Dan Fast is a Planning Executive and Scholarship Center Coordinator with the Commission on Jewish Identity & Renewal (CoJIR) at UJA-Federation of New York. Dan oversees the Experiments in Teen Engagement and Scholarship Committee task forces and content areas for CoJIR. Prior to UJA-Federation, Dan served as the Senior Manager of YJ Impact Israel Programs for Young Judaea. Dan has a BA in English and Religious Studies from Lafayette College. Email: fastd@ujafedny.org
Website: http://www.ujafedny.org
Sasha Feldstein PROGRAM ASSOCIATE AND PROJECT MANAGER, American Jewish World Service
Sasha Feldstein works in the education and community engagement department at American Jewish World Service and manages “Where Do You Give? Reimagining Tzedakah for the 21st Century.” Prior to working at AJWS, she participated in AJWS’s Volunteer Corps by living and volunteering with the Heshima Kenya organization in Nairobi. She is also an alumna of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps. She is from Los Angeles, CA. Email: sfeldstein@ajws.org
Twitter: @AJWS and @WhereDoYouGive
Website: http://www.wheredoyougive.org
David Felsenthal DIRECTOR OF OU NEXT GEN, Orthodox Union
Dave Feslenthal is curently the Director of OU NextGen. He oversees NCSY Alumni, Israel Free Spirit - Taglit Birthright Israel, JLIC and Heart to Heart. He has NCSY in his blood. He grew up in Baltimore and joined NCSY in 5th grade. With the exception of a few years, he has worked for NCSY for the last 25 years. Email: rabbidave@ou.org Twitter: @rabbidave
Website: http://www.ou.org
Tova Garr ASSOCIATE YOUTH DIRECTOR, The Jewish Education Project
Tova has spent many years working in the world of informal Jewish education for organizations like The Jewish Agency for Israel, Ramah, Young Judaea and the Melton Center at the Hebrew University. Tova also had the unique experience of working in Israel and the United States on various programs on Israel education and education policy. Tova has a BA from Bar Ilan University in Informal Education and Israel Studies and an MA from Hebrew University in Jewish Education. Email: tgarr@jewishedproject.org
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Twitter: @avotg
Website: http://www.thejewisheducationproject.org
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Yaakov Glasser DIRECTOR, New Jersey NCSY; INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, OU
Yaakov Glasser works with Jewish teenagers from across the spectrum of affiliation through his roles in NCSY as both the Regional Director of New Jersey NCSY and the International Director of Education. He received his BA from Yeshiva University and his MA in education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. In addition, Yaakov serves as the Rabbi of Young Israel of Passaic Clifton. Email: glasser@njncsy.com
Website: http://newjersey.ncsy.org
RAV, Khal Bnei Yitzchok; PROFESSOR, Touro's Lander College
Dovid Goldwasser is Rav of Khal Bnei Yitzchok in Brooklyn, NY. He is on the Touro College faculty and a renowned speaker who galvanizes audiences from every background. He has authored over ten books, is a syndicated columnist in newspapers and periodicals globally, and a radio commentator. A recognized consultant in the field of education and mental health, specializing in eating disorders and addictions, he travels extensively, motivating audiences worldwide with his inspiration and divrei chizuk. Email: contacttherav@gmail.com
Ilan Haber NATIONAL DIRECTOR, Self Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC)
Ilan Haber is currently the National Director of the Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC). He began his career with JLIC as an educator, along with his wife, at Yale University. Previously he served as the National Director of Accreditation, a Senior Consultant for Hillel, and a campus Rabbi at The George Washington University. Ilan holds a BA and Semicha from Yeshiva University. He also has an MPA from The George Washington University. Email: ilanhaber1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.jliconline.org
SPEAKERS
Dovid Goldwasser
Eli Hagler ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities
After graduating from YU with a degree in Management, Eli served as a YU Presidential Fellow in the Office of Student Affairs and then as the Assistant Director of Admissions at YU. After four years, Eli accepted the position of Assistant Director of Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities. Eli oversees Yachad’s work in New York and New Jersey, special events and directs Yachad’s marketing. Eli grew up in Lawrence and now lives in Riverdale. He is also currently enrolled at Baruch College as he pursues his MPA. Email: haglere@ou.org
Website: http://www.yachad.org
Jonah Halper PRESIDENT, Altruicity
Jonah Halper, MPA, is a non-profit fundraiser and marketer with over a decade of experience in philanthropy, specializing in new donor acquisition and engaging Gen X and Y’ers. He is the founder of NextGen:Charity (www.nextgencharity.com), a national conference on non-profit innovation, and founder of CharityRadio (www.charityradioshow.com) which broadcasts a live and interactive show on philanthropy straight to your phone. Jonah is married with three children and lives in Wesley Hills, NY. Email: jonah@altruicity.com
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Twitter: @JonahHalper
Website: http://www.altruicitycom
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Charlie Harary CEO, H3 Capital LLC
Charlie Harary is a prolific speaker who has traveled all over the world speaking to organizations, schools, universities and institutions. He is a Senior Lecturer for the OU, Aish Hatorah and NCSY. Charlie is the CEO of H3 Capital LLC, a private equity company. He is also an Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Yeshiva University’s Syms School of Business. In addition, he is the founder of Milvado Inc., an organization that develops innovative methods to teach spirituality in relevant and modern ways.
SPEAKERS
Email: charlie@charlieharary.com
Twitter: @charlieharary
Website: http://www. charlieharary.com
Ami Hersh ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, Camp Ramah Nyack
Ami Hersh is the assistant director of Ramah Nyack and is also the program officer of the National Ramah Commission. Ami was ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary in May 2012 with a concentration in Jewish non-profit management. Ami previously taught fourth grade at the Solomon Schechter School of Greater Hartford. A graduate of the University of Hartford, he holds degrees in Elementary Education and Judaic Studies. Ami was one of the winners of the 2012 Jewish Futures Competition. In addition, he is an alumnus of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and an iCenter Israel Education Fellow. Email: Ami@campramah.org
Twitter: @NationalRamah
Website: http://www.campramah.org
Willie Hochman CEO, The Joel Paul Group
William Hochman brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience to his position as CEO of The Joel Paul Group. For more than 25 years, he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Standard & Poor’s. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Willie has been actively involved in communal development and philanthropy. He has served as President of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, NJ, on the Board of Directors at Yavneh Academy in Paramus, NJ, and he is currently a member of the Board of Directors of The SINAI Schools in Teaneck, NJ. Email: william@joelpaul.com
Twitter: @JoelPaulGroup
Website: http://www.joelpaul.com
Shmuel Ismach ASSISTANT RABBI, Young Israel of Great Neck
Shmuel Ismach received his semicha from Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah. He is currently the Assistant Rabbi at the Young Israel of Great Neck as well as a faculty member of the North Shore Hebrew Academy High School. Prior to that, he taught at Ezra Academy of Queens where he received the “Educator of the Year” award. Shmuel has had various experiences in informal education of teens including teaching at a Conservative Talmud Torah, running after-school programs and synagogue programming with teens. Email: sismach@gmail.com
Twitter: @shmuelismach
Richard M. Joel PRESIDENT, Yeshiva University
Richard M. Joel is the fourth president of Yeshiva University and the Bravmann Family University Professor. Appointed in 2003, his commitment has been to foster an environment that “ennobles and enables” the university community, with a renewed focus on academic excellence, enriched university life, competitive career and graduate-school placement, and a broadened commitment to the Jewish and wider communities. Prior to his work at Yeshiva University, President Joel served as president and international director of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life and was an assistant district attorney and deputy chief of appeals in Bronx, New York. He was also an associate dean and professor of law at Yeshiva’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He received his B.A. and J.D. from New York University, where he was a Root-Tilden scholar. He and his wife, Esther, live in Riverdale. They have six children and four grandchildren. Email: president@yu.edu
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Website: http://www.yu.edu
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Herschel Joseph YOUTH DIRECTOR, Or Torah
Herschel Joseph grew up in Los Angeles. After studying in Yeshivat Torat Shraga for two years, he attended Yeshiva University. He graduated in 2010 with a B.A. in Political Science. He was then accepted as a fellow at the Legacy Heritage Teacher Training Fellowship, a program within the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. He is completing his M.A. in Jewish Education and has been working at Congregation Or Torah for the past two years in Skokie, Illinois. Email: ortorahyouth@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ortorah.org
COGNITIVE THERAPIST
Doni Joszef is a cognitive psychotherapist practicing with adolescents and young adults in Cedarhurst. He is a member of the DRS Guidance Department, where he founded the “POSITIVE PROJECT,” an innovative, cutting-edge initiative based on psychology to promote a school-wide culture of well-being. Doni’s creative array of videos and articles speak strongly to a new generation of students thirsting for depth and psycho-spiritual rejuvenation from the screens of their own iPads. Email: DJoszef@Gmail.com
Twitter: @DoniJoszef
Website: http://www.deficitofattention.com/
Jeremy Joszef DIRECTOR, Camp Morasha
Jeremy Joszef is the Director of Camp Morasha, supervising all aspects of camp programming, staffing, fundraising, alumni development, board development, recruitment and marketing. Prior to joining Camp Morasha full-time, Jeremy studied at Yeshivat Sha’alvim and then Yeshiva University, where he graduated with a BA in Marketing. He also does freelance graphic design, primarily for the Center for the Jewish Future at Yeshiva University. Jeremy serves on the Alumni Board of Trustees for Yeshivat Sha’alvim. Email: jeremy@campmorasha.com
Twitter: @jerjoszef
Website: http://www.campmorasha.com
SPEAKERS
Doni Joszef
Yael Keller PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, Uri L’Tzedek
Yael is the Program Associate at Uri L’Tzedek. She recently graduated from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University with a dual MPP-MA in Jewish Professional Leadership. Last summer at Impact Boston, she facilitated a teen experience focused on social action, community service and advocacy. Before graduate school, Yael spent a semester in Israel studying at Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. She has also worked at Hillel’s Schusterman International Center and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. Email: yael.keller@utzedek.org
Twitter: @UriLtzedek
Website: http://www.utzedek.org
Hart Levine FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, Heart to Heart
Hart Levine is the founder and director of Heart to Heart, a grassroots student network changing the face of Jewish life on college campuses. He works on this peer-engagement movement in conjunction with the OU’s NextGen department, reaching thousands of Jewish students on more than 25 campuses across North America. Hart was a 2011 PresenTense Fellow and a 2011 JFNA Jewish Community Hero National Honoree. He is currently studying at RIETS and is a graduate of the Yeshiva University Certificate Program in Experiential Jewish Education. Email: hart@theheart2heartproject.org
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Twitter: @hartzl
Website: http://www.theheart2heartproject.org
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Dana Levinson ROSH EDAH, Camp Ramah Nyack
Dana Levinson is a graduate student at the Davidson School of Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary where she is currently a member of the first year cohort of the new MA Experiential Education track and the pilot Israel semester program, Kesher Hadash. Dana was a teaching fellow at the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has worked at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack for eight summers, where she currently serves as a Rosh Edah.
SPEAKERS
Email: DanaBethLevinson@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campramah.org
Aryeh Lightstone DIRECTOR, NY NCSY; CEO, Aleph Beta Academy
Aryeh Lightstone is the CEO of the Aleph Beta Academy. Co-founded with Rabbi Dr. David Fohrman, Aleph Beta is involved in reimagining Jewish education. Aryeh has used his aptitude for business along with his commitment to Jewish communal work to guide him. As the Regional Director of New York NCSY, Aryeh oversaw explosive growth in core programming as well as having been responsible for creating several new programs that have changed the landscape of NCSY. Aryeh lives in Woodmere with his wife and two wonderful children. Email: aryeh@alephbeta.org
Twitter: @alephbeta123
Website: http://www.alephbeta.org
Ruth W. Messinger PRESIDENT, American Jewish World Service
Ruth Messinger is president of American Jewish World Service, which supports human rights for marginalized people globally. She held a 20-year career in public service, served on Obama’s Task Force on Global Poverty & Development and sits on the State Department’s Religion & Foreign Policy Working Group. She has received honorary degrees and awards from four rabbinical schools, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Women’s Funding Network, the American Jewish Committee and is named to multiple “most influential Jews” lists. Email: amoritz@ajws.org
Website: http://www.ajws.org
Judah Mischel DIRECTOR OF PERSONAL PROGRAMMING, HASC
Judah is the founder of Tzama Nafshi, an organization dedicated to fostering Jewish education, identity and unity in Israel and the Diaspora. He is the Director of Personnel and Programming at Camp HASC and was previously a Rabbi and Director of Programming at Yeshivat Reishit and The Frisch School. He is a graduate of YU. with an MA in Jewish Education and Administration. Additionally, he has semicha through the Jerusalem Rabbinate and was a graduate fellow at City University of New York’s Center for Coexistence in its School of Public Affairs. Email: judah.mischel@gmail.com
Twitter: @judahmischel
Website: http://www.tzama.org
Rona Novick CO-EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR, Hidden Sparks; DIRECTOR OF THE FANYA GOTTESFELD HELLER DOCTORAL PROGRAM, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration
Rona Milch Novick is Director of the Fanya Gottesfeld Heller Doctoral Program at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva University. She serves as Co-educational Director of Hidden Sparks and holds an appointment at North Shore-LIJ Medical Center. Dr. Novick’s PhD in Clinical Psychology is from Rutgers University. Dr. Novick directed the Alliance for School Mental Health and authored the BRAVE bully reduction program currently used in schools across the US. Email: rona.novick@yu.edu
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Twitter: @drronanovick
Website: http://www.yu.edu
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Daniel Olson ROSH ATZMAYIM, Camp Ramah
Daniel Olson has worked with the Tikvah program at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for four summers. The first three, he was a counselor for teens with a variety of special needs, including autism and Asperger syndrome. This summer, he ran Ramah's Tikvah Vocational program, whose goal is to help young adults with special needs develop vocational and independent living skills. Daniel graduated with distinction from Yale, having studied under Dr. Fred Volkmar, a leading expert on autism. He now teaches at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn. Email: daniel.adam.olson@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campramah.org/content/specialneeds.php
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF SYNAGOGUE SERVICES, Orthodox Union
Penny Pazornick serves as Associate Director of Synagogue Services at the Orthodox Union. Synagogue Services provides resources and guidance to over 800 shuls across North America, enabling them to reach new levels of inspirational achievement. Penny created the Youth Professionals Network, a unique network that provides programming resources and professional development opportunities. Penny earned her BS degree from Sy Syms School of Business. Prior to joining the OU, she was chosen as a Yeshiva University Presidential Fellow. Email: pazornickp@ou.org
Twitter: @pennypaz
Website: http://www.ou.org/synagogue_services
Dina Rabhan DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT, PLACEMENT AND INDUCTION, Yeshiva University School Partnership
Dina Rabhan is the director of recruitment, placement and induction at the Yeshiva University School Partnership. Dina identifies, recruits and develops emerging teachers and leaders, supports schools and candidates during the job placement process and provides support, enrichment and professional development opportunities. As a licensed social worker, Dina specializes in career coaching and empowering individuals to optimize their talents and enhance their marketability while planning for a more successful and secure future. Email: rabhan@yu.edu
Twitter: @dinarabhan
Website: http://www.yuschoolpartnership.org
SPEAKERS
Penny Pazornick
Jonathan David Ravanshenas DIRECTOR OF YOUTH, Beth Jacob
Jonathan Ravashenas is the Director of Youth at Beth Jacob, a Modern Orthodox congregation that has played a pioneering role in the development of Jewish life in Southern California. For the last eight years, he has created innovative and engaging programming while developing future Jewish leaders. He holds a BA in Psychology and Child Development from UCLA, an MA in Teaching, an MBA and a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Southern California. Email: Jonnycool@bethjacob.org
Website: http://www.bethjacob.org
Brian Reich FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, little m media
Brian Reich is the founder and managing director of little m media, an information strategy firm that helps individuals and organizations solve complex problems. He is well known for his expertise in new media, Web 2.0, social networks, mobile, community, ecommerce, brand marketing, cause branding and more. Brian is the author of “Shift & Reset: Strategies for Addressing Serious Issues in a Connected Society” (Wiley, 2011) and co-author of “Media Rules!: Mastering Today’s Technology to Connect With and Keep Your Audience” (Wiley, 2007). Email: brian@littlemmedia.com
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Twitter: @BrianReich
Website: http://brianreich.tumblr.com
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Jonathan I. Rosenblatt SENIOR RABBI, Riverdale Jewish Center
Jonathan I. Rosenblatt is the Senior Rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center. He holds a BA and an MA from John Hopkins University and a PhD from Columbia University in Modern British Literature. A talmid of Yeshivat Har Etzion, he was ordained by RIETS.
SPEAKERS
Email: jir@rjconline.org
Website: http://www.rjconline.org
Arnie Samlan FOUNDER, Jewish Connectivity
Arnie Samlan is Founder of Jewish Connectivity, a Jewish life coaching and consulting practice. He is a rabbi, educator, social worker and a trained scratch DJ. A native of Chicago, he now lives on Long Island, NY, after serving the Atlanta, St. Louis, and Providence, RI, communities. Arnie's blog appears on his website, www.JewishConnectivity.com. His podcasts, linking the challenges of contemporary life and Jewish texts and values, are at http://jcastnetwork.org/tzomet/. Email: arnie@JewishConnectivity.com
Twitter: @JewishConnectiv
Website: http://www.jewishconnectivity.com
Rivkah Schack DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, Lamplighters Yeshiva in Crown Heights
Rivkah is on a mission to transform Jewish education. In 2006, she co-founded the Torah Montessori School (TMS) in Chicago. Successfully applying scientific research to ensure the Montessori method worked for a wide spectrum of Jewish children, she is now bringing this method to Lamplighters Yeshiva in Crown Heights. Director of Ed at both schools, Rivkah this summer also founded CAPD (Chinuch al-pe-darko), a consulting and training company for Jewish Montessori that just completed its first intensive summer of teacher training. Email: rivkah@torahmontessori.org
Website: http://www. torahmontessori.org
Rebecca Schrang PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Senior Yachad
Rebecca Schrag, MSW, has been involved with Yachad and the special need community for nine years, beginning as a student at the Ramaz Upper School where she invited Yachad members to her bat mitzvah. Rebecca has since gone on to complete her undergraduate and graduate degree in Social Work at NYU. Throughout college, Rebecca served as Assistant Program Coordinator for Rayim Yachad, planning shabbatonim, trips and other programs for adults with disabilities. After completing her Social Work degree, Rebecca became the Program Director for Senior Yachad, as well as program director for Yachad's Yad B'Yad Summer Experience in Israel and Senior Advisor to YYLC (Yachad Youth Leadership Council). Email: schragr@ou.org
Website: http://www.yachad.org
Scott Shulman PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Israel Free Spirit
Scott is the Program Director of Israel Free Spirit (IFS), the Orthodox Union’s trip organizer for Taglit-Birthright Israel, where he’s been involved with sending almost 1,800 participants to Israel over this year alone, making IFS the 6th largest organizer in America. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Scott graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.S. in Business Marketing. Email: Scott@israelfreespirit.com
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Twitter: @Birthright_IFS
Website: http://www.israelfreespirit.com
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Adam Soclof ARCHIVE COORDINATOR, JTA
Adam Soclof coordinates outreach and social media for the JTA Archive, a free online collection of more than 250,000 articles from 1923-2008. Adam also coordinates outreach and writing for the JTA Archive Blog and “This Week in Jewish History,” a Sunday newsletter from JTA. An alumnus of PresenTense, the Nahum Goldmann Fellowship and the Schusterman Insight Fellowship and ROI Community, Adam previously worked for JDub Records and the Natan Fund. He hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Email: asoclof@jta.org
Twitter: @JTAarchive
Website: http://www.jta.org
MANHATTAN CITY COORDINATOR, NCSY
Efron has worked for New York NCSY for the last six years, focusing on programing in Manhattan. He has also served as Youth Director for the Lincoln Square Synagogue for the past four years and is currently pursuing smicha at RIETS. Efron, along with his wife Devorah and daughter Chayla, live on New York's Upper West Side. Email: efron@ncsy.org
Website: http://www.ncsy.org
Rebecca Voorwinde CO-DIRECTOR, Bronfman Youth Fellowships
Becky is Co-director of the Bronfman Youth Fellowships, a leadership program for Israeli and North American high school students. She started as the program’s first Director of Alumni Engagement where she built a strategy and vision for engaging the community of nearly 1000 alumni. Becky worked in the Corporate Responsibility Group at Ernst & Young LLP and she spent several years in Melbourne, Australia, working at a non-profit human resources consultancy, Diversity @ Work. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Barnard College. Email: becky@byfi.org
Website: http://www.bronfman.org
SPEAKERS
Efron Sturmwind
Shimon Waronker FOUNDER, The New American Academy
After transforming Jordan L. Mott, Junior High School 22, a formerly violent public school in the South Bronx, Mr. Waronker was featured on the front page of the New York Times and numerous other media outlets. In 2010, as New York City’s Department of Education Chancellor intern, Shimon founded The New American Academy, an innovative educational model built around collaboration, empowerment, transparency and reflection. Shimon has an MSc in School Administration from Touro College and an MEd from Harvard University, where he is also completing his Doctorate in Education. Email: swaronk@schools.nyc.gov
Website: http://www. thenewamericanacademy.org
Noam Weinberg PRINCIPAL OF JUDAIC STUDIES, North Shore Hebrew Academy High School
Noam Weinberg is the Principal of Judaic Studies at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School. Prior to this position, he was the Associate Principal of The Moriah School and the Assistant Principal of HALB. Noam received his semicha from RIETS and has two Masters degrees in Secondary Jewish Education and School Administration. He has an Ed.D in the area of Adolescent Religious Development and a degree in Not-for-Profit Management from Columbia University’s Business School. He is a certified parent coach. Email: nweinberg@nshahs.org
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Twitter: @nshahs_learns
Website: http:// www. nshahs.org
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Shaul Wertheimer RABBI, Chabad of Queens College
SPEAKERS
Born and raised in Western Canada, Shaul moved with his family to Skokie, IL, when he was 14. He graduated from the Ida Crown Jewish Academy and then received a BA in Philosophy from Northwestern University. He then attended the Mayanot Institute in Jerusalem, followed by five years at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ. He and his wife, Tzipah, moved to Queens in November 2004 to establish the Chabad House at Queens College, where his responsibilities as rabbi include teaching Torah, counseling students, development and more. Shaul is an expert bike mechanic, coffee aficionado and loves spending time with his wife and four children. Email: rabbi@qchabad.org
Website: http://www.qchabad.org
Carmiya Weinraub YOUTH PROGRAMMING, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
Carmiya has been leading the Tot Shabbat program at her synagogue, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, in Bronx, NY, for three years. She also will be working at Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains, teaching third-grade Hebrew School, starting this fall. She formerly worked in Jewish communal service with senior citizens as a social worker. Carmiya is a homeschooling mom of three and lives in Riverdale with her husband and children. Email: ckasse@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.thebayit.org
Joe Winkler WRITER, Huffington Post, Jewcy, Vol1Brooklyn
Joe Winkler is a writer living in the Upper West Side. He writes for Huffington Post, Jewcy, Vol1Brooklyn and other websites. Joe is currently attending the City College of New York to receive his master's in English Literature. Email: jwink142@gmail.com
Twitter: @josephwinkler
Mara Yacobi FOUNDER, JLove and Values
Mara Yacobi is a leading speaker and specialist in youth development and relationships. Drawing on her skills as a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Sexuality Educator, Mara’s mission is to empower young people with the knowledge and skills that are critical for health and developing positive relationships with peers. Mara received her Masters in Social Work from New York University, her BA from Simmons College and earned a certificate in Sexuality Education from Planned Parenthood University. Email: mara@jloveandvalues.com
Twitter: @Jloveandvalues
Website: http://www.jloveandvalues.com
David Yarus MARKETING MANAGER, Mr. Youth
A lifelong youth marketing practitioner, proud Millennial and #SocialMedia native, David’s passion for understanding his generation comes to life through ongoing research and a deep understanding of the space. As the voice, strategist and #CMGR of Mr Youth’s social channels, you can find him active all day at @MrYouth and @DavidYarus. Email: DavidY@MrYouth.com
Twitter: @DavidYarus
Website: http://www.mryouth.com
Mark S. Young PROGRAM COORDINATOR OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, The Davidson School of Jewish Education
Mark is the Program Coordinator of Experiential Learning at the Davidson School of Jewish Education of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Mark coordinates Masters and professional development programs training Jewish experiential educators. Mark previously held programming and human resource positions at the 92nd Street Y and Episcopal Social Services of New York. Mark is a graduate of McGill University and received an MPA and MA in nonprofit management and Judaic studies from NYU. Mark and wife Mara Young live in Hartsdale, NY. Email: mayoung@jtsa.edu
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Twitter: @msy226nyc
Website: http://www.jtsa.edu/davidsonexperientialeducation
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NCSY connects, inspires and empowers 35,000 teens a year.
Partner with NCSY in your area: ATLANTIC SEABOARD
SOUTHWEST
Rabbi Jonah Lerner 410.358.6279 ncsyas@ncsy.org atlanticseaboard.ncsy.org
Rabbi Israel Lashak 972.934.9143 ncsysw@ncsy.org southwest.ncsy.org
Since it was founded in 1954, NCSY has been engaging
CANADA
UPSTATE NEW YORK
Jewish teens and reconnecting them with their heritage. Through the decades, NCSY has evolved and found new
Rabbi Glenn Black 905.761.6279 ncsyca@ncsy.org canada.ncsy.org
Marc Fein 585.615.7237 ncsyun@ncsy.org upstate.ncsy.org
ways to make Judaism relevant to teens.
CENTRAL EAST
WEST COAST
Rabbi Tzali Freedman 888.471.4514 ncsyce@ncsy.org centraleast.ncsy.org
Rabbi FE Goldberg Solly Hess 310.229.9000 ncsywc@ncsy.org westcoast.ncsy.org
Today, under the leadership of International Director Rabbi Steven Burg, NCSY is in more places, connecting with more teens, in more ways than ever before.
SCAN THE QR CODE
MIDWEST Rabbi Micah Greenland 847.677.6279 ncsymw@ncsy.org midwest.ncsy.org
ARGENTINA Marce Kraweic 011.54.11.4962.109 x123 kraweicm@ncsy.org
NEW ENGLAND
CHILE
Rabbi Shmuel Miller 617.332.6279 ncsyne@ncsy.org newengland.ncsy.org
Michael Bengio 011.56.99.186.5575 ncsychile@ncsy.org
GERMANY NEW JERSEY Rabbi Yaakov Glasser 201.862.0250 ncsynj@ncsy.org newjersey.ncsy.org
NEW YORK Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone 516.569.6279 ncsyny@ncsy.org newyork.ncsy.org
Anna Segal 011.49.30.440.10160 a.segal@lauder.de
ISRAEL Rabbi Yisroel Goren 02.566.7787 ncsyisrael@ncsy.org ouisrael.org
SOUTHERN Todd Cohn 305.940.6566 ncsysf@ncsy.org southern.ncsy.org NCSY is the international youth movement of the OU
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CONFERENCE OVERVIEW 9:00am - 9:30am 9:30am - 10:00am
Please refer to Pages 10 - 18 for detailed information on breakout session and Round Table Discussion descriptions, speakers and moderators.
REGISTRATION WELCOME MESSAGE BREAKOUT SESSION #1 DIGITAL MEDIA Going on Air: Using Digital Media to be More Personal Than Ever
10:10am - 11:10am
ORG. MNGMNT
Spirituality Crisis: Does it Exist? Can We Fix it?
♦ Stay in Touch? The Benefits of Engaging Alumni
( PANEL )
♦ Developing as
( PANEL )
SPIRITUALITY
a Professional Within Experiential Jewish Education
SOCIAL SPHERE Thinking Outside the Box: Reimagining Tzedakah for the 21st Century – AJWS Curriculum Presentation ( WORKSHOP )
♦ Innovative
SYNAGOGUE ♦ Tot Shabbat Programming and Strategies
♦ Shul Hopping: A Look at the Different Avenues for Synagogue Spirituality
♦ Youth Leader
Communications With Your Stakeholders
Training and Development
( 15 MINUTES OF FAME )
( 15 MINUTES OF FAME )
BREAKOUT SESSION #2 It’s Not Just for Students: Using Tech to Teach Others and Develop Yourself
11:20am - 12:20pm
Experiences Without Borders: Experiential Jewish Education and the Process of Jewish Identity Formation
( WORKSHOP )
♦ Bible Raps:
♦ Building Positivity
Making the Smart Phone Wiser
♦ Bringing Heaven
by Learning the Happiness Skill
♦ Making Judaism a Relatable Experience
( WORKSHOP )
♦ What Can We
Down To Earth: Spirituality Strategies
( PANEL )
Little People and God
Stand? What do We Stand for? Confronting Bullying
♦ Inclusion Strategies for Individuals With Disabilities
( 15 MINUTES OF FAME ) ( 15 MINUTES OF FAME )
12:20pm - 1:50pm
LUNCH SPEED NETWORKING & BRAINSTORMING
12:50pm - 1:40pm
Digital Media
Organizational Growth
Camp Programming
Student Activities
1:50pm - 2:50pm
Spirituality
Social Action
On the Front Lines: Synagogue Programming
PLENARY BREAKOUT SESSION #3 ♦ Reimagining Jewish Education in the Digital Age
Transformative Leadership ( WORKSHOP )
3:00pm - 4:00pm
♦ Harness the Power
Overflow: How to Access Spirituality and Teach Others to do the Same
Does Tikkun Olam Need Tikkun? The Role of Social Action in Building Jewish Identity
( WORKSHOP )
of #SocialMedia
iProgramming: Synagogue Programming in the Digital Age ( PANEL )
( PANEL )
♦ Social Media Tools to Make the Past Relevant ( 15 MINUTES OF FAME )
4:15pm - 5:15pm
YOUTHCON SPARKS & CLOSING
DIGITAL MEDIA
ORG. MANAGEMENT
SPIRITUALITY
SOCIAL SPHERE
SYNAGOGUE