THE NCSY NEWSLETTER CHANUKAH 2012

The Senator Ben Cardin Jewish Scholars Program celebrated its fourth year providing leadership training to local public school teens who are passionate about combining community service with Jewish values. The 12-session program brings influential leaders in the fields of law, finance, government and the non-profit sector to speak to tomorrow’s leaders about their personal experiences in work and religious growth.

The program also encourages advocacy with participants visiting elected officials, both locally and in Washington, DC.

Last year, more than 75 teens from Baltimore and the Greater Washington area participated in the largest OU teen lobbying mission to Congress.

Many former program participants have taken on major leadership roles in their local Jewish

Senator Ben Cardin addresses program participants as they prepare to lobby in Washington, DC.

Photo credit: Ron Sachs/CNP

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Louis and Manette MaybergHow did you get involved in NCSY?

When our son was in high school he got to know the local NCSY rabbi and began participating in Shabbatons and the weekly Latte & Learning. His participation evolved into a leadership role on regional board. We followed his interest and thus got to know NCSY and identified with its mission of connecting and inspiring Jewish high school students. 

What most impresses you about NCSY?

We are most impressed by NCSY’s determination to

Senator Ben Cardin Jewish Scholars Program Celebrates Four Years

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ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Even though it has only been a few months

since the school year began, here at

Atlantic Seaboard NCSY we have already

seen a tremendous amount of growth and

we’re very excited to share it with you.

Take a look inside and enjoy!

NCSY wishes you and your family a Happy

Chanuka and we look forward to seeing

you at our Chanukah concert.

- Rabbi Jonah Lerner

E D I T I O N

teens spent their summer on NCSY’s Summer Program TJJ.

teens attend weekly Latte & Learning

public school teens attend one of our 17 Jewish culture clubs each week

teens attended more than 80 local programs between September and OctoberContinued on next page...

www.atsncsy.org

reach out to public school teens through Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs. After we understood how important it is to create a Jewish presence in public high schools, we began to support new JSU clubs in our area. We were shocked that Jewish kids were attracted to clubs of other faiths just to get a pizza lunch. NCSY provides the only Jewish alternative for the public school teens to have an opportunity to congregate with other Jewish teens and develop Jewish pride through education. That’s impressive!

What message do you have for those who support NCSY?

From the Orthodox teens in day school to the unaffiliated in public school, NCSY inspires and “ignites” the Jewish soul in each one. Supporters of the Atlantic Seaboard Region should be proud of the growth in numbers of participants and the resulting increase in Jewish community engagement and Israel trips.

... Cover story continued

I will never forget the day Rabbi Rocky Caine, Assistant Regional Director, changed my life forever. I was sitting at work when I saw Rabbi Rocky’s name pop-up on my caller ID. “You’re going to Israel!” He exclaimed.

My journey began in public school when I was recruited for TJJ, NCSY’s public school summer program in Israel, after my first NCSY Shabbaton. TJJ was a life-changing summer for me. I was with teens from all different backgrounds and I finally had people around me that could answer the questions I struggled with about Judaism.

My relationships with my advisors taught me that Judaism, though challenging, is beautiful and exciting. After many more Shabbatons and NCSY programs, I made the major decision to spend a year in Israel studying at a seminary instead of going straight to college.  

The choice was not easy and neither was funding it. NCSY was with me every step of the way, advocating on my behalf.  I spent the year at Michlelet Esther and soaked everything in. I’m now in college and teaching at a nursery school, and most importantly, I’m an NCSY advisor, helping other teens along the same journey I was on not so long ago.

LAUREN CHORNOCK

Hiking through Israel while studying Torah abroad for the year, Lauren is having a blast thanks to NCSY’s encouragement.

Not only did I gain a sense of Jewish pride, but I learned that we, as Jews, must care about our nation as a whole.

communities such as JSU presidents, NCSY regional and chapter board members and JSU/NCSY liaisons to the Baltimore Israel Coalition.

Cara from Owing Hills High School reflected on her experience in the Senator Ben Cardin Jewish Scholars Program, “Not only did I gain a sense of Jewish pride, but I learnt that we, as Jews, must care about our nation as a whole.”

New opportunities will also be available to participating teens. Several participants of the program will represent NCSY at the AIPAC Policy Conference in April 2013 and 10 participants will receive scholarships to spend their summer exploring their Jewish heritage while touring Israel on an NCSY Summer Program.  

“The future leaders of the Jewish community are coming from this program,” said Senator Ben Cardin at an NCSY event.

... Donor Spotlight continued

My relationships with my advisors taught me that Judaism, though challenging, is beautiful and exciting.

If you are interested in learning more about the Senator Ben Cardin Jewish Scholars Program or would like to apply, visit atsncsy.org or email Rabbirocky@ncsy.org.

10@10  

Teens from all over the region call in on Thursday nights for 10 minutes of Torah at 10 pm with our very own Rabbi D. Those 10 minutes of inspiration are just what is needed at the end of a long week.   

BALTIMOREFILLING A TRUCK FOR THE NEEDY

For three nights before Rosh Hashanah, Baltimore NCSYers collected non-perishable food items and filled a 1.5-ton truck for NCSY’s Fill a Truck With Food program. Plans are already in the works to replicate this program around the region in the coming year. Regional Director, Rabbi Jonah Lerner says, “Whether it’s responding to natural disasters, delivering food to the poor or running local toy drives, NCSYers gain valuable lessons in giving back to their local and global communities,” Rabbi Lerner said. All the food collected was donated to the Ahavas Yisrael charity fund. STANDING-ROOM ONLY AT LATTE & LEARNING

Baltimore NCSY Latte & Learning took over the local Starbucks and filled it to capacity. More than 50 teens gather weekly for a latte and some words of Torah.

GNO: GIRLS NIGHT OUT:

GNO is a monthly girls-only learning program that combines text-based learning with activities for the girls of Baltimore NCSY. From manis and pedis to pajama movie night, “chick flick” takes on a whole new meaning! For more information, contact Shira Beleck at belecks@ncsy.org.

CHERRY HILL 45 TEENS TOGETHER FOR SIMCHAT TORAH

On Simchat Torah, more than 45 teens came to Cherry Hill to dance with the Torah in Congregation Sons of Israel. After dancing the Torah back to the ark, the teens enjoyed meals together that were filled with words of inspiration from fellow NCSYers and the synagogue rabbi, Rabbi Ephraim Epstein. NCSYers learned about the value of looking at everything with a new eye and making commitments to grow.

GREATER PHILADELPHIASHABBAT SHABANG

A new program in Philadelphia is revitalizing Shabbat. Centering in Lower Merion and Cherry Hill, NCSY runs a Shabbat program complete with Friday night meals, onegs, seudat shlishit and exciting Saturday night programs. More than 50 teens attended our last Shabbat Shebang.

GREATER WASHINGTONSUSHI IN THE SUKKAH

Greater Washington NCSY came together in Rockville for Sushi in the Sukkah. Teens learned how to make sushi, saw their friends and hung out with their favorite NCSY advisors — all while spending time in the Sukkah.

50 TEENS COME TOGETHER FOR A SATURDAY NIGHT BBQ

NCSY kicked-off the year with more than 50 teens coming together for a Sunday night BBQ. The excitement was electrifying, and the teens had a blast. The BBQ was graciously hosted at the home of Louis and Manette Mayburg.

NCSYers pause for a quick photo as they sort through food that was delivered to families for Rosh Hashanah.

Dec. 6-9NCSY Winter Regional ConventionStamford Hilton, CTVisit NYC!

Dec. 25 - 29Yarchei Kallah Stamford Hilton, CT; Shabbat in Teaneck, NJThis 6-day learning trip is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Open to public school teens from across the country, NCSY offers the perfect balance of Torah learning and down-to-earth fun.

Dec. 30, 7pmNCSY's 38th Annual Isaac H. Taylor Jewish Music Festival Lyric Opera House, Baltimore, MDFeaturing: Baruch Levine, 8th Day and Shloime Gertner

May 24-27Spring Regional ConventionClarion Hotel, Hagerstown, MD

Shabbat Shabang Shabbat Shabang is a fun and interactive way to involve both teenagers and community members in Shabbaton programming.

January 25 – Cherry Hill, NJ

March 1 – Lower Merion, PA

April 12 – Cherry Hill, NJ

May 10 – Lower Merion, PA

Weekly Events

NCSY 10@1010 minutes of inspiration at 10 pm every Thursday night with Rabbi D.Dial in: 213-226-0400 Access code: 430387

Latte & Learning

GREATER PHILADELPHIA AREA

Mondays @ 7:30pmStarbucks in Cherry Hill, NJ

Tuesdays @7:30pmStarbucks in Lower Merion, PA

Wednesdays @ 7:00pmStarbucks in Newtown, PA

Thursdays @ 7:30pmStarbucks in Huntingdon Valley, PA

BALTIMORE

Wednesdays @ 7:45Woodholme Starbucks

GREATER WASHINGTON

Tuesdays @ 7:30pmStarbucks in Rockville, MD

The Local News You Need to Know

Teens chilling with their friends after spending an incredible Shabbat together.

4001 Clarks Lane Baltimore, MD 21215

Regional Leadership

Rabbi Jonah LernerRegional Directorlerner@ncsy.org

Rabbi Yitzchok DinovitzerAssociate Regional Directorrabbid@ncsy.org

Rabbi Rocky CaineAssistant Regional Directorrabbirocky@ncsy.org

Dana SichermanDirector of Institutional Advancementdana@ncsy.org

Rabbi Yitz LeviGreater Philadelphia Coordinatorrabbiyitz@ncsy.org

Saadia SimonOperations Managersaadia@ncsy.org

Michael J. Elman, M.D.Chairman, Regional Youth Commission

Rabbi Chaim GottesmanChairman Emeritus, Regional Youth Commission

Teen Regional BoardJonathan Chansky (Regional President)

Presidential Council:

Jonathan Chansky (Greater Washington)

Kayla Kaplan (Baltimore)

Jack Kwatinetz (Baltimore)

Ofir Afenzer (Philadelphia)

River Teles (Baltimore)VP of Communication

Sarah Joseph (Cherry Hill)VP of Education

Renee Wasco (Greater Washington)VP of Israel Action

Yaacov Adler (Greater Washington)VP of Programming

Joseph Zwillenberg (Philadelphia)VP of Social Action

Nathaniel Mayberg (Greater Washington)VP of Summer Programs

Rebecca Hefter (Baltimore)National Board Liaison

www.ncsy.org

NCSY is the international youth movement of the OU.

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