Portland 2012 - Chanukah Ignite

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THE NCSY NEWSLETTER CHANUKAH 2012 NCSY’s Jewish Unity Mentoring Program (JUMP) teaches our teens to make a difference in the Jewish community. Project JUMP is about “doing.” Together with com- munity leaders, teens develop and implement their own programs in community service, Israel advocacy, Jewish education and fundraising. This past October, Oregon NCSY and JSU Director Meira Spivak accom- panied two JUMP teen leaders, Raizel O’Brien and Allya Yourish, to New York for a conference to kick–off the competition. The conference gave teens the skills and tools to succeed and to pass along to their other teammates. The Portland NCSY JUMP team won first prize for their presentations and earned $360 in seed money to use towards their future projects. The final JUMP competition will take place in New York, with Ivanka Trump serving as one of the judges. With its great track record, the Portland NCSY JUMP team is sure to make the finals! Raizel O’Brien, Allya Yourish and Meira Spivak (right to left) accept their award of $360 to use towards future projects. Since the JUMP conference, the JUMP team has also received the Golden Phone Award and the grand prize of $1000 for bringing the most volunteers to the Jewish Federation’s Super Sunday Community Action Day. Robin and Adam: Gems of the Community When Robin and Adam Greenman’s daughter Eleanor entered high school, she instantly became involved with NCSY. “Our daughter was affiliated before, but she was in a high school with only a few Jewish kids and it was hard for her to feel Jewish pride,” Robin explained. “Teens need the encour- agement and energy of their peers. No one can do it alone.” Through NCSY’s fun activities and inspiring Shab- batons, Eleanor began to make friends just like her. Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Continued on next page... $ 360 81 % 80 2 OREGON Dear Friends, I’m so happy you’re taking the time to learn about the incredible opportunities available to Jewish teens throughout Portland. Though the school year is only a few months in, I am sure you’ll be excited to hear about our noteworthy accomplishments. Wishing you a happy Chanukah! – Meira Spivak EDITION of seed money was won by Portland NCSY’s JUMP team at the national JUMP conference in New York of JSU attendees never heard of the Sukkot holiday prior to JSU teens attended festive meals over the 3-week holiday period in September and October new JSU clubs opened at Lake Oswego High School PHOTO CREDIT: Elie Bulka

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Transcript of Portland 2012 - Chanukah Ignite

Page 1: Portland 2012 - Chanukah Ignite

THE NCSY NEWSLETTER CHANUKAH 2012

NCSY’s Jewish Unity Mentoring Program (JUMP) teaches our teens to make a difference in the Jewish community.

Project JUMP is about “doing.” Together with com-munity leaders, teens develop and implement their own programs in community service, Israel advocacy, Jewish education and fundraising. This past October, Oregon NCSY and JSU Director Meira Spivak accom-panied two JUMP teen leaders, Raizel O’Brien and Allya Yourish, to New York for a conference to

kick–off the competition. The conference gave teens the skills and tools to succeed and to pass along to their other teammates.

The Portland NCSY JUMP team won first prize for their presentations and earned $360 in seed money to use towards their future projects. The final JUMP competition will take place in New York, with Ivanka Trump serving as one of the judges. With its great track record, the Portland NCSY JUMP team is sure to make the finals!

Raizel O’Brien, Allya Yourish and Meira Spivak (right to left) accept their award of $360 to use towards future projects. Since the JUMP conference, the JUMP team has also received the Golden Phone Award and the grand prize of $1000 for bringing the most volunteers to the Jewish Federation’s Super Sunday Community Action Day.

Robin and Adam: Gems of the CommunityWhen Robin and Adam Greenman’s daughter Eleanor entered high school, she instantly became involved with NCSY. “Our daughter was affiliated before, but she was in a high school with only a few Jewish kids and it was hard for her to feel Jewish pride,” Robin explained. “Teens need the encour-agement and energy of their peers. No one can do it alone.”

Through NCSY’s fun activities and inspiring Shab-batons, Eleanor began to make friends just like her.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Continued on next page...

$360

81%

80

2

OREGON

Dear Friends,

I’m so happy you’re taking the time to

learn about the incredible opportunities

available to Jewish teens throughout

Portland. Though the school year is only

a few months in, I am sure you’ll be

excited to hear about our noteworthy

accomplishments.

Wishing you a happy Chanukah!

– Meira Spivak

E D I T I O N

of seed money was won by Portland NCSY’s JUMP team at the national JUMP conference in New York

of JSU attendees never heard of the Sukkot holiday prior to JSU

teens attended festive meals over the 3-week holiday period in September and October

new JSU clubs opened at Lake Oswego High School

PHOTO CREDIT: Elie Bulka

Page 2: Portland 2012 - Chanukah Ignite

The feeling of being Jewish and the odd one out slowly transformed into being Jewish and proud.

“It’s not realistic,” continued Robin, “to expect our kids to go from their Bar or Bat Mitzvah to adult-hood on that one tank of gas. NCSY is the fuel that drives kids to become adults who care about mar-rying Jewish and care about Israel. NCSY is social and fun. It has amazing events, fantastic food and the greatest advisors. But it’s also incredibly meaningful.”

When asked which NCSY activity was most meaningful to Eleanor, Robin could not pinpoint just one. “It’s everything – the Starbuck’s Latte & Learning, Shabbat Shabangs, AIPAC trips and even the sweatshirts the teens design. NCSY under-stands that there’s no one thing, no silver bullet, that guarantees Jewish identity, so they cover all the bases.”

NCSY understands that there’s no one thing, no silver bullet, that guarentees Jewish identity, so they cover all their bases.

“To me, NCSY is the single best organization in this city,” said Robin, “I donate every year through my company’s United Way drive. I have a set amount taken out of my paycheck that goes directly to NCSY — and the company matches it. It’s hard to make a large lump sum donation, but by doing it in small increments, it’s easy and affordable.”

When asked to leave a final message, Robin shared the following thoughts: “NCSY isn’t just an-other youth group,” she said. “It’s a life-changing experience. As parents, we’re obsessed about giv-ing our kids every opportunity: the best schools, varsity sports and exotic travels. Shouldn’t we care as much about giving them a stellar Jewish experience? I’d say to parents, if you do nothing else that’s Jewish, give your kids NCSY. It’s the op-portunity of a lifetime.”

... Donor Spotlight continued

Growing in Judaism through NCSY Matan Horenstein is a dynamic and passionate teen with a love for the Jewish people. Matan is co-president of Portland NCSY together with Shoshi Singer, and this is his third year as JSU President at Wilson High School.

Matan, tell us about your background.

I have been in public school since 5th grade but always attended synagogue and Wednesday night school. Judaism was something I did. My parents did a great job raising me to take part in Jew-ish activities and to feel connected to the Jewish community.

How did you become involved with NCSY?

My first event was Shabbat Shabang about four years ago. I didn’t really know exactly what to expect but the Spivaks made sure that I felt welcome and at home. The food was great and the other teens were really nice. From that moment, I decided I wanted to be more involved in NCSY.

How did you get more involved?

At first, I just attended events like everybody else, but in my third year, I joined chapter board. Now, as a senior, I’m one of the leaders.

What’s your favorite part of being in-volved in NCSY?

I love sharing my passion for Israel and Judaism and bringing new teens into NCSY so that they too can feel inspired. I want to continue to pass down what I know and learned to other Jewish teens.

What were some of the highlights of your NCSY experience?

Spending two summers in Israel on NCSY Summer Programs, one on TJJ and one on TJJ Ambassadors, complete-ly changed my life. I now have a much better idea of who I am as a person and as a Jew. Judaism isn’t just a part of my life anymore; it’s who I am. My favorite Shabbaton was the New York trip. Of course the touring was great and tons of fun, but I loved staying in a Jewish community on the East Coast. There was a synagogue every three blocks. Jewish people were everywhere and kosher restaurants were in abundance. The family we stayed at was so hospi-table. It gave me such a good feeling.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I’m really excited to help organize the Portland Shabbaton. I want even more Jewish teens involved than there were last year. I want more unity and I want everyone to come out loving NCSY and JSU.

Do you have anything else you want to share with us?

I’ve had the most amazing few years with NCSY and I am honored to be a part of it. I wish more teens would take advantage and be a part of NCSY. NCSY has so much to offer and can open so many more doors in your life.

TEEN SPOTLIGHT: MATAN HORENSTEIN

NCSY is the fuel that drives kids to become adults who care about marrying Jewish and care about Israel.

Standing proud, Matan poses for a picture in Israel while on an NCSY Summer Program.

Judaism isn’t just a part of my life anymore; it’s who I am.

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PORTLAND NCSY HIRES NEW DIRECTORSThis August, Doovie Jocoby and his wife Aviva moved from Israel to become Portland NCSY and Jr. NCSY directors, respectively. “They have arrived with energy, passion and a love for every Jew. I am excited for the year to unfold,” said Meira Spivak. “But don’t worry. Rabbi Dov is staying with us. He’ll be continuing to work for NCSY part-time, while he fulfills other important community roles.”

NCSY BOARD BONDS OVERNIGHT AT LINCOLN CITYThanks to the generosity and warmth of Howard and Sandy Katz, the NCSY board spent two days planning for the 2012-13 school year at the Katz’s home in Lincoln City. “From the

fun sandcastle challenges and bonding to the educational lectures, I believe this retreat created the strongest and most unified board that has ever existed in Portland NCSY’s history,” said teen co-president Matan Horenstein.

JEWISH DRIVERS ED BACK IN ITS SECOND YEARWith 98% of last year’s students happy with the Jewish Drivers Ed program, NCSY decided to offer the program twice this year. The program will be offered in November and in March.

PORTLAND SEES RECORD HIGH WITH ALMOST 40 TEENS ATTENDING THE VANCOUVER AND SEATTLE SHABBATONS“Teens have always enjoyed the annual Shabbatons, but I am really happy with the high attendance rate,” said Meira Spivak. “Doovie Jacoby is doing a great job.” Shabbaton highlights for Vancouver included a smashing Havdalah, Saturday night boat cruise, and Maple Grill catering. Highlights from Seattle’s Shabbaton included NCSY’s famous Havdalah service, a haunted corn maize and a breakfast extravaganza.

JSU LEADERS ATTEND THE AIPAC HIGH SCHOOL SUMMITWith the help of the Jewish Federation, NCSY has given JSU teen leaders the opportunity to travel to DC and receive extensive Israel advocacy training and lobbying experience. “The teens gain tremendous amounts of knowledge and the confidence needed to defend Israel to their teachers and peers,” said Meira Spivak. “I am so glad the opportunity exists for them.”

Late night fun for national board during thier bonding retreat!

Portland chapter president Shoshana Singer (far right), together with teens from Seattle, prepare for one of NCSY’s famous Havdalah services at the Vancouver Shabbaton.

Monthly Events

One Friday each month 2:30-3:30 pm Jr. NCSY MeetingsEach month Jr. NCSY meets at the JCC to participate in community service and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) projects. This one-hour meeting enables teens to learn about the needs of others, have fun and, of course, eat.Meetings take place.

December 20-23Winter Regional, La Jolla, CAJoin hundreds of teens from across the West Coast for an incredible four days of fun, friends and, of course, an incredible Jewish experience.

December 24-29Yarchei Kallah, Stamford, CTOpen to public school teens from across the country, NCSY offers the perfect balance of intellectual stimulation and down-to-earth fun.

January 6TJJ Info NightJoin NCSY Summer Programs at the home of Jan and Craig Berne to learn about the most incredible and affordable summer program in Israel for public school teens, The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ). For more info, visit tjj.ncsy.org

January 6NEW: Jewish SAT Prep beginsNCSY has paired with Princeton Review to offer the prep course you know and love for a fraction of the price.

January 8-9NCSY Shabbat of Learning (advanced)Back for its third year, this weekend of learning is open to high school students ready to face the challenge of advanced Torah study.

February 2The QFinally an event for adults! Join us for our annual fundraiser: an evening of trivia, dessert and wine. The Q is a hip multimedia trivia game. Teams of eight compete to win sweatshirts and incredible prizes. Help us meet our goal of raising $50,000.

February 11Shabbat ShabangPortland NCSY’s signature event Shabbat Shabang, has left all the teens saying, “We can’t wait for more. What’s next?” Join your Jewish friends and for a free Friday night dinner adventure.

March 1-3Portland Shabbaton at the SheratonPortland NCSY will be hosting its second Shabbaton. Now, Portland teens can experience a Shabbaton, NCSY style, without travelling to another city! Join teens from across the West Coast for exciting events, great food and your favorite advisors.

For more info or to register for any of the events, visit portlandncsy.com or contact Portland NCSY Director Doovie Jacoby at 503-504-1301 or [email protected].

Bringing to Lightthe Local News You Need to Know

Weekly Events

Mondays, 7-8 pmEast Side Latte & LearnStarbucks — 1633 NE 39th, Portland, OR 97232

Tuesdays, 7-8 pmClark County Latte & LearnStarbucks — 16320 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98683

Thursdays, 7-8 pmWest Side Latte & LearnMultnomah Starbucks — 7737 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219

Bi-Monthly Events

Thursdays after Latte & Learn8:15-9 pmPizza and ParshaRabbi Dov’s house

Thursdays after Latte & Learn8:15-9 pmJUMP Club MeetingNCSY office

Sundays11:30 am-12:30 pmWest Linn Latte & LearnStarbucks — 18750 Willamette Dr., West Linn, OR 97068

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6688 SW Capitol HwyPortland OR 97219

Regional Leadership

Meira SpivakOregon NCSY and JSU Director503 757 [email protected]

Doovie JacobyPortland NCSY Director503 504 [email protected]

Rabbi Dov ChastainAssistant NCSY Director503 927 [email protected]

Aviva JacobyJr. NCSY Director503 504 [email protected]

OREGON NCSY AND JSU6688 SW Capitol HwyPortland OR 97219portlandncsy.comwww.ncsy.orgwww.ncsysummer.org

www.ncsy.org

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