The Day The World Shook

Some videos for an inspiring Shavuot!

Courtesy of Aish.com

Taking The Step

Today was the first day that I wore my Kepa without covering it up with a hat. 

This was a step that I knew was coming and wanted to happen. It just had to be the right time and today was it. 

When I woke up, I got ready and proudly put my Kepa on and left my red hat that I usually put on top of my Kepa on my shelf with only my kepa covering my head. 

I wondered what people were going to say or act like but this still did not stop me. 

I am proud to be Jewish and I have nothing to hide. I was free. A free and proud jew in my school with nothing to hide. I was not hiding anything when I put my hat on the last 7 weeks. 

I still wore my Kepa but was just waiting for the right time to take the step after I made a huge announcement 2 weeks before so that is the reason. I did not feel the power until the afternoon, about 30 minutes before JSU, and then it suddenly came to me. I took the step! I was so proud and still am. I wear my NCSY SUMMER kepa around that I bought at Yom NCSY last year on TJJ. 

That’s how my first day went wearing my Kepa at school.

Post by,

Lee Goodman

Remembering Our Soldiers

Right now in Israel it is Yom Hazikaron, a memorial day for the fallen Israeli soldiers.

We should never forget how appreciative and be grateful we should be for the soldiers who are risking their lives for our safety and the safety of Eretz Yisrael.

These videos are about two incredibly heroic soldiers who gave their lives protecting what was so special to them.

Courtesy of Aish.com

"You can't fulfill your dreams, unless you dare to risk it all."

- Michael Levin

Faster Than Time

(From a shiur by Rabbi Akiva Tatz)

Our Rabbis tell us that the Jews in Egypt were on the 49th level of impurity and had they stayed in Egypt a moment longer they would have sunk down to the 50th level and would never have been able to be redeemed.

How could it be that in one second the Jews would have fallen to the lowest spiritual depths? One moment seems like a very short amount of time for that to happen...

The danger to leaving Egypt wasn't that we would sink to the lowest level in a moment, but that if Hashem waited any longer we would have lost our momentum and our alacrity to push ourselves from the depths to the higher levels.

We could think about this a little further: What's the difference between matza and chametz? Time! The ingredients are basically the same, but the time it takes to make it makes all the difference in the world. If we delay one more second than the matza will turn to chametz.
Our Rabbis say: "Mitzvah haba'a leyad'cha, al tachmitzena (from the root of chametz)" - " When a mitzvah comes to your hand, do let it become sour." We learn from here that when we have the opportunity to do a mitzvah, to do something great, we should grab at that opportunity right away! If we wait we will lose our excitement and we could lose that opportunity.

That's why it was so important for the Jews to leave Egypt very quickly. The Jews were on an intense spiritual high, and if they didn't leave at that moment they would have lost their inspiration and wouldn't have been able to leave Egypt.

We can apply this to our own lives: When we feel inspired or when we have the opportunity to do a mitzvah, we should grab hold of that inspiration right away and do something great with it!

Have a chag kasher v'sameach!!

“It’s not how much or how little you have that makes you great or small, but how much or how little you are with what you have.” 

- Rav Shimshon Rephael Hirsch

Leading with Lollipops

You don't have to be on *Regional Board to be a leader. In all likelihood, you already are one... you just might not know it yet! Take 6 minutes and be inspired by someone who changed another's life through a story he doesn't even remember happening, and pay it forward! Give another person the gift of knowing how they've changed your life. Candygrams, ncsy tzadikim on fbook, or old fashioned phone call... there are ways to show gratitude and at the same time help enlighten others to their impact as leaders!

*That being said...  RB might just want you anyway :)

Perspective

Life is a funny thing. You never know when you're going to have a profound effect on someone, whether from a conversation or just being yourself in their proximity. This is something to always keep in mind - because you never know what affect it is going to have on people, one should always do their best to make a positive impression and impact. When speaking, choose words carefully and make sure to get your point across. Speak thoughtfully. Live thoughtfully.

'Till 120!

Today's Hebrew date -- the 7th of Adar -- is Moshe's birthday and yahrtzeit (death date). Moshe, arguably the greatest leader of all time, lived 120 years and is the paradigm for the traditional Jewish birthday wish to live 'till 120! ("ad meah v'esrim!"). The Torah itself states that not only did Moshe live a long life, but his "eyes didn't dim, and his vigor did not diminish" (Devarim 34:7) and in Breishit 6:3 G-d Himself says that man won't be immortal, but that his years will be 120 -- the sign of a full, complete life.

Interestingly, people have always had an obsession with youth. From claiming to be 21 years old forever, to plastic surgeries, to anti-aging creams, to the legendary search for the fountain of youth, people have a fascination with the mystery of how to break nature's prescribed path of growing old.

But its rare to really appreciate the beauty that growing old entails.

In fact, the phrase itself speaks worlds: to grow old.

To live a static life is not much of a life. But to GROW old? Now that's pretty awesome.

A few weeks ago on Shabbos, I had the privelege of witnessing and being inspired by a man who knows the meaning of "growing old." Rabbi Sidney Keiman, the rabbi emeritus of Congregation Adereth El in Manhattan, turned 100 years old on January 27, 2013. The Shabbos before his birthday (parshat Beshalach) was understandably an incredible one for the entire community.  Rabbi Kleiman was called to the Torah for the aliyah that included Az Yashir -- the song of gratitude that the Jews sang when passing through the red sea on their way out of Egypt. Two congregants lifted R' Kleiman from his wheelchair and supported him on either side as he stood with an unnatural strength before the Torah for the entire aliyah. In respectful awe, the entire congregation stood right along with him.

 

I wish I could take a peek through the window of what Rabbi Kleiman has seen over the past century, but suffice it to say I doubt he could have ever predicted the iPhone 5. When he first arrived in his shul, there were still individuals there who were alive during the Civil War! He was there during the Great Depression when congregants would donate coal and clothing instead of money. Can you imagine someone who was not just alive during the Holocaust, but was a full fledged rabbi of an American shul in 1939, leading a congregation through those years of tragedy? And then to witness the complete turn around with the celebration that followed the establishment of the state of Israel!

100 years down the line, though wheelchair bound, R' Kleiman is still the first one in shul every single day. In fact, that's how he spent his 100th birthday -- going to shul like he does every other day. Perhaps the most beautiful part of his birthday shabbos was seeing R' Kleiman, still fully with it, give a brachah in a strong powerful voice to the crowd of children presenting him with his birthday card.

In his own words in an article about him:

( http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/interviews-and-profiles/rabbi-kleiman-still-the-first-one-in-shul/2012/01/19/ ):

"I'm not that big a man. My name is Kleiman, which means 'small man,' kleiner mann. I'm just happy to do what I do, and if people want to follow my example, so much better."

When we think about growing old, we tend to wonder: What's the secret? I want to share with you a short clip from the Ellen Degeneres show, featuring a 105 year old woman Edythe Kirchmaier. When asked the secret to living a long life, her focus was on positivity. In her words, "If something happens, I can't do anything about it. So I don't let it bother me."

Wishing us all a long meaningful life! Till 120!

Queen Esther Fan Club

Happy Adar!!
So I actually am a huge Queen Esther fan. I mean besides for the fact that she kept strong to Jewish halacha and values while she was Queen, she also kept her nationality a secret for 5 years, put up with Achashveroshes shananagans, and saved the entire Jewish people from destruction! How cool is she??

Purim is a very fascinating holiday. On the outside it may seem like it's just a day of fun but in truth it's said to be the holiest day of the year. The Vilna Gaon explains that the full name of Yom Kippur is Yom Hakipurim, meaning "teh day like Purim." If Yom Kippur is like Purim, it means that Purim is even greater than Yom Kippur! Brings Purim to a whole new light, doesn't it?
There are so many life changing lessons we can learn from Purim and this one is about none other than Queen Esther :).

Courtesy of Aish.com

How to Make Lemonade

You all know the famous saying: "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." 

I know that this quote is very cliche and overused, but it's actually so true!
Life isn't easy. We all have challenges that we go through. Like lemons, these challenges can make our lives really sour.
But I don't want to have a sour life!How can I make my life sweet??
Here's the (not so) secret answer: Make lemonade! Pour in tons of water and sugar (and red food coloring if you're going for pink lemonade). 
The secret is that you can't get rid of the lemons, but you can sweeten it.

Matthew Jeffers is a Beth Tfiloh graduate in Baltimore. Matthew teaches us that the only disability in life is a bad attitude. Basically meaning, pass the sugar :)

Courtesy of Aish.com

Spiritual Rejevenation

“Who can express in words what Shabbos has meant to the Jews throughout the generations?

At week’s end, the galus Jew trudges wearily home, bearing in his heart the incessant pain and the burdens of his downtrodden people. Nevertheless, even as he winds his way along the narrow paths of the ghetto, his heart is filled with joyous anticipation, for he knows that the unique beauty and sanctity of the Shabbos will soon encompass him and that its magnificent blessings will soon descend upon his home.

As his wife lights the Shabbos candles, the Jew is aware that these lights usher in an aura of shalom bayis; peace and serenity will quickly permeate his home. His Shabbos table radiates joy and happiness and is set as for a king. On this day his soul rejoices, and as a man reborn, he raises his voice in song.

This is the island of spiritual strength amidst the turbulent sea of exile. This is his Shabbos – sacred day of rest, and never-ending source of spiritual rejuvenation.”

-Rav Zechariah Fendel : Seasons of Splendor

Shema Yisrael

Another awesome short film by Charlie Harary...

Your Life the Movie

Earlier today, I was pondering what it is exactly that makes a movie intriguing. A few of the options that came to mind: an exciting plot, an interesting and dynamic character, unexpected twists and turns, unrealistic situations. Although I am not much of a movie person, I think that we can glean a message from our own desire to watch a story of a person or people who experience development across time. 

We as human beings are meant to grow and improve. If we simply remain static and fail to make progress in achieving our goals and furthering our plot, how fulfilling will that life be? Sure, we might not all be as interesting as movie characters, but our lives will be far more stimulating if we attempt to infuse the excitement of movies into our own lives by focusing on our own character development.

...See you at the Oscars!

An Embroidered Life

"When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. From the underside, as I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say, “My son you go about playing for a while and, when I am finished, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side.”

I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear mother’s voice say, “Son come and sit on my knee.” This I would do, only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy.

Then mother would say to me, “My son, from underneath it did look messy ad jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-dawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing.”

Many times through the years I have looked up to Hashem and said, “Father, what are You doing?” He answers, “I am embroidering your life.” I say, “But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can’t they all be bright?”

Hashem then tells me, “My child, you continue to live your life of fulfilling My mitzvot, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the beautiful picture of your life from My side.”"

A Pep Talk from Kid President to You

"We were MADE to be AWESOME."

Going the Extra Mile

In honor of our amazing NCSYers who ran in the Miami marathon with Team Yachad today, here are some stories of incredible individuals who have gone the extra mile to include others. What can you do for our Yachad members? Guaranteed that you will gain more than you give.

Did that inspire you? Want to know more about Connor and Cayden? Here's a link to a slightly longer video with their story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/brothers-inspire_n_1703034.html

And two short videos of a special Homecoming King and Queen:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/15/kara-marcum_n_2480604.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/tennessee-homecoming-king-nominees-give-crown-teen/story?id=18295338

Beshalach: Bitachon

By Devorah Goldson       

        In this week’s parsha, Beshalach, we read about how the
Jews left Egypt, crossed the Yam Suf, sang Az Yashir, and everything
that happened. The very first pasuk of the Parsha, tells us: “Now when
Paraoh had let the people go, G-d did not lead them by way of the land
of the Plishtim, because it was near- and G-d said: The people might
reconsider when they see war before them, and turn back to Mitzrayim.”
Hashem was so scared that the Jews would turn back; He took them on
the route which led them through the Yam Suf, a route that was much
longer than the normal way. The Torah also tells us that Bnei Yisroel
was fully armed when they left Egypt, yet they were still afraid. Both
of these psukim cause many commentators to question the phrases.

            Rashi gives an explanation, for why Hashem took them on
the longer way. He says that the Jews would leave Egypt, and become
afraid in the desert. They would want to turn back to Egypt, and if
Hashem had taken them on the straight path, it would’ve allowed for a
much easier return to Mitzrayim. That is one reason why Hashem took
them out on a longer path. By taking us out on the longer path, Hashem
made sure that the Jews wouldn’t turn around and go backwards, and
that way they would be able to get the Torah at Har Sinai, and then
enter the land of Israel.

            But there is still the question, of why would they be
afraid of war? If they had trust in G-d, who had literally just taken
them out of Egypt, and more importantly, if they were armed with
weapons- than what reason did they have for being afraid? Rav Hirsch
says that Bnei Yisroel weren’t lacking in courage physically, but they
were lacking in courage in their hearts. Most importantly, they lacked
trust in Hashem. The quality which gives a person the ability and
courage, no matter what task he is faced with, comes from having
bitachon in Hashem. That is what the Jews lacked when they left Egypt,
and that is why they were afraid. If they had had Bitachon, they
would’ve seen that Hashem was really taking care of them, and they had
no real need to be scared.

            Sometimes we don’t see what Hashem is doing, or why He
might be doing something. We might think that we know better than Him,
but really we don’t. Hashem takes us through life, sometimes in ways
that may seem unnecessary. We might not see the reason we have to go
through something, but in the end we realize that it was all for the
best. We have to have trust in Hashem, have bitachon, that Hashem will
take care of us, and faith that he will help us through the rough
times. When Hashem took the Jews out of Egypt, He took them on a path
that would make it harder for them to go back to a horrible place.
When we are faced with a challenge, and might want to turn back- we
should try and remember that really, there ultimately is a plan for
us. We might not see it at the time, but that’s the whole point of
life! G-d gives us people to help us through those challenges, and to
prevent us from going backwards, but we must do our part as well, and
have bitachon, and have the strength to keep moving on, to a place
that ultimately will be the best for us.

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LIFE

Life takes work, but it is the work that keeps us alive and growing.

Post by, Elisheva Nathan

Chazak V'ematz

This weekend I went with my school on our annual winter shabbaton. On Shabbat morning, when our Rabbi came to wake us up, he told us that an incident had happened involving vandalism and we had to discuss it immediately with everyone before davening. At that point I thought the usual, that some student had broken something in the hotel. But when I arrived at davening with my roommates we were not allowed into the usual davening room. The whole school met in the next room over and our Rabbi began to tell us what happened. He said that in middle of the night, someone came and vandalized our things. He wrote anti-semitic things on our Siddurim, and he broke some of our band's equipment. But worst of all, he wrote and spat on our Sefer Torah, our most prized possession, putting it in a condition that we can no longer use it. Soon, Homeland Security and the FBI arrived. We were not allowed into the room where this took place since it became a crime scene. This meant that davening would evoke an extreme challenge for us. We had to share the extra Siddurim that we had, four people per a book. We also had to cut our davening extremely short since it was Rosh Chodesh and we didn't have a Sefer Torah to read from.

Why should this happen to us? We've been gone from our home in Memphis for only one day. Why now? What did we do wrong? We're just a small school of only 48 innocent Jewish boys. Does being Jewish make us guilty? We didn't choose to be Jewish, we were born into it and raised by it. I don't understand. But I do know that this has been happening to us for thousands of years. It happened just a couple of weeks ago when rockets were fired into Israel. Anti-semitism is everywhere. They do this because of our religion. They do this because we are Jewish. But we can't allow things like this get to us. Sure, it's scary and makes me angry, but if we let it affect us in negative ways we are basically giving people like this the win.

As shabbos was "ebbing" away we sang "Acheinu." I started listening to the words. "Acheinu kol beit yisrael, han'nutunim b'tzara uvashivyah." It says, "Our brothers, the whole house of Israel, who are in distress and captivity." I realized that it's in times like these when we need each other the most in order to comfort one another. It made me think back to the times on NCSY when you never feel alone. There's always someone you can talk to for comfort.

Thankfully, no one was hurt by this incident, and they do have a suspect as to who it was that committed this hate crime. But we are not letting this stop us. We are moving on with our shabbaton. Don't let anything ever stop you because your Jewish.

Post by, Sendy Gross