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

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

Reflections from Conclave

When it comes to the NCSY family, and don’t get me wrong, we really are a family, I am relatively new. As an advisor, our job is to inspire you guys and play an active role in your growth as individuals.

Inspire. What an interesting word. I knew it would play a large role in this past weekend when I got to Conclave and it was written across the front of the sweatshirt. As an advisor, I wanted to be able to inspire you, the NCSYers, through my actions. My initial impression of who the “inspire” was directed to could not have been more wrong.

Based on my initial impressions from Fall convention, I thought that I knew what to expect at Conclave; then I arrived. From the first moment of “bingo” until the closing program, I was thoroughly engaged, and that was largely because of you, the NCSYers.

The moment that really stands out in my mind though was the kumzitz Sunday night. It was at this point that I really understood what the “inspire” was referring to. Listening to each of you talk and share yourselves with those sitting in the circle as Conclave “ebbed” away was inspiring to every single person sitting there. I realized that as much as I came to inspire each and every one of you, I think that all of YOU inspire ME to be a better person and push myself all that much more.

When things are easily attainable to someone, that person doesn’t necessarily appreciate them until they no longer have them or at least hear about situations and people that do not have the same circumstances and blessings. Listening to each of you share your struggles really gives perspective and inspiration to each and every person that may not have originally appreciated what they had, or people that are struggling with their own issues and just needed that little push. For this, I want to thank everyone that came to Conclave.

I can only hope that as an advisor I can inspire you in much the same way. I, and I believe I speak for all the advisors, am always willing to talk and listen to anything you might say. Thank you all for all your inspiration.

Sincerely,

Nachum Matten, Advisor

Shabbat Candles

Before NCSY I was spiritually and religiously misguided, but I set a path of discovering Judaism at my own pace. I opened my heart to Hashem and began saying the Modi Ani every morning and the S’hma every night. I felt myself at a roadblock, and I didn’t know what else to do; yet, I was eager to find a new step. On Conclave I solidified my next leg of my Jewish journey. It all started with my quest to have just one question answered. I wanted to find out what the significance of lighting Shabbat candles is. I wasn’t satisfied to get one answer: I wanted all possible answers out there in order to grasp my own meaning. I talked to Rabbis, advisors and peers on the Shabbaton and got the following answers:

1.The candles give off heat and light which can be used at the Friday Shabbat dinner when electricity can’t be used.
2. Lighting the candle is a choice we can use as power to get rid of evil. It is a nondestructive way of building that reminds us we are fixing Chaya’s destruction in the Garden of Eden. This light symbolizes good actions that build up the world with Tikun Olam. 
3.Women set the mood in the home. Light symbolizes peace, and when women light the candles it sets a peaceful tone for the day of rest. 
4.The oil and the candles represent potential, and when the candle is lit, one is creating something. A woman is naturally a creator biologically, so she gets to light the candle on Shabbat.
5.Lighting the candle on Shabbat separates Shabbat from the rest of the week because we can’t use electricity of light fire on Shabbat. Lighting the candle represents beginning the Sabbath, and putting out the candle on Havdala ends Shabbat.

These answers got me thinking and I found my own meaning for lighting Shabbat Candles. We all have our own flame of Hashem within us, and lighting the Shabbat candles remind me to keep the spark of Judaism alive that encompasses the significant meanings I listed above. 

This quest opened up many discussions about what I can do to further my progress on my journey. I am inspired to keep my own flame of Hashem alive within me just like a Shabbat Candle. It is my job to keep this spark of inspiration alive and add more goals to become a better person and a better Jew. On Conclave I was inspired by the light of Shabbos, and I discovered my new goal to light my own Shabbat candles.

Post by, Emma Lazar

Contest Submission #15

Individually Communal

Throughout our lives, we experience the tension between being an individual and being part of a community. How can we balance the two? How can we be sure to maintain our individual identities while also being part of a community at large? How can we make ourselves stand out in a community full of special people?

As we begin the book of Shmot (okay, I'm a little bit behind, we actually started Shmot this past shabbos), we see that the book of Shmot focuses on Bnei Yisrael as a whole, while Sefer Bereishit focused primarily on individuals' stories.

This begs the question: why does the book about community have the heading of "Shmot," which means names?

The community-oriented book is titled with exactly what it is that represents much of our identities: our names. A community must be comprised of many individuals; an individual, in order to maximize his or her potential, must be part of a community. Communities and individuals have a symbiotic relationship; they need each other to survive and to thrive.

We need an individual identity to establish our priorities and our intentions for our actions; we need a community to support and challenge us. I feel blessed to be part of the NCSY community, in which every individual is valued for who he or she is and what he or she brings to the supportive and powerfully inspiring community.

An Eye-Opening Experience

During the past NCSY Shabbaton I really got a first-hand opportunity to ingest all that NCSY has to offer. I usually had gone to multiple conventions in the past with many of my friends. This time I had the opportunity to experience something through my own eyes. I had time to contemplate many things. When I first arrived I was nervous, scared in a sense, for I did not really know many people. As Shabbat was coming up I felt the vibe, I truly felt that G-d was there watching and trying to comfort me. During the first session on Friday night we discussed happiness and the true meaning of happiness. One can find happiness within. Many people think happiness is having the latest gadgets, it really isn't. Some may even say that your family and friends are what make you happy; I can tell you that I was completely alone without my friends or family during the Shabbaton, I still was able to find happiness. 

I now have a completely different point of view towards life and Judaism. As I was talking to someone over Shabbat dinner I heard his story about how he is Jewish but never really follows up on all of the customs. I feel the same way. When I met all the happy, loving, caring Jewish teens all around me, I saw that you can be happy and joyful no matter what circumstances you are in. Before this weekend I could’ve cared less for all the 613 laws and all the other codes and laws, it was simply too much work. I can proudly say now that I really do. Starting the school year I had went to a modern orthodox school in Dallas; I could feel that they were trying to encourage Judaism but they do not succeed as much as NCSY. At Conclave I felt uplifted and inspired, I care more about others around me. 

I know that for once I will be able to completely change my views in life. I had tried numerous times to do find this inspiration before, I had no luck. At first I was very ambivalent about going to Conclave, but the night before I gave in and registered. In no way do I regret going. I felt something that I was always searching for.
The “inspired” sweatshirts really do reflect how I feel. I am now on the quest on finding my true self and abiding by the Jewish codes and moral laws. I feel in my neshama that this is the correct path for me. I couldn’t think of any other way to thank NCSY for all they have done for me. 

-Benji Snow

Contest Submission #12

Not Just A Religion, But Also An Identity

I went to Jr. NCSY when I was in a Jewish day school. I always thought that it was just a fun weekend. This year I moved to a public school and discovered that Judaism isn't only my religion, but my identity. When I went to Conclave I realized that NCSY is my mechanism for shaping my Judaism. I committed to learning with an adviser, and strongly suggest anyone else reading this blog to also join at
https://ou.wufoo.com/forms/lol-latte-on-line/

Post by, Toviya

Contest Submission # 14

Inspire the Fire

Sometimes, inspiration takes the form of an amazing action that inspires people to work harder toward their goals. NCSY sure brings about this kind of inspiration. At Conclave, we were taught the true meaning of happiness: the emotion one feels when one has taken steps against resistance to reach a good final destination.

Other times, NCSY inspires in a different kind of way, and every NCSYer understands this form: spiritual inspiration. It’s that information we take away from dvar Torahs and sessions that sticks with us for weeks or months. It’s that tone of voice we hear in everyone’s voices at the Kumzitz. It’s that feeling we all get at Havdallah when the only sound we hear is hundreds of voices singing Jewish zmirot with unbelievable ruach, spirit, and the only light sources in the room are the zmirot PowerPoint and the Havdallah candles.

The spiritual energy we feel at an NCSY convention is like the Havdallah flame: If someone who had never seen the flame before asked me to describe it, I would only be able to describe so much—maybe how it looks, maybe the different forms of energy it takes—I would not be able to describe the way it makes me feel. Similarly, if someone asked me to describe what spirituality is, I would need to grapple with words to describe the indescribable. The flame can pass on from one candle to another without losing substance. It spreads like something infinite, much like the spiritual inspiration we feel at Conclave every year. The only way for a flame to burn out is if its source of wax stops giving. 

That is where spirituality differs from a flame: Spirituality comes from an infinite source, namely G-d. Each NCSYer has a little bit of G-d in them, so we always have the source with which to nurture our spiritual flames. NCSY is a great place to re-spark them, but once we’ve done so and we’ve left the doors of each convention, we can all continue to nurture the warm flame inside our neshamot.

Like the flame has so much potential to grow and spread, all NCSYers have the potential to learn and teach about Judaism with our spiritual intuition. We have the potential to achieve great goals and do great things. We have the ability to keep our spiritual flames going every day, long after we’ve rekindled them at NCSY.

NCSY is where it beings, not where it ends.

I’m still in withdrawal from Conclave 2012. When I’m done with that, though, I’m not going to let my flame die out. I’m going to do Torah-by-phone learning with my regional advisers and I’m going to let the messages from NCSY sessions stick with me. I’m going to look forward to the next convention and try to keep in touch with all the NCSYers who can spiritually inspire others. Like all other NCSYers, I have the potential to spiritually inspire people.

If a Havdallah flame can be passed on for a while without losing any fire, my inspiring, little piece of G-d can, too.

Post by, Sarah Otis

I Love NCSY!

The real world is tough. There are decisions to be made and there are opportunities to take. I can with out doubt say that my decision to go on Conclave was one opportunity that I will never regret. Life is easy at Conclave. It came natural to me. And then I realized, maybe I did have a great time at Conclave, but is it the event, or is it the people? Well, for me, I can honestly say that it was the people. My new friends, the advisors, and the whole staff, are all attributed to me and my brother having a great time on Conclave. The learning, the singing, the dancing. Being in NCSY on Conclave was incredible. I plan to start learning with advisors and study more. I can honestly say that my experience on Conclave has changed my perspective and out look on the way I make decisions in my everyday life for the better. I love NCSY!!!

Post by, Paul Kodner

Contest Submission #13

Baby Steps for Growth

You know that feeling you get when your status or profile picture gets a bunch of likes and you feel good? 

As Rabbi Polstein told us on shabbos, every NCSYer can feel the squeeze. This weekend, I felt that “squeeze” more than anything. However, as nice as that was, I really saw so many other NCSYers receive this “squeeze” as well, in many inspiring and incredible ways. 

This year I wanted to start NCSY in a new manner. I truly hoped that by now I would be content with certain decisions I wanted to make, but there is still one struggle I find myself continuously going back and forth with. Most of this is because I didn't have the confidence.

I didn't know why I, personally, was the only one in my school to dress a certain way within my school. Of course, I tried. However, getting my outer exterior beaten down by so many people in one day was something that wasn't fun for me. 

But, I didn’t give up. 

I decided I would take it slow, babysteps, you know? Make it a little easier on myself. Though, through the passing time, I found myself in a stand-still. I wasn’t making any progress, and this killed me.

After kumzitz, two really special people spoke up about their personal experiences. How they managed and changed their lives through modesty...at a public school. 

After the second girl spoke, my mind began whirling with the struggle of knowing who I want to be, while not being sure how I could actually become that person.

Being so overwhelmed, I left the room and went outside searching for one of my fellow advisor role-models. In actuality, they found me. I told them how upset I was for not being the role model I wanted to be. How in ways, I felt inconsistent with my actions and how I wanted to change. I didn’t understand why I had to struggle so much and why that inner inspiration wouldn’t just come to me.

That advisor reassured me that struggle is not a problem, in ways, my struggling can help inspire others.  I guess as we conversed, I found that little bit of inspiration, that push that I needed to get me going again. 

If those two girls could do it, why can’t I? They were so inspiring. 

What I’ve learned and want to promote most from this Conclave is that patience is virtue. Sometimes, if you try so hard for something, and it never comes, you’ll start to neglect it. However, with some patience and positivity it may just come to you a with a little more ease. 

This NCSY was probably the most inspiring, heart breaking, and educational convention I have ever attended.  I, and all of NCSY, has truly been Inspired. 

Contest Submission #11

Reaching Goals..It's a Journey

Conclave of 2012 was by far one of the most memorable memories with NCSY. Conclave has always been special to me, since it is the only convention I have attended every year so far. Last year's conclave I received the Lev Tahor Citation, and lately, I've been striving for a bit more. I have grown a noticeable amount since the year has started up again and I set a new goal: to receive Havdallah dedication. I knew it wouldn't happen right away because that is the beauty of making goals; the journey to reaching them. However, only about a month later did this award come my way and I was beyond thrilled that I received this recognition. It makes me feel like I have been changing more lives than just my own. This conclave along with every other NCSY convention has opened my eyes to opportunities, challenges, and ways to grow and strive to be who I want to be. I have been making changes to my daily life ever since TJJ 2011. Giving a session about joy and happiness at conclave last weekend is one way to show that. Normally, I would NEVER have had the courage to do it! But I powered through it and through all the good and bad I have been through on this adventure, I am so very proud of myself and I hope I continue to make others proud as well.

Post by, Shaina Stasi

Contest Submission #10

NCSY Family

When I came to conclave, I had no clue what I was getting in to. But after everyone welcomed me in with open arms, I can't thank everyone enough. NCSY has not only given me a new way to connect to judaism, NCSY has given me a new home and a new family. Thank you

Post by, Jordan Kodner

Contest Submission #9

Tonight I Met Up With An Old Friend

Someone who I hadn’t spoken to in a few months. We did not stop communication due to any issues or faults; it was simply just because our lives had gone separate ways. She and I are very similar in many ways, one of which we both have old souls. 

I had discussed with her much of what has happened to me in the past few months. As I spoke about it more, and heard the words flow out my mouth so effortlessly, I realized something; once a person stops doing what’s easy, they will allow inspiration in. This happened to me for several reasons. I had discussed at Kumzits a little of what I had changed in my life and gave one reason why I had changed. I shared how I changed the way I dressed, and explained that I did this because I wanted to be a good role model for my junior NCSYers. I have more than just one reason, and more than just one change I have made in my life this year. 

This I did not speak about at Kumzits. When I spoke, I did mention that if I could just inspire one person, which would be enough for me, still applies now. I haven’t just changed the way I dress, but I’ve changed the way I eat, treat my body, and others around me. 

After speaking with my friend tonight I realized that the best things in life are the ones that are the hardest to do. Doing what your body wants just cause it’s easier, is what I had always done. I have not respected myself in the past, yet I still expected respect back from others. 

I see now that life is all about perception. You can’t expect others to respect you when you don’t respect yourself. I decided that from where I stood in these moments, my perception was wrong. In the past, I had lost my connection with Gd. I came to a point where I didn’t believe in a Gd. This shames me now, even just to think about.  How could I live life with such ignorance? Well, I did.

After being at the juniors’ first convention this year, as an advisor, something struck the inside of my soul.  I had to dress my part as an “advisor”, which meant I had to dress with modesty. At that convention I had a few struggles with some of the juniors, but I realized that they look up to me, even if it’s just for advice and guidance. They look up to me, because I show them they can. 

Life’s all about perception and the way you present yourself to others. 

As I sat there one night at the convention broken down, crying, and simply myself, I felt reconnected. I looked toward something myself for guidance, and that was Gd. After that moment, sitting alone, at my lowest, stripped of all my impurities, I said I needed to change. 

This I have never discussed with anyone, and I did not want to get emotional in front of an audience at Kumzits, so I gave a simpler version of why I changed. In Judaism, if you’re not growing, you’re falling behind. And in my eyes, if you’re not taking something out of a bad experience, you’re leaving something behind. Life’s not about using free will easily. You’re supposed to do what’s hard to do. 

I got Havdallah dedicated to me this past weekend at Conclave, and it was because I did what was hard for me. I changed myself, because I left out taking the easy steps. No one will be able to feel the emotions I had felt these past few months, but just hear me out. 

Life is more than doing what you want. Happiness comes when you do what’s hard. You won’t accomplish this until you experience it the hard way. It’s not easy to do good things and find happiness. But no one ever said it’s easy.

-Natasha Raizel Zucker

Contest Submission #8

The Closest, Inspirational, Incredible Group of People

Conclave this year was a truly inspirational experience! I have always felt the most strong connection to anyone and anything in NCSY. Every activity and every event that occurs over the conventions have so much meaning in them. NCSY is where I feel closest to G-d and a place where I can be myself without people thinking anything of it. Where is there a place where you can randomly introduce yourself to people and hug them before you know them besides NCSY? Nowhere. Because NCSY is the closest, inspirational, incredible group of people I have ever seen in my entire life. The ruach I hear and feel is the most amazing experience and I get so into the prayers and songs we sing. Whenever you need or want to learn something about yourself or Judaism, you can turn to NCSY and it will do just the trick. Another special thing about NCSY is that the advisers are your friends. In other youth groups or a camps, the counselors and advisers are like strict parents. Here, advisers can be your best friends and teach so many important life lessons. NCSY has changed me and it will always have a special place in my heart.

Contest Submission #7

Conclave's Life Changing Impact

Recently I went to conclave, the most inspirational part of the shabbaton was the kumzitz. It really opened my eyes to how much NCSY has an impact on people's lives. I just hope that I make as big of an impact on NCSY as NCSY makes me.


Contest Submission #6

Why I Loved CONCLAVE 2012

1. Midwest is the best
2. Everyone is unified
3. Rabbi Greenland, R' Donny, R' Polstein, Shosh, Gershie, Sam, etc....Northshore...!
4. Jews are AWESOME
5. I met amazing new friends
6. I met amazing advisors who positively impact me
7. At least six advisers (and Joey) offered to learn with me through Torah-by-phone
8. Beautiful, spiritual music throughout
9. Great trips
10. Interactive sessions and mind-blowing optional shiurim
11. Goofy costumes
12. Tasty kosher food
13. We seize every moment
14. Comfy sleeping arrangements
15. No person judges another
16. Spiritual rekindling of the soul
17. Seeing peers in light that I would have never seen without NCSY
18. Kumzitz

There are obviously many more reasons to love NCSY, particularly Conclave.
But I'm at Chai reasons, so I'll stop here.

THANK YOU NCSY :)

Post by, Sarah Otis

Contest  Submission #5

Begin Believe Become

This morning I put on my "inspired." sweatshirt and realized how true it was, I was inspired. This weekend at Conclave was one of the best weekends of my life. I have an amazing time at every shabbaton but this one was special. My friend Caroline Reichel made it the most inspirational convention I have attended so far. I met her at a shabbaton a little over a year ago. There I helped her pray in english and taught her a little bit about being Jewish. This weekend I did the same with her. She decided that she was going to learn and start studying the hebrew alphabet. I have never been so proud of anybody in my entire life when I saw her learning the first letter. Sitting in the kumzits inspired me to an extreme. I cried a lot, and when Caroline said my name I was the happiest person alive. She has inspired me to learn more about my Jewish identity and grow as much as I can spiritually. This weekend has inspired me so much to do as much as I can to grow! I cant wait until mid-winter!

Post by, Adira Weisel

Contest Submission #4

So Many Experiences In One Short Weekend

Conclave 2012..... so many great experiences in one short weekend. My friends run to greet me the minute I get off the bus. Great new NCSY sweatshirts. Staying up way too late. Snow tubing was so fun. But the most meaningful and emotional moments for me, happen when we are all together like a family experiencing Shabbos, singing as a group as Shabbos ebbs away, and listening to my friends share their stories during kumsitz. NSCY has done so much for me. I am a better person because of everything I have learned. I have gained a new perspective on how I view the world. I try my hardest not to judge people because we are all part of Hashem and are here for a reason. Conclave 2012 has truly inspired me. 

Post By: Samara Pachefsky 

Contest submission #3 

A Weekend Unlike Any Other

My words cannot describe how I feel right now.... I have been to over 4 ncsy conventions but never in my life have I enjoyed one like that before. I truly understand a deeper meaning of torah and connection to HASHEM. This year I have decided to change for the better with the help of NCSY, and all because I went to Conclave 2012. I met awesome friends and learned. I see the light at the end of this tunnel and I'm not going to walk to it. NO, I'M GOING TO DANCE AND SING MY WAY TO THE LIGHT OF TORAH IN PRAYERS, AS A BETTER JEW THEN I WAS YESTERDAY!!!
SO THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WORKED SO HARD TO PUT NCSY TOGETHER!
I know that ONE DAY WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER hand in hand singing again.
We will grow and rise up again with a deeper connection to HASHEM. 
Thank you NCSY you have opened my eyes and changed my life forever. 
Love, Mimi {mazi} Shoshani

Contest submission #2

My Inspirational Conclave

Conclave 2012 was awesome. I was able to see my friends from the summer who went on tjj bus 2 with me, also I was able to see my advisers and in all catch up with everyone. But with all that to the side I was able to connect to other Jewish teens going through the same thing I was, and learn about happiness and were it comes from. By leading a session I learned while teaching the session that happiness comes from within you and you need to be content with what you have.

Post by, Lee Goodman

Contest submission #1