Summer 2010 - United Synagogue Youth

2Letter from Josh Block, USY PresidentThe question was once posed – howdoes USY make a difference? It sparkeda whole world of curiosity. Scientists, Rabbis,engineers, and world leaders studiedand debated. The world froze as everyonesought an answer. Then one day, asif drawn together by some universal force,the scientists, Rabbis, NASA probe, andworld leaders all ended up in one place – aUSY convention – and here they discoveredthe answer.As everybody ran into the room, singingand cheering, the NASA probe said, “Idetect a spirit and enthusiasm that is out of this world.” In theevening, as the well-dressed crowd began davening, a rabbinoted, “There is a sense of spirituality and a deep, personalconnection to Judaism here that I have rarely seen before.”When a new group of leaders spoke about strength and unity,even the Presidents and Prime Ministers were in awe.You see, there are countless ways in which USY makesa difference. Don’t miss out on an opportunity that is waitingfor you. Take the initiative. It will be one of the most rewardingexperiences of your life.Letter from Jules A. Gutin, USY DirectorJust recently, I visited a number ofcommunities to conduct personal conferencesfor USY Summer Programs. Usually,the conferences include a generalsession with all of the USYers and theirparents. I often ask how many parentsparticipated in a USY summer programwhen they were younger. In one community,I was surprised when half the parentsraised their hands. For those parents,sending their children on a USY summerprogram was a continuation of a family tradition. In my conversationswith these parents, each one agreed that USY hadmade a real difference in their lives and they hoped the samewould be true for their children.Sometimes our USY experiences touch us when we leastexpect it. Michael B. Oren, Israel’s current Ambassador to theU.S. (and a former USYer), tells the story of attending the USYInternational Convention in 1971 when Israel’s Ambassador tothe U.S., Yitzchak Rabin, addressed the USYers. For AmbassadorOren, that was a transformative experience. It was at that momentthat he decided that some day he wanted to be Israel’srepresentative. That moment changed his life. He, in turn, hashelped to change many others.We never know when we, too, will experience that specialmoment. So my advice to you is to cherish every moment ofyour USY experience. It may very well last a lifetime.Achshav! (USPS 949-640) is published quarterly by UnitedSynagogue Youth, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.Subscription price is included in USY membership dues.Periodical postage paid at New York, New York. Achshav! is theofficial magazine of United Synagogue Youth.Postmaster: Send change of address forms to:Achshav!,820 Second Avenue, 10th Floor,New York, New York 10017Phone: (212) 533-7800, ext. 1150Fax: (212) 353-9439E-mail: youth@uscj.orgWebsite: www.usy.org/achshavYour submissions are welcome.EditorLauren SilvaShalhevet EditorDanielle SteinDesign and ProductionMatthew G. HalpernUnited Synagogue YouthJosh Block, PresidentMor Bass, Communications VPJules A. Gutin, Director • Karen Stein •Aviva Tilles • Adam Kofinas • Ilan Schwartz •Amy Dorsch • Nahum Binder •Yitzchak Jacobsen • David Keren • Yossi GarrInternational Youth CommissionPaul Kochberg, ChairJonathan S. Greenberg, Vice ChairThe United Synagogue of Conservative JudaismRichard Skolnik, PresidentDr. Marilyn L. Wind, Vice-President ofYouth Services and EducationRabbi Steven C. Wernick, Executive Vice President & CEORichard S. Moline, Director,Youth and Young Adult ServicesAchshav! is a project ofUnited Synagogue Youth,The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism820 Second Avenue, 10th Floor,New York, NY 10017The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism promotes the role ofthe synagogue in Jewish life in order to motivate Conservative Jewsto perform mitzvot encompassing ethical behavior, spirituality, Judaiclearning, and ritual observance. Combining an awareness of communalresponsibility with a strong sense of commitment, the United Synagogueis a dynamic force within the Conservative Movement.

3USY-Abayudaya Partnership Comes Full CircleContinued from Page 1by 200 teens from the eight Abayudaya communities, as well asJewish teens from northern Uganda and Kenya. The conventionhad a theme, “Leadership Excellence Through Education.”On Shabbat, for the first time-ever, the youth of the communityled services, including Kabbalat Shabbat and ma’ariv, deliveringa d’var torah, reading all of the aliyot and the haftarah,and finally, havdalah on Saturday night. We participated andhelped lead Sichot throughout the convention,ranging from HIV/AIDS education andthe consequences of drug and alcoholabuse, to leadershipe, conflicts in Israel, andthe role of religion in inspiring the youth.On Saturday night, a local DJ wasbrought into the village for the dance, andon Sunday we experienced new forms ofsong and dance as we took part in theAbayudaya’s Annual African Dance andMusic Festival. The teens joined togetherfor an inter-chapter soccer tournament;the winning team received a trophy and agoat.The convention was a great success for the AYA. The teensof the Abayudaya community united together over these fivedays and strengthened the relationships within their Jewishcommunity. Their impact on the Abayudaya community hasbeen extremely positive. The community’s rabbi, Rabbi GershomSizomu, is excited about the AYA’s development, saying that,“seeing the youth doing things together and having fun was astatement to the Abayudaya community that the youth are willingto move forward and take on the future.”Photos courtesy ofDavid WeingartenNativ is a challengingacademic year programdedicated to creating and inspiring theConservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow.Find out how you canLive, Learn, and ExploreIsrael for a Year with Nativwww.nativ.org | nativ@uscj.orgNativ is a project of United Synagogue Youth, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.It is sponsored by MASA, the Project for Long Term program of the Government of Israel,and The Jewish Agency for Israel.

4Strengthening the USY-Abayudaya PartnersshipElyse WeissbergerFar West SA/TO VP 2009-2010If you were to imagine an ideal travel destination,I’m sure that Africa would not be among yourlist. Africa is a multi-cultural continent, full of Christianity,Islam, tribal religions, and to the surprise of many,Judaism. Most people have a difficult time picturinga black Jew, for the Jewish stereotype is a short,hairy, white man. As it turns out, there are Jewishcommunities all over the world, including my favoriteJewish community in Uganda, the Abayudaya.In May 2009, the Far West region hosted threeUgandan Jewish teenagers at our Regional Convention.When the Ugandan teens returned to theirvillage, they immediately began plans to create aJewish youth group of their own. Their far-reachinggoal was to eventually host their own convention.David and I remained in contact with the Ugandanteens, helping them plan chapter and possibleconvention programs. Knowing that the conventionhad to take place between August and December,David and I worked tirelessly to raise more than$8,000 for the Abayudaya. As everything fell intoplace, we invited Jason Schreiber, another Far WestUSYer, to join us in leading the convention in Uganda.This total cost of the convention was $3,000;which included funds for sleeping mats, a DJ, anda rare treat for the community: two cows and twogoats to be killed for meals throughout the convention.While you probably would not like to hear anymoreabout this part of the convention, the animal“Many would opt to become vegetariansafter witnessing the [animal] slaughtersas I did, but instead,I respected this process.”slaughters were actually a life-changing experiencefor me.As we know, Jews have very strict rules aboutthe way we kill our meat. Many would opt to becomevegetarians after witnessing the slaughters asI did, but instead, I respected this process. The freerangeanimals were killed humanely and treatedwith respect, even after death. The most amazingpart however, was that not a single part of the fouranimals went to waste. Jason and David were nottoo keen on the food (luckily they brought snacks),but I loved it.Uganda offered several other influential experiences,too, though none quite as graphic as theanimal butchering. For example, the water pressurein the shower was nothing more than a drip, and Ihad to keep my mouth shut because the tap wateris dangerous. Uganda is also a Malaria zone. Everynight we had to sleep under a mosquito net, andeveryday we had to cover ourselves in bug sprayand repellent creams. Shoes were an absolute must,for those who could afford them. I did not return withany of my shoes.The actual convention was amazing. Jewishyouth from all over Uganda and even parts of Kenyacame to participate. They were all so interested inlearning about Judaism, leadership, and especiallyIsrael, which they do not hear too much about.David, Jason, and I brought several programs andhelped to lead all of the convention activities.In addition to our programs, we brought clothes,sports equipment, and t’fillin for the community.Everyone was so grateful; many even sent thank younotes back home with us.Uganda was under-developed in a way that Ihad never witnessed; surprisingly, however, I neverfelt superior to the people there. In fact, in manyways I was jealous of their simple lifestyle. The Ugandansdo not depend on Facebook for entertainmentor play endless games to keep from getting bored.Ugandans cook as a community, eat as a community,travel as a community, and basically live as acommunity. I would have no problem living there; ofcourse, I can stomach the food.

6What Has USY Given Me?Sarah RaffHaGesher 2010-11 Israeli AffairsVice PresidentPhoto by Joshua Ull, HagalilSummertime RecruitmentEmily LevineHanegev USY 2010-2011 Executive andMembership/Kadima Vice PresidentMany of us think that once summer rolls around, our USYresponsibilities, just like our school responsibilities, are finally onpause for a few months. In some ways, this may be true; however,when it comes to recruitment of members, this may actuallybe one of the best times to get to work.Remember when you were younger and in order to sellthose Girl Scout cookies or get your community aware of something,you went door-to-door, trying to get their attention?When it comes to summer recruitment, those potential membersare harder to find because everyone is out getting tan.Texts, phone calls, and e-mails can go unnoticed with allthe fun happening, especially with many USYers at camps andon summer programs. Get a group of USYers who are in town,put together little goodie-bags filled with toys and candy (thiscan be cheap!), attatch a membership form for your chapter,and drive around (with the top down) handing out these gifts!This shows you are reaching out to these potential membersand actually care, so they can take the time to fill these out ontheir own. You can also deliver these to upcoming freshman toexcite and welcome them to USY.Another possible idea to keep up membership and recruitmentduring summer can be to have a mid-summer poolparty. Pool parties are easy programs to plan because allyou really need is a location and some yummy summer food!Whether five members show up or 40, those few members willbe affected by this one program.Make sure your chapters do not completely forget whatUSY is during the summer. Recruitment has so many levels andthe more effort you give into it by reaching out to membersand welcoming new ones, the more you get out of them.When it comes to members, the limit does not exist.USY has given me more then Icould have ever imagined. As a formermember of USY, my mom hoped that Itoo would take part in the organizationshe had loved so much. In 8th grade,she started pushing me to go to chapterevents, but I was uninterested. Finally, Icaved and went to my first USY event.While I can’t say I was immediately“hooked,” I was much more interested.Towards the end of camp that summer,my friend was pushing me to goto regional events. She said it would bea good way of being able to see eachother throughout the year. I relented. Allthrough middle school I had been bulliedand taken advantage of by peoplewho I thought were my friends. I wascoming into high school with very lowself-esteem and a lot of self-consciousness.I didn’t think I would find a placewhere I would feel completely comfortablewith myself and have full trust in thepeople I was with, and I never thoughtI would be able to speak in front ofpeople about something I cared about.As I have progressed through USY,I have found myself. I have found theperson I want to be. USY has given mefriends that I can trust and call anytimeand the strength and courage to speakmy mind in front of people.This April, I stood in front of HagesherUSY and gave a speech to run for regionalboard. I was running unopposed;but, it wasn’t the winning that was thegreatest accomplishment, it was whatI had overcome by standing up in frontof a lot of people and speaking from myheart.I have finally found a place wheremy voice is heard and people listen tome. The three years I have spent in USYhave been the best I can remember. Ihave only one year left now and, as sadas that makes me, I know I am not goinginto college alone. Unlike when I startedhigh school, I know who I am. For that, Iam forever grateful.

Keep in Touch with Judaism This SummerAllan HornHaNegev 2010-2011 Religion and Education Vice PresidentThere is a small town in Portugal by the nameof Belmonte. Nothing is particularly special aboutthis town. It doesn’t stand out for historic value orhave any large monuments. However, following theSpanish Inquisition during which Jews all over theIberian Peninsula were persecuted, Jews in Belmontechose to retain their faith. By operating in secrecy,and hiding all external signs of their beliefs, they wereable to maintain their faith for centuries. They lostconnection with the outside world, to the degreethat they believed themselves to be the last Jewson Earth. It was not until the 20th Century that theyfinally learned of the abundance of other Jews in theworld.So where does that leave us as commonUSYers? Well this year, as we all go on Summervacation and incredible trips to exotic locations, it is7imperative that we not forget Judaism. Think of theJews of Belmonte; what would you do if you thoughtyou were one of the last Jews on Earth, and it wasup to you to maintain our traditions? Judaism is nota seasonal thing, thus it shouldn’t fluctuate with USY,school, or vacation, but rather maintain a prominentplace in your life.No one is asking you to keep kosher, pray threetimes a day, and only study Torah all summer long. Asit says in Pirke Avot, “Run to (perform even) a ‘minor’mitzvah, and flee from sin, for one mitzvah leadsto another mitzvah, and one sin leads to anothersin,” (Chapter 4:2). Do a little thing each day; saythe Shema or spend an hour with the lights off onShabbat. Hopefully these little steps will continueto help us make sure that together, we all keepJudaism alive like the Jews of Belmonte.My IC ExperienceDavid HararyNERUSY, USY International Online Services ChairYou walk in after waiting in anticipation. You’re squished byhundreds of other kids, not knowing any of their names or where theyare from. You get in and look up. You see the immense room aroundyou. You close you’re eyes and listen to the shear madness thatsurrounds you. Welcome to IC.This was my first experience with International USY. IC 2009 inChicago can be summed up in one word: incredible. Getting to meethundreds of other Jewish teens from all across North America was trulyspecial. Although I never went on a USY summer program, I quickly meta ton of people.The part I loved most was the atmosphere. Everyone I saw had asmile from ear to ear throughout the convention. There were so manythings to see, so many things to enjoy, and so many people to meet.In Chicago, I hadthe chance to sing myheart out and show mypride for the land of Israel.In Chicago, I had thechance to create newfriendships that I know willlast my whole lifetime. USYgave me so much at ICthis past December. USYhas given me the chancePhoto by Hannah Van Der Stelt,Hanegevto be a leader, to seeincredible places, and tobe with incredible people.Get OnlineGet ConnectedFind informationabout ...USY on Wheels •USY Israel Pilgrimage• NATIV • USY High• USY InternationalConvention •USY Program Bank •613 Mitzvah Corps •Abraham Joshua HeschelHonor Society •HeChalutzim IsraelClub • Online Chats •and more!www.usy.org

8Did You Know?Camila SetaFar WestISRAEL! ISRAEL! ISRAEL! We hear controversial opinions all over the news about it, military storiesconstantly, political bullying 24/7, but enough is enough. Sometimes we need a break fromthe never-ending attacks on Israel and to learn some cool accomplishments of Medinat Yisrael!Check out these impressive statistics that Israel holds:- Israel contains 1/1000th of the world’s population.- Since its birth, Israel’s immigrant population has grown by 350 percent.- Israel is the only country that has revived an unspoken language.- 273 kilometers of Israel is beautiful coastline.- Israeli citizens are #1 in Nobel Prizes per capita.- With a life expectancy rate of 80.7 years, Israel has the 8th longest life expectancyrate in the world, topping that of the U.K., U.S., and Germany.- For three years in a row, Israeli films have been nominated for the AcademyAward’s Best Foreign Film.- Israel is the only country to have net gain of trees in this century- 93 percent of Israeli homes use solar energy to heat their water, the hightest percentagein the world.- Israel’s scientific research institutions rank 3rd in the world.- Israel has the 3rd highest rate of female entrepreneurs in the world.- Israel is the #1 country to attract venture capital investment per capita (30 times morethan Europe).Write for Achshav!Achshav! is always lookingfor USYers towrite articlesfor upcoming issues!Stay tuned for future announcements over USY listservsor on the USY website about themes, deadlines and more!Want More Information?If you are interested in writing, you find can out moreinformation by e-mailing your Achshav! Editorsat achshav@usy.org or by going to www.usy.org/achshav

zadly9Israel- Israel -Going to this place I’ve never beenYet heard so much aboutI’m extremely excitedWhile others are nervous to goIt may be a small placeYet many call it homeIt has more history than other places youwill goBeauty is not a question --From the Negev to the seaFrom the cities to the mountainsEverything is beautifulNow, it is time for me to experience allthis and moreBashana Haba’a!USY- USY -Who knew three letters could mean somuch?It’s a place to make friends --One’s that will last foreverIt’s a place to make memoriesIt’s a place to connect in many waysThree letters may stand for three wordsBut they mean so much moreHaving friends from all over the countryThey are there for youYou can be yourself --Don’t worry, they don’t judge --They accept youThree letters that simply meanAMAZING!Poems by Stephanie Goldstein, HanegevPhoto by Brian Dab, HanegevShare your Poetry, Prose, Photography,and Original Art forShalhevetUSY’s Creative Arts MagazineSubmissions are now being accepted and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Achshav!To find out more or share your creativity, contact your Shalhevet Editorat shalhevet@usy.org.

zadly11I Am SurroundedJesse NagelbergHagalilI am surroundedBy the treesAnd the lakeI am surroundedBy friends for yearsAnd ones from MondayI am surroundedBy our ruachAnd our prayersI am surroundedBy benches on a hillWith my other familyI am surroundedFor a whole weekWith Judaism, Love, and LaughterI am surroundedBy my regionBy my [USY]My Friday NightKabbalat ShabbatWith my [USY]“I am surroundedBy our ruachAnd our prayers.”A walk to theThe AmphitheaterAt sunsetI am surroundedBy friendships that will last foreverAnd memories that will last a life timeI am surroundedBy everythingI could ever hope forI am surroundedBy [USY] EncampmentFriday Night – “Kabb Shabb”I am surroundedAnd I am as happyAs I could ever bePhoto by Sam Kaplan, Hanegev

I C2 01 0USY60 th AnnualInternationalConventionORLANOHilton OrlandoDecember 26-30, 2010 **Programming starts with a regional Pre-Convention beginning onDecember 22 or 23. Check with your region for exact dates.DSOMETHINGFOR EVERYONEWalkin’ on SunshineLearn about Judaism and the Environment • SATO Eco FairLeadership training • Tri-Wizard TournamentFree-time by the Hilton pool and lazy riverCreative and inspiring tefillotUSY Summer Program and Ramah reunionsVisit the BRAND NEW Wizarding World of Harry Potter ®Exciting Regional Pre-Convention program in FloridaRESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!Click here for more information about IC2010,request an application, or reserve your spot!Deposits are being accepted now!www.USY.org/IC • usyconvention@uscj.org