Get up, we gotta go!” shouted my sister. We were going to spend the day in Oklahoma to help the victims of the tornado. We were going to help people, strangers we never met, who lost their homes and provide …
NCSY Blogs
Josh Rosenbaum
Josh Rosenbaum – New England NCSY Today was one of the toughest days of my life. As I sat in Navi class this afternoon, I heard the voice of my principal over the loudspeaker. “Off campus privileges are hereby suspended until …
Ofir Afenzar
Ofir Afenzar – Atlantic Seaboard NCSY Growing up in Fountainville, PA had its ups and down. Waking up to the rural landscape every morning and a wide open field is an up. Then, there is the down side: there were …
Armed With Knowledge
AIPAC was a three-day experience that changed my outlook on Israel’s role not just the Jewish realm, but the world at large. Going into AIPAC, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have always been “Pro-Israel,” but I did not …
I Can Make a Difference
Today opened up with a bang. We got to hear from numerous senators and congressmen. Moreover, we had the unique opportunity to hear from Vice President Joe Biden and the Prime Minister of Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu. From Joe Biden we …
Storming Capitol Hill
Now that I’m back in St. Louis, I have a chance to reflect on AIPAC. Coming in, I didn’t know what to expect. But between the breakout sessions and the lobbying, I found a part of the conference that was …
An Unexpected Day
Unlike Day 1, which started with breakout sessions and ended with speeches, Day 2 had the opposite configuration. The day started off with multiple security screenings (thanks Mr. Vice President), which was because Joe Biden gave a rousing speech about …
What it Means to be Born a Jew: Final Words From Yarchei Kallah 2012
I’m sitting at home now, reflecting on the powerful journey that was Yarchei Kallah. The final run of the trip took place in Teaneck New Jersey, where I was able to stay with an incredible family. Yarchei Kallah Shabbat was like …
The People of The Book
There was a really interesting portion of Yarchei Kallah yesterday afternoon involving Judaic books. I never really had the chance to acquire any Jewish literature, but we were able to receive two books of choice thanks to Touro College. Additionally, …
When All is Said and Done: Final Words From Yarchei Kallah 2012
On Tuesday morning, I set out on an indescribable adventure to Yarchei Kallah 2012. Thankfully, I have still have one left to look forward to, being a junior in high school, and I would say that I’m not sure this …
Shabbos With 300 of my Best Friends
For the past year, I’ve been waiting for Yarchei Kallah, but even more so for shabbos Yarchei Kallah. Kabbalat Shabbat a year ago was the pivotal moment that really changed me as a person. I come from a town of …