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 week can be topped, but I believe that NCSY can do anything. I saw so many people inspired to, if not become more involved in Judaism, at least become better people, and that is simply beautiful.
At havdallah, as Rabbi Yaakov Glasser was speaking about Yosef Mendelovitch, I realized that we were going home the next day (Upstate stays the night in Teaneck and leaves Sunday morning), but I also realized that that didn’t mean Yarchei Kallah was over. Yarchei Kallah continues in the memories, the Facebook posts, the friendships and the new commitments that everyone made. It continues because while, as Rabbi Burg said, inspiration is fleeting, it can always be recreated. Inspiration is like a candle, that once lit can burn out, or can transfer the light to a new candle. And after experiencing the best week of my life, my candle of inspiration has been relit for a long time.
One of the best thing about my Yarchei Kallah experience was being able to meet so many amazing people from all over America and Canada, who I could connect to just because we had one fact in common – we love Judaism. While many people over Yarchei Kallah praised us for giving up our free time to learn Torah, I think that they ignored a simple fact, that everyone was there because they wanted to be.
“While everyone has challenges in their lives, Yarchei Kallah is the best motivation to overcome them.”
Speaking for myself, I came on Yarchei Kallah last year because I was curious about Judaism, and wanted a connection. I returned to strengthen my inspiration and continue learning about my heritage. I didn’t give up my break, because this was my break from public school and everyday life, and one of the most incredible dynamics of Yarchei Kallah is that it provides an opportunity for regular public schoolers to experience something so extraordinary.
I don’t think I can express how much this week inspired me. While everyone has challenges in their lives, Yarchei Kallah is the best motivation to overcome them. I urge everyone I met to keep in touch, because you are all the best people in the world. Thanks for an amazing week, and I’m already counting down to next year.
Adele Lerner
Regional Historian, Upstate NY NCSY
Junior, Vestal High School