Hi everyone!
On May 8th and 9th, 2016, we’ll be welcoming the new Jewish month of Iyar! Our monthly Rosh Chodesh updates will give you a spark of inspiration, and the TOP THREE moments that stood out to us from Regions all over NCSY. Get excited, will your region be featured next?!
Sparks of Inspiration!
Iyar is a roller coaster of emotions. Smack in the middle of Sefirat Ha’Omer, a time designated for mourning and sadness in memory of the mishnaic Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students who died, this month bounces back and forth from sad memorials to happy celebrations. From Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day), to the celebratory Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), Iyar keeps bouncing from happiness to sadness, from mourning to celebration. During Sefirat Ha’Omer, it is customary for one to focus on developing their moral character. Each day of the Omer correlates to a different trait, using this time before Shavuot to build ourselves as individuals of true moral fiber. The fact that Iyar is a month of reliving past experiences of the Jewish people, both the good and the bad, and simultaneously a time of improving one’s character, can teach us how to truly build a comprehensive moral character, one that flourishes in both times of success and struggle.
NCSY Highlights!
NCSY is not just in your town, but it’s an international movement, inspiring and affecting teens just like ourselves all over the world. Check out some of our favorite moments from this past month…
- Valley NCSY hosted the largest Latte N’ Learning in West Coast NCSY history, attracting over 100 teens to their weekly learning event at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Way to go, Valley NCSYers, keep up the good work!
- National NCSY just came out with “Just One: The Official Haggaddah of NCSY.” It’s chock-full of relevant takes on traditional ideas, and truly an inspirational read both at the seder, and after! Check it out here.
- New Jersey NCSY hosted its annual Chol HaMoed Pesach fundraiser at Six Flags! NCSYers and families alike enjoyed a fun day of recreation, kosher for Passover concessions, and a special Pesach concert!
So there you have it, some inspiration, and an update on outstanding NCSY happenings around the world! Stay tuned for next month’s update!
– National Board 2015-2016