Blog post June 27, 2011
One week ago, a group of 16 regional Religious and Cultural Vice Presidents arrived at Kutz Camp for their first round of training on the RCVP trip. They came with minds ready to be pushed, ideas ready to be dreamed up, and spirituality that was about to be challenged.
I had been on two of my own RCVP trips, and was well familiar with what it was like. I knew how I had felt, and I wanted to recreate those same feelings for the network that I could now officially call mine.
I must admit that I was nervous. I dreaded the thought of screwing up, having my network not like me, or not being able to provide the same benefits to them that I had been given. It turns out that these fears were unnecessary.
Within the first few hours, the group instantly formed a deep and meaningful connection. We weren’t just gathering to hang out or chill; we were coming together to do holy work, and to become closer as the teen spiritual leaders of our movement.
After an RCVP trip that was most definitely the best that I could have remembered, we headed into Mechina apprehensive about what we were going to do about staying together. It is easy to stay close when we are the only 17 people on camp. When there are 130 others, it can become more difficult. Again, these issues were averted, because of the tight bonds that we had already formed. I have never seen a group get as close as the RCVP family became in such a short time.
When I led services on Friday evening, the family sat in the front row. Each one of them took in the experience and saw what I was doing that they liked, what I was doing that they would change, and what I was doing that they had questions about. They made the service even more meaningful for me, which was just another of many times when they moved my spirituality levels up several notches.
As we head into the year as a network, I cannot stop repeating the same phrase: “We will accomplish great things.” I hope that, over our terms, we each can have a profound impact on our regions, nations, and movement, so as to better create the end goal that we are so constantly grappling for. I am excited to see the extent to which we can make a difference in the lives of our participants.
Our job is to push others to reach their maximum height. I was pushed this weekend to reach farther than I have ever done before. If the regional RCVPs were able to push me as far as they did, I can only imagine where they will push their own regions.
May it be God’s will.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
June 8
I recently made the very bad decision of looking up "NFTY" on UrbanDictionary.com. For those of you who don't know, Urban Dictionary is a website that gives real life definitions for popularly used words (including all slang and abbreviations and any other commonly used diction.
That being said, on my particular inquiry, I got several definitions for the acronym NFTY. The first few were mainly biased in a positive direction. Things like "the best organization for Jewish youth" and the likes, which just further demonstrates the passion for the movement that the members have. The next few definitions, however, quickly switched biases. These now included phrases like "they suck" and "an epic failure." What came along with this was remarks like "Organization X is a little better than Y, but still sucks in comparison to Z."
When I then went on to check the two other Jewish organizations that are prevalent in our area, I found similar results on BBYO and USY's pages. The first few, glowing remarks; the last few, hateful and slandering.
What I don't understand is why there is such a nasty relationship on the internet between these groups. In some regards there is very little competition between them, as NFTY is a Reform movement, and USY is Conservative, while BBYO is intentionally non-denominational.
The real issue I have with this, though, is in the hate that emanates from it. While this subtle "screwing around" is just for fun, it actually hits a very core issue in American Judaism. We, as a people, have experiences generations of hatred and antisemitism. We experienced slavery in Egypt, the Inquisition, and the Holocaust. These acts of horror against Jews all came from ignorance and cruelty. Why is it, then, that we, within our own faith, are now bashing on another, simply in the act of putting another organization at the top of the pile?
I cannot speak for any organization, although I will attempt to speak for my fellow NFTYites. I have many friends in both of the other organizations, and I have always appreciated the good work that they are doing. Although I would love to see everyone participate in NFTY because of how awe-inspiring it is, I would rather someone was involved in SOME FORM of Jewish participation than none at all.
All of this being said, I am calling for the end to the meaningless badmouthing that goes on between the groups. I, personally, will refuse to say anything untrue or unquantifiable about an organization, especially one I have no experience with. I also call for a collective effort to bring Judaism into the public light as a movement of peace, friendship and love, working to eliminate petty cruelty and bullying.
May it be God's Will
That being said, on my particular inquiry, I got several definitions for the acronym NFTY. The first few were mainly biased in a positive direction. Things like "the best organization for Jewish youth" and the likes, which just further demonstrates the passion for the movement that the members have. The next few definitions, however, quickly switched biases. These now included phrases like "they suck" and "an epic failure." What came along with this was remarks like "Organization X is a little better than Y, but still sucks in comparison to Z."
When I then went on to check the two other Jewish organizations that are prevalent in our area, I found similar results on BBYO and USY's pages. The first few, glowing remarks; the last few, hateful and slandering.
What I don't understand is why there is such a nasty relationship on the internet between these groups. In some regards there is very little competition between them, as NFTY is a Reform movement, and USY is Conservative, while BBYO is intentionally non-denominational.
The real issue I have with this, though, is in the hate that emanates from it. While this subtle "screwing around" is just for fun, it actually hits a very core issue in American Judaism. We, as a people, have experiences generations of hatred and antisemitism. We experienced slavery in Egypt, the Inquisition, and the Holocaust. These acts of horror against Jews all came from ignorance and cruelty. Why is it, then, that we, within our own faith, are now bashing on another, simply in the act of putting another organization at the top of the pile?
I cannot speak for any organization, although I will attempt to speak for my fellow NFTYites. I have many friends in both of the other organizations, and I have always appreciated the good work that they are doing. Although I would love to see everyone participate in NFTY because of how awe-inspiring it is, I would rather someone was involved in SOME FORM of Jewish participation than none at all.
All of this being said, I am calling for the end to the meaningless badmouthing that goes on between the groups. I, personally, will refuse to say anything untrue or unquantifiable about an organization, especially one I have no experience with. I also call for a collective effort to bring Judaism into the public light as a movement of peace, friendship and love, working to eliminate petty cruelty and bullying.
May it be God's Will
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 25
Barack Obama really screwed his campaign yesterday. To say politely, he infuriated most of the Jewish population within the country.
This frustration comes from Obama's comments on Israel's borders. He suggested that Israel return land to the Palestinians in an attempt for peace, giving up land taken by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. To say that this was received badly is an understatement.
The war was an example of extreme hostility toward the State of Israel, as well as Judaism as a whole. We demonstrated our determination and might as a people by not only fending off the opposing troops, but also taking new land.
Obama proposing peace negotiations in the Middle East is excellent. For him to offer his exterior perspective on the matter was also potentially helpful, especially in the hopes of offering a moderating voice to the clamor of biased voices. The problem, though, has everything to do with two problems: wording and timing.
First, wording was a challenge. Obama was proposing changes that many would scoff at. The reason: many found it inappropriate that he was trying to influence a part of the world that was not under his control. Why is it that the US needs to get involved in a problem that doesn't effect them, especially when the US is siding with the "opposing" side of the war.
Now, from a timing perspective, Obama really goofed up. We are a year and a half away from an election year. Throwing the Israelis under the bus so close to his bid for reelection is not a good plan, especially when so many Jewish voters are willing to chip in with campaign contributions.
This frustration comes from Obama's comments on Israel's borders. He suggested that Israel return land to the Palestinians in an attempt for peace, giving up land taken by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. To say that this was received badly is an understatement.
The war was an example of extreme hostility toward the State of Israel, as well as Judaism as a whole. We demonstrated our determination and might as a people by not only fending off the opposing troops, but also taking new land.
Obama proposing peace negotiations in the Middle East is excellent. For him to offer his exterior perspective on the matter was also potentially helpful, especially in the hopes of offering a moderating voice to the clamor of biased voices. The problem, though, has everything to do with two problems: wording and timing.
First, wording was a challenge. Obama was proposing changes that many would scoff at. The reason: many found it inappropriate that he was trying to influence a part of the world that was not under his control. Why is it that the US needs to get involved in a problem that doesn't effect them, especially when the US is siding with the "opposing" side of the war.
Now, from a timing perspective, Obama really goofed up. We are a year and a half away from an election year. Throwing the Israelis under the bus so close to his bid for reelection is not a good plan, especially when so many Jewish voters are willing to chip in with campaign contributions.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 20 (NFTY 6)
I couldn't have talked about my NFTY experience without talking about my board. Alyssa, Stevie and Danny, you three were amazing as juniors on board. Having these three to be there to support me was incredible. I often thought that, as juniors, it was my job to look after you and back you up. It turns out nobody had my back better. Leah, as a first year senior, was equally incredible at throwing herself into not one but two positions and doing them with grace and respect. I can only hope that I have impacted her as much as she impacted me.
Finally are those three that I mentioned earler. Jaren, Elyse, and Naomi, who I have served two years with. Elyse has been there my entire Jewish life, and I can easily see her as the president of the Congregation at which I am Rabbi. Naomi so quickly became an important part of my life. After hours on the phone and conversations sitting on the bimah, I know she will be an amazing leader for the future, as well as an amazing friend.
Last but not least there is Jaren. Jaren is the one who has grown the most. I have never seen a young, irresponsible boy turn into an honorable, dedicated man so quickly. I have spent the most time with him and can't possibly see my future without him as a friend .Although this is not true for many, Jaren is truly the type of leader who needs no title to make great change.
There have been countless people along the way who assisted and inspired me in my NFTY life. What I realized is most important, though, was that NFTY is not an event based youth organization. In reality, NFTY is an enlightened state of being. We don't have to stop being NFTYites just because we have graduated from the program. The life-lessons, experiences, and aspirations we get can continue to impact us as we proceed into our adult lives and beyond. The Jewish people has a long history of strength, passion, and love. We, as NFTYites, have been prepared to carry the torch and move Judaism into a bright future.
May it be God's will.
Finally are those three that I mentioned earler. Jaren, Elyse, and Naomi, who I have served two years with. Elyse has been there my entire Jewish life, and I can easily see her as the president of the Congregation at which I am Rabbi. Naomi so quickly became an important part of my life. After hours on the phone and conversations sitting on the bimah, I know she will be an amazing leader for the future, as well as an amazing friend.
Last but not least there is Jaren. Jaren is the one who has grown the most. I have never seen a young, irresponsible boy turn into an honorable, dedicated man so quickly. I have spent the most time with him and can't possibly see my future without him as a friend .Although this is not true for many, Jaren is truly the type of leader who needs no title to make great change.
There have been countless people along the way who assisted and inspired me in my NFTY life. What I realized is most important, though, was that NFTY is not an event based youth organization. In reality, NFTY is an enlightened state of being. We don't have to stop being NFTYites just because we have graduated from the program. The life-lessons, experiences, and aspirations we get can continue to impact us as we proceed into our adult lives and beyond. The Jewish people has a long history of strength, passion, and love. We, as NFTYites, have been prepared to carry the torch and move Judaism into a bright future.
May it be God's will.
May 17 (NFTY 5)
As my final moments in NFTY came, I saw my senior circle come into view. Four times I had seen NFTY seniors walk around the circle and talk about how NFTY had changed their life. I was to be the thrid to last speaker, coming right before Beth (the regional advisor) and Naomi (my regional president).
Before I had the chance to go, I listened to four different people tell me that I had made the most significant impact on their NFTY lives. I still, exactly a month later, can't believe how much these people mean to me, and can't possibly understand the impact that I have had on them. I wanted to be their friend, and if I was anything more, I am lucky. I am so moved to have touched them in any way.
It finally became my turn to speak. I took some time to thank certain people around me. I also talked about how important the advisers were. I thought about how amazing it is that we have advisers. How many other high school kids have one adviser, let alone multiple?
My last and most important point was about how NFTY had impacted me. I told the group that I saw NFTY as life-practice. I had the opportunity to see what it would be like to be a Rabbi, what it is like to interact with congregants, and what it is like to communicate with God.
I was forced to end my senior circle address quickly because I was being pinched for time. THat is the basis for why I started to write this series (or a saga at this point). I wanted to be able to have a real conclusion to my time.
Before I had the chance to go, I listened to four different people tell me that I had made the most significant impact on their NFTY lives. I still, exactly a month later, can't believe how much these people mean to me, and can't possibly understand the impact that I have had on them. I wanted to be their friend, and if I was anything more, I am lucky. I am so moved to have touched them in any way.
It finally became my turn to speak. I took some time to thank certain people around me. I also talked about how important the advisers were. I thought about how amazing it is that we have advisers. How many other high school kids have one adviser, let alone multiple?
My last and most important point was about how NFTY had impacted me. I told the group that I saw NFTY as life-practice. I had the opportunity to see what it would be like to be a Rabbi, what it is like to interact with congregants, and what it is like to communicate with God.
I was forced to end my senior circle address quickly because I was being pinched for time. THat is the basis for why I started to write this series (or a saga at this point). I wanted to be able to have a real conclusion to my time.
May 17 (NFTY 4)
For my North American time to begin, my regional life needed to end. For me, I have become active in both my home region, CAR, as well as NFTY-NO. I went to NO's Spring Kallah, so that I could have the chance to say goodbye to my "colder" friends.
At this event, I was able to grow closer with the people who I had always known, but got to know on an even better level. This made the NFTY weekend quite possibly the best of my life. I had more pure fun than ever before. I can't thank NFTY-NO enough for welcoming me into their community with open arms.
For so long I had looked forward to NFTY events. Now, though, I was not looking forward to KOLBO at all. Despite my amazing opportunity to remain in NFTY for an extra year, I still had to say goodbye to my region and all of my friends in it.
As we began the event, I quickly realized how good I had gotten at thinking logistically. I was able to square away details several hours before it was needed, and felt good about the services I was putting out. During the service Saturday morning, I felt as though my community had come together in prayer, and that we had created something truly magical.
It was Saturday night that my most significant moment of leadership occurred. During elections, a young man was elected to be the new NFTY-CAR RCVP. I had officially found my successor and had subsequently been replaced. This was the first time I had had a successor (I was my own last year), and was quite moved by it. Both of the candidates for the position were amazing and will be spiritual leaders within our community. I am lucky to say that I feel confident that I have left the region that I love in good hands.
At this event, I was able to grow closer with the people who I had always known, but got to know on an even better level. This made the NFTY weekend quite possibly the best of my life. I had more pure fun than ever before. I can't thank NFTY-NO enough for welcoming me into their community with open arms.
For so long I had looked forward to NFTY events. Now, though, I was not looking forward to KOLBO at all. Despite my amazing opportunity to remain in NFTY for an extra year, I still had to say goodbye to my region and all of my friends in it.
As we began the event, I quickly realized how good I had gotten at thinking logistically. I was able to square away details several hours before it was needed, and felt good about the services I was putting out. During the service Saturday morning, I felt as though my community had come together in prayer, and that we had created something truly magical.
It was Saturday night that my most significant moment of leadership occurred. During elections, a young man was elected to be the new NFTY-CAR RCVP. I had officially found my successor and had subsequently been replaced. This was the first time I had had a successor (I was my own last year), and was quite moved by it. Both of the candidates for the position were amazing and will be spiritual leaders within our community. I am lucky to say that I feel confident that I have left the region that I love in good hands.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May 1
Today was Yom Hashoa, Holocaust Memorial Day, across the world. Our hearts joined together to remember those who had so unfairly lost their lives, and to commemorate their lives, despite the hardship that goes with it.
In Israel, it is on Yom Hashoa that, at a specified time during the day, the entire country shuts down for a moment. One single minute is dedicated completely and totally to silence, with the world bowing its head in mourning. This moment, which I hope to one day experience, is so moving simply to hear about, that it shakes the very fibers of one's being.
It is on this day that we remember those who perished at the hands of monsters. I have heard many mourn the 6 million who died in the Jewish Holocaust. This number, however, is not nearly enough. In truth, we must mourn over 12 million people. We must mourn all who died in this horrible time, not simply those who were Jewish. It does not matter what faith a person was; in the end, all life is precious, and far too many were stripped away.
Yom Hashoa is a sad day. Yet it is an even sadder day when we know that this type of hatred still exists today. We cannot forget those who walk among us who continue to be persecuted because of their religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, or sexual preferences. We cannot continue to ignore those who beg for freedom, yet still have none. We cannot blindly pass those who are in need of our strength.
As Jews, it is our job to remember so vividly the horrors that plagued 6 million of our own people, and to assist those who are still suffering. We were once slaves in the land of Egypt, so we are no strangers to the feeling of pain that comes with being hated. It is our job to extend our hands in love, to aid those who have forgotten what it feels like to be loved.
Zichronam L'vracha. May their memories be for a blessing.
In Israel, it is on Yom Hashoa that, at a specified time during the day, the entire country shuts down for a moment. One single minute is dedicated completely and totally to silence, with the world bowing its head in mourning. This moment, which I hope to one day experience, is so moving simply to hear about, that it shakes the very fibers of one's being.
It is on this day that we remember those who perished at the hands of monsters. I have heard many mourn the 6 million who died in the Jewish Holocaust. This number, however, is not nearly enough. In truth, we must mourn over 12 million people. We must mourn all who died in this horrible time, not simply those who were Jewish. It does not matter what faith a person was; in the end, all life is precious, and far too many were stripped away.
Yom Hashoa is a sad day. Yet it is an even sadder day when we know that this type of hatred still exists today. We cannot forget those who walk among us who continue to be persecuted because of their religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, or sexual preferences. We cannot continue to ignore those who beg for freedom, yet still have none. We cannot blindly pass those who are in need of our strength.
As Jews, it is our job to remember so vividly the horrors that plagued 6 million of our own people, and to assist those who are still suffering. We were once slaves in the land of Egypt, so we are no strangers to the feeling of pain that comes with being hated. It is our job to extend our hands in love, to aid those who have forgotten what it feels like to be loved.
Zichronam L'vracha. May their memories be for a blessing.
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