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YJ Celebrates 100 Years ... in June 2009! |
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Would you like to get involved with the planning or any other stage of the 100th anniversary celebrations of YJ? Do you have ideas for reconnecting alumni?
** YJ is looking for photographs, histories, dissertations or other memorabilia about Young Judaea over the years. Please contact alumni relations. |
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Seventy YC '77-'78 Participants Reunite in NYC |
By Lauren Lowenthal Gerard The excitement had started months, or maybe even a year before the weekend. But once the dates were set, the flood of emotions, the strong bonds of friendship and the teen behavior (well, let's face it - that didn't take much) all came rushing back! Although it was tough to find a weekend that worked with everyone's schedule, 70 of us came together to rekindle the sparks of friendship that so completely absorbed our youth. Young Judaea gave us that bond and Year Course cemented it.  During Friday night dinner, we talked and got reacquainted with each other. It was so great to reconnect that we 'yucked it up' at the hotel until 3:00 that morning! To be sure we were a rowdy bunch (must have been all those Texans) and being asked to leave the hotel due to our decibel level was simply on par for this group! The photo albums were out as we passed them around sharing all of our precious memories.
Right: The group in Central Park
Saturday morning rolled around and some weather prayers had been answered; it was the most beautiful day in NYC! Sunshine and a very blue sky was the perfect backdrop for us to enjoy just hanging out and being together in Central Park. We all took lots of pictures while we walked and talked ... It was reminiscent of how we spent our time together in Israel too! Just being with each other was intoxicating. It's pretty amazing to spend time with people many of whom you haven't seen in 30 years and yet not feel that gap in time when it comes to those friendships. That's what was so very special to me. To be able to be myself and to feel the same sort of acceptance as I felt when I was with all of these friends so many years ago. So many of our friendships preceded YC and and had started at CYJ and TY. If you do the math, many of our friendships blossomed more than 35 years ago. Ultimately, we split up in a variety of groups and went are own way for the afternoon.
We just couldn't get enough time with each other. On Saturday night, we had such a blast at a bar called Havana Central owned by a Judaean. The drinks were flowing, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was well, it was Party Central!!! Not to be outdone by our 3:00 in the morning soiree on Friday night, we were sure to move in to the 4:00 AM realm on Saturday.
Below: Southern Region Year Course participants
 It was all happening too fast though. We just had the chance to reconnect and before you knew it Sunday morning was upon us and groups were getting together one last time to go have breakfast. Personally- I had a friend come in to the city on Sunday morning to visit. His coming to see us is a great example of the strength of Judaean born friendships because this friend only went to camp at TY one year and did not go on Year Course. But bonds were formed and friendships endured and that's what we all took away from this weekend I think. The enduring, life long friendships and ties that we feel for each other. I trust that those of you who've experienced Year Course have similar feelings. How lucky we've all been to be scattered around the world and to come together as a unit to share our lives once again. It's been said that no other relationships have been as significant as the ones shared through our Young Judaean experience. I agree. The time spent with my friends in YJ & YC holds my most cherished memories. We initially decided that our next reunion would be in 5 years in New Orleans, but no sooner did people get home and back to their lives when the emails started flying. Basically, 5 years is just way too long. So, you may see a journal entry from one of us again and a lot sooner than 5 years from now!! To all my buds who will see this in the alumni newsletter, I love you all. I miss you and I'll always cherish the time we've spent together. Sounds cliché, maybe sounds corny- but  what can I say? It's easy to speak from the heart when talking about this bunch. Love from one of the infamous Texas girls. - Lauren Lowenthal Gerard
(Left to Right): Roommates Reunite, Robin Mendelson, Annette Stern Kushner, Lynn Hoberman Yeffet
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| Alumni Profile: Dr. Rachel Schonberger |
 Rachel Schonberger, M.D., Physician, Emerita Professor Emory Medical School; National Chair of Hadassah Physicians' Council, incoming Southeastern Region President, Currently living in Atlanta, GA
Young Judaea Programs: Tel Yehudah ('56-58); YJ National Board ('58-59); club member in Philadelphia
Favorite Memories from Young Judaea: The friendships; the sense of belonging; I grew up in an intensely Zionist, politically savvy, secular home, but attended Hebrew School starting at age 6. TY allowed me to discover more about traditional Jewish practice and made me a more knowledgeable Zionist; Israeli dancing; meeting Jews from all over the country and Puerto Rico.
How has your Young Judaea experience impacted your life today? Tel Yehudah taught me that being a Jew creates unity of peoplehood out of diversity. The pride and confidence it instilled in me as a person were reinforced by my experiences in Young Judaea in Philadelphia. Those lessons last a lifetime. They survive the growth that comes in college as you are challenged to think deeply about your beliefs, and as you make life choices in pursuing a profession, establishing a marriage and raising children.
As an adult, moving to a new city, I chose affiliation with Hadassah as a way to establish a Jewish life in a new community. I knew that in Hadassah, there would be people who shared my priorities and commitments. Meeting friends in other venues, I always knew that if they were members of Hadassah, there would be a connection that went beyond the superficial of geographic proximity.
Hadassah connects me to Israel and to Jews throughout the world. In the spirit of Henrietta, it is the way I can combine my professional training with a practical expression of my Zionism. As much as I credit my parents, the nurturing and education that I experienced in YJ and TY were pivotal in getting me here.
Did your Young Judaea experience encourage you to visit or have closer ties to Israel? Yes. I wanted to go on Year Course, but my mother would not let me. I went to Israel the first time in 1954 at age 12 with my parents. It left an indelible imprint on me. I have returned to Israel multiple times - with my family and alone - and go there every chance I get.
To learn more about Dr. Rachel Schonberger, and to read profiles of other Young Judaea alumni, please visit our website. Please email alumni relations to be profiled! |
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Where Are You Now? I Am ... |
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Barbara Sills Gelman -- Thank you for your wonderful newsletter and all the work that it entails! I participated in Tel Yehudah in 1960 and the 1962 Year Course and not only discovered myself and Israel, but also many relatives unknown to my family at the time. I was able to bring my grandfather together with his long-lost half sisters who made aliyah from Russia after WWll and continue my relationship with the growing family in Israel throughout the years. After multiple trips to Israel, my husband and I will soon attend yet another wedding in Israel in September of my cousin's son! We entertained them in our home last May, and delight that e-mail keeps us close.
For all this enrichment, I thank Young Judaea! My studies in Israel gave me the opportunity, when I returned to share with the community. My husband and I just retired from "80 years" (combined!) of teaching at our synagogue! I now work at The Foundation for Jewish Studies, promoting adult education programs in the Washington, DC area, and we are completing 37 years of Havurah Study Group involvement with lifelong friends.
Susan and David Galler (TY 67-70, YC 70-71, Madrich TY 72, 73) -- After a lifetime in Boston, we moved to Miami 3 years ago. I am in touch with Lisa Leichter Treister who is also in Miami, but would love to know about other Judaeans in the Miami area.
My girls Emma and Molly, now 19 and 23, were also very active in Young Judaea. Both were regional presidents in NE and attended Sprout Lake and TY. Emma is now president of the Hillel at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Love to hear from people from my chevrah. Yours, David GallerSybil Kaplan (National Hadassah Board Member; Young Judaea Summer Leaders Course 1957; TY '58, YJ at Camp Herzl '59) has just published two children's books --"Passover Seder" and "A Picnic for Lag b'Omer." They are available directly from her, at syb1023@aol.com.
Richard Kantor (CJ '64-65) -- I am the former Waterfront Director of Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, NC (1964-68). I live in Jerusalem and am a lawyer here. I just retired from government service-17 years - having been the Chief Prosecutor for the Tax Authority in the Jerusalem District.
I have 12 grandchildren, all born in Israel. It is almost needless to say that my Young Judaea experience played a major role in making Aliyah. Young Judaea needs never to forget that first and foremost it is a Zionist organization meant to promote Aliyah to Israel. If any Young Judaean comes to Jerusalem, I would be happy to meet with him or her or them. My best wishes to all of my fellow Judaeans. Richard Kantor
Dr. Sharon Zadanoff (YC '80-81) -- Served as Therapist for Cameron Diaz and was featured in Parade Magazine
Q My friend says Cameron Diaz has a personal aromatherapist when she shoots a film. I say no way. Who wins? -B. Jones, Pittsburgh, Pa.
A Your friend. "I began working with Dr. Sharon Zadanoff years ago," says Diaz, who took her on location for Charlie's Angels. "Her combination of aromatherapy, acupuncture and massage is the most effective treat-ment for my body. She's heaven-sent." Or did she mean heaven scent? |
| YJ Alumni: Lost And Found |
| Are you in touch with these alumni? Email alumni@youngjudaea.org ... their friends are looking for them!
- Andi Mendelson
- Ari Fox
- Steve Klein
Year Course 1972-1973: Robin Berenbaum, Linda Berman, Laurie Bernardo, Jan Bronston, Hannah Cohen, Karen Dubrow, Brian Edlin, Caren Epp, Nancy Field, Carrie Glick, Myra Goldfarb, Stephen Goldfarb, Beth Green, Judith Lebow, Susan Pepper, Robin Rosenbaum, Bonnie Rubin, Linda Schiff, Susan Scheier, Barbara Schulman, Pamela (Wolfsy) Firestone |
| Alumni Memories & Photographs ... Over The Years |
Their own alumni reunion (Left):
Jon Scilken, left, (YC '84-85, Sprout Lake and CYJ Texas Staff, TOL Regional Sr. Advisor) played 'fieldtripper' at an ofie/tsofie meeting led by Dan Jacobs, right, (National Bogrim Programmer, TY Staff) and Cindy (Soffar) Jacobs (YC '80-81, TOL Regional Director, TY Staff, Camp Mom at Sprout Lake) in Peabody MA. Dan and Cindy met while working at Tel Yehudah.
Submitted by Cindy Jacobs
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Upcoming Alumni Events |
Save The Date: Monday, July 14th - Alumni Reception, Hadassah Convention, Los Angeles
Year Course 1987-1988 -- May 24-25, 2008 in New York City. Did you participate on YC in 1987-1988? Come to NYC from May 24-25 for a reunion! Contact Mimi Gaber for details. There is also a Google group set-up so contact Mimi to be connected! ALSO, if you attended Tel Yehudah or participated on Year Course within 10 years of 1987, you're invited to join on Saturday Night @ 9:00 PM. Email Mimi for details.
Tel Yehudah -- July 27, 2008 -- Did you go to Tel Yehudah? Celebrate the completion of Tel Yehudah's new swimming pool! For details email friendsofty@campty.com.
CYJ Midwest Alumni Reunion -- August 16-17, 2008, Chicago - Recapture the flag and the best summers of your life by joining us for a reunion! It will begin with a reception on August 16th in Chicago, followed by a trip to CYJ Midwest in Waupaca on Sunday, August 17th. Register Today!
Want to Plan or Participate In Your Reunion?
Year Course 1978-1979: Please contact YJ Alumni Relations or Lisa Aiden if you're interested in reconnecting with friends from Year Course. A reunion might be in the works . . . To begin reconnecting now, join the Facebook group.
Sprout Lake Staff from the 1980s: Did you work at Sprout Lake in the 1980s? If so, and you want to reconnect with other staff, email Alumni Relations. A reunion is being planned.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Year Course 1958-1959! Please contact Alumni Relations if you're interested in learning more.
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| Alumni Lifecycle Events |
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Tell YJ about your lifecycle events (or call 212-303-4589)!
- Alon (Director, WUJS Arad) and Joni Friedman annouce the birth of their daughter, Kamah, on April 18, 2008.
- Dan (Director Regional Programs, YJ) and Tish Cardonick announce the birth of their daughter, Allison Helen on April 21, 2008.
- Drs. Nadine Cohen (TY 89-91 TY staff 93-95; Rhode Island chapter advisor 94-95; Junior Year Plus 95-96) and Steven Dickstein are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Madeline Joy Dickstein (in Hebrew: Meital Shulamit) on April 4, 2008.
- Todd and Rina (nee Mendelowitz) Tilzer (Sprout '83-89, TY '90-94, YC '94-95) announce the birth of their daughter, Ari Rivka Tilzer on April 25, 2008.
Engagements
- Albert Rubinsky (CYJ Texas '91-'96; TY '97,'99; Machon '98; YC '00-01; CYJ-Texas Staff '99-'04 ) and Missy Kramer (YC '00-01; Sprout Lake Staff '01, CYJ-Texas Staff '02, '04). The wedding will be held March 1st, 2009 in Austin, TX.
- Eric Ross (YC '96-97) and Jaime Glogovsky. The wedding will be held in South Florida near the end of 2008.
- Ido Benvenisti (TY Staff '01-05, YC Staff '01-'06, Shaliach) and Suzanne Patt (CYJ Texas, TY, National Mazkirut '96, YC '97, TY Staff '05) will be married winter 2009 in Israel.
- Kara Bergeron (CYJ, TY '95-96, Machon '97, TY Staff '99) and Jacob Kantrow announce their engagement. They will be married in August 2008.
For more than 50 years, Fran Alexander has been the dynamic force behind Northern California's vibrant Young Judaea programs. Perhaps her most outstanding achievement was finding, soliciting the funding for, and purchasing the Young Judaea Camp in St. Helena, California. Fran's efforts resulted in an unsurpassed YJ camping experience for thousands of young Jews.
On May 4, 2008 Berkeley Hadassah honored Fran as our Woman of Valor. The money raised from this event will establish the F ran & Ernie Alexander Young Judaea Scholarship Endowment, to be used for Young Judaea Year Course and camper scholarships. If you'd like to make a donation in Fran's honor, please contact Linda Walker or by calling 510 525 5074. |
| Alumni Story: YJ Inspiration |
Finding Out How I Made A Difference, By Robert Levine
For the past seven years I served as Master of Ceremonies at the Israel Dance Festival at Lincoln Center in New York and had the pleasure of introducing Temple Israel of Albany's outstanding dance troupes. Herb Cohen, a folk dance teacher at the synagogue, had danced at some of the Festivals and in the past seven years I had enjoyed meeting Herb and his wife each year and exchanging some warm pleasantries.
In early October I received a telephone call from Rabbi Paul Silton, the spiritual leader of Temple Israel inviting me as Chairman of the Board of the Israel Dance Institute, to make a presentation to Herb Cohen who was to be honored at the Temple's annual dinner.
My wife felt that it would be very nice for me to make the presentation but that the drive to and from Albany, which would take between five to six hours, would be stressful and would not be the most effective use of my time. Her observations were logical and I found it hard to disagree, nonetheless, something inside of me told me I just had to go. Read More Here
Below and Right: The Young Judaea Dance Troupe, 2008
Young Judaea is the only organization that has danced in this New York festival every year since its inception...57 straight years! |
| Alumni In the News |
Vicki Oren - St. Louis, MO to Kibbutz Ginegar, Israel
Vicki Oren (nee Lebman), raised in St. Louis, MO found her to way to Israel in 1974. One year later, she got a job as a Young Judaea counselor at Kibbutz Ginegar, where she met her husband and eventually made Aliyah. Read more here.
A personal note from Vicki: Little did I know it at the time, but being on Mt Scopus at Beit Riklis was an omen as my younger son, Mati, my Special Olympics athlete who was born with multiple physical problems was operated on and cared for many times over at the Pediatric Surgery Ward of the Mt. Scopus Hadassah Hospital! They saved his life!
Arava Institute: Everybody Talks About Peace, Nobody Talks About Garbage
Members of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies work and learn together about how to share environmental resources in the area. This school include a diverse group of students from around the region, who are all working towards the same goal of initiating environmental projects that will enhance the environment. Read more here.
Young Judaea alumni involved with the Arava Institute include: Alon Tal (TY '74-76, YC '77-78), David Lehrer (TY '72-73, YC '74-75), Judy Bar Lev (TY '66-68, YC '69-70) and Sharon Benheim (TY '80, TY Staff '83, YC '83-84). |
| WUJS Institute in Arad: Zman Tel Aviv |
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 The WUJS Institute in Arad, Young Judaea/YJ Impact's long-term Israel program for ages 21-35, is delighted to announce the opening of our much-anticipated new track, Zman Tel Aviv!
Zman Tel Aviv will combine one month of WUJS Arad's world-famous Hebrew ulpan on our campus in the South of Israel with four months of an internship or project in Tel Aviv. The carefully-selected projects will run 25-30 hours a week for the duration of the four months. The project can be an opportunity to gain international experience in a current career field, or to begin a new and exciting direction. Zman Tel Aviv is geared towards young adults interested in arts and theater, media and entertainment, politics and international relations, fashion, and event planning.
Zman Tel Aviv is a great way for young adults to truly experience life in Israel-- they will gain a deep understanding of both small town reality and big city energy. They will not be merely observers; they will be active members of the community in which they live. Says Alon Friedman, Director of the WUJS Institute in Arad, "We are very proud to take our 40 years of experience in the Negev and spread it to other areas of the country!"
Upcoming sessions of Zman Tel Aviv will run from September 2008-January 2009, and January-May and May-September, 2009.
For more information about Zman Tel Aviv or about the Land Language, & Society, Arts, or Peace & Social Justice tracks of the WUJS Institute in Arad, please visit our website, email wujsarad@yjimpact.org, or call 212.303.8176.
WUJS Institute in Arad |
| Solidarity: The Lone Soldier Project |
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The Merkaz YJ Impact! Hadassah is excited to announce the launch of a new social action initiative - Solidarity: The Lone Soldier Project. Lone soldiers are Jewish soldiers from around the world who are conscripted to the IDF once they have made aliyah. These soldiers are in Israel alone, with their families often thousands of miles away and despite the strong friendships they acquire during their army service, they often feel the distance from their families.
Among those who have already reaped the benefits of this project, there are many Young Judaeans who have made aliyah and serve as lone soldiers. Just to name a few: Ellie Solimani (TY '97-'00, Machon '99, CYJ Texas '00, YC '01-'02), granddaughter of Hadassah life member and Erik Brandt-Spitzer & Jared White, both sons of highly involved Hadassah members and YJ alumni of Camp Judaea and Year Course ('03-'04).
Through Solidarity, Lone Soldiers Receive:
· Care packages from volunteers,
· Visits by volunteers to army initiation ceremonies throughout the country,
· Phone calls on a regular basis,
· Free guest rooms at The Merkaz,
· Annual information sessions about preparation for being drafted into the IDF, and
· Free membership card to The Merkaz and discounts to all our social events.
Visit our website for more information or to participate, or please contact Deena (In Israel) at 972-2-561-9165 ex.203, or Deena@themerkaz.org. |
| Young Judaea Employment Opportunities |
Young Judaea Israel Programs is looking for a Year Course Supervisor, in the New York office. Applicant should have experience working with teens and excellent organization and planning skills. Send all resumes to jobs@hadassah.org and be sure to include the job title in the subject line.
Camp Tel Yehudah is looking for a full-time, year-round Director of Operations. The
qualified candidate will be extremely organized and detail oriented, have excellent computer skills and be capable of organizing and supervising the logistics of a large facility and program. Duties include overseeing the facility, kitchen, rentals and day-to-day operations of camp. Previous camp and/or operations experience preferred. Please contact Camp Tel Yehudah for a full job description.
YJ is seeking full-time Area Supervisors in NYC. Salary and benefits. Responsibilities include developing YJ programs, building participation, organizing conventions and special events, recruiting for camps and Israel programs and working with Hadassah and other Jewish community organizations on joint projects. Please send letter and resume to Dan Cardonick, Director of Regional Programs, or fax to 212-303-4572. |
| Feedback and Suggestions |
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Email YJ Alumni Relations with your feedback and suggestions for future newsletters! | |
