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YJ's Scholarship Campaign |
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Only the faces change from year to year. Our mission stays the same.
For 100 years, Young Judaea has connected Jewish young people with their heritage, the land of Israel, and each other. Your gift can help nurture the leaders of tomorrow's Jewish community. Your gift can help them change the world.
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| Upcoming YJ Alumni Events -- Register TODAY! |
| Monday, February 8, 2010 -- 50 West 58th Street, New York City, 7:30-8:30 PM. Come and meet Sean Macdonald, current Year Course participant, and hear about his experience in YJ's latest innovation in Zionism, Social Justice and Peer Leadership: GARIN TZEDEK (Seed of Justice). 40 YEAR COURSERS WHO ARE HELPING SUDANESE REFUGEES IN ISRAEL. Please contact Andrew Fretwell for details.
Sunday, January 31, 2010 -- Los Angeles. Join Hadassah Southern California and YJ Alumni to onor Young Judaea's 100th annivesary in LA. YJ Alumni Committee Members include: Joel Elkins, Aaron Levinson, Samantha Pole, Ron Rauch. REGISTER TODAY!
Sunday, February 14, 2010 -- Florida Atlantic Region of Hadassah. Come celebrate YJ's 100th anniversary at the South Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach. For more information, please email Anne Lee Weiner. **And, FAR is offering a $250 scholarship to any Young Judaea program. A free drawing will take place at the FAR event on Feb 14th, so be sure to sign up today!
Saturday Night, March 13, 2010 -- Miami. Reconnect with your Young Judaea friends at the first Miami reunion! Judaeans from around the area will be in attendacen to honor and celebrate YJ's 100 years! Contact Danielle for details. YJ Alumni Committee Members include: Alysha Goldstein Erez, Brooke Lobel, Eric Ross, David Weiss and many others. REGISTER TODAY!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 -- Boston. Come and join fellow Young Judaea alumni in the first Boston event! Help continue to the 100th anniversary celebrations and reconnect with your friends in Boston. Email alumni if you'd like to help organize this exciting event! |
| Alumni Profile: Alison Pepper |
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 Alison Pepper, Senior Director, Accreditation Program Support, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Young Judaea Programs & Years: Lower NYS Region, Group Leader; Machon L'Madricha Hutz L'aretz 1968-69 in Israel; Madricha, Tel Yehudah summer 70-71; Garin Hashachar '72-73, Founding member Kibbutz Ketura
Tell us your favorite memories from Young Judaea: November, 1973 - the Izruach - civilian- ization of Kibbutz Ketura - it was an amazing life altering experience to be part of - and how fantastic it is that the meshek has thrived and grown to be the unique community it is today.
How has your Young Judaea experience impacted your life today? I have countless friends through the world that I met in YJ. In fact, most of them are like family today - we celebrate simchas, support each other in difficult times and enjoy traveling to see one another.
Please describe your current professional involvement. I am senior staff at the largest national early childhood educators professional association, NAEYC heading a department that promotes our national program accreditation system. I have worked in the field of early education for almost 40 years - and it all began in Israel.
Are you currently involved with Young Judaea or Hadassah? I serve on the national board of the Friends of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, and I'm a Life Member of Hadassah.
Please describe how your YJ experience encouraged you to visit/have closer ties to Israel. I made aliyah in 1972 to join Garin Hashachar and found Kibbutz Ketura. YJ had enormous influence on my decision to move to Israel at that time. I stayed in Israel until 1980.
Where are you living now? I'm now in Washington, D.C. ... After 30 years in NYC. But, I've returned to Israel and Palestine many times in my life.
To get in touch with Alison, feel free to email her at alipep1@aol.com or find her on Facebook! She would love to hear from "old" friends!
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| Alumni Lifecycle Events |
Engagements
-- Shoshana Kogan (TOL 94-96; YC 96-97; CYJ-Texas 96-97, 00-05; TY 98; Machon staff 99) and Asaf Aharon (TY mishlachat 03-04) announced their engagement on December 11, 2009. We were introduced by Suzie Patt (TOL 94-97, YC 97-98, TY 02-09) and Ido Benvenisti (TY mishlachat 02-09), who met at TY and are also married! Shoshana made aliyah in 2007. We plan to celebrate our wedding in Israel.
Births
-- Andrea and Josh Sherman announce the birth of their son, Joseph Ethan Sherman, born on December 25, 2009. Josh and Andrea met while working at Camp Sprout Lake in the summer of 1998. As children, Josh went to Sprout as a camper for one year, and then ID. Andrea attended Sprout since Solelim, then TY, then YC in '95-96 and was also regional offie/tsofie programmer of NJ. Josh and Andrea held many positions while working at Sprout. In his final summer there, Josh was Rosh Sport and in Andrea's final summer, she was Rosh Mumchim (Head of the Specialists).
-- Talia Horan-Block (CYJ Midwest, TY, Staff CYJ Midwest and TY Staff, Asst Director of Sprout) and Dane Barnes (Sprout Lake Staff '06-07) announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Arielle Barnes, born on November 18, 2009.
-- Mike Deutsch (YC 92-93) and Meira Stern announce the births of their twin boys on January 5, 2010. Ezra and Owen Deutsch are both doing great.
It's with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Beth Schoenfeld. Please read on to learn more about her.
Born March 24, 1962, Los Angeles, CA. Died January 2, 2010, of gastric cancer in Ra'anana, Israel. Beth moved to Tucson as a young child and graduated from Rincon H.S. and the University of Arizona . She was on the high school tennis team and was active in the Temple Emanu-El youth group. She attended Young Judaea camps and conventions sponsored by Hadassah from age 11 until college. Beth spent a year in Israel on Year Course ('80-81). After graduating from college, she was employed by Harcourt Brace publishing in San Diego as a production assistant. She attended the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) program in Israel before permanently moving to Israel. While there, she worked for Eric Cohen Books and co-founded a marketing communications company with her husband. She was active in the local schools and synagogue.
Beth is survived by her husband Dan, sons Aviv, Itai and Gilad, and daughter, Dekel. She is also survived by her parents, Ronald and Diane Weintraub, brother Steve (Leslie) and sister Arlene (Hoboken , N.J.). Donations can be sent to Young Judaea National Scholarship Fund, Young Judaea Alumni, 50 West 58th Street , New York , NY 10019. Please include Beth's name and "YC Scholarships" on the check or in a note. Donations can also be made online at www.youngjudaea.org/faceit. Write "Beth Schoenfeld" in the ID number field. |
| Alumni Notes -- Where Are You Now? |
Would you like to reconnect with your friends? Log on to YJ Connect TODAY! And to read about other alumni, please visit the Young Judaea website.
Susan Marx -- For all of those who remember Susan in the Arts in Crafts room as a camper, and then as both Assistant and then Head Arts and Crafts at Tel Yehudah, and for those of my chevrah on the '63-64 Year Course who remember me with paint brush in hand...Please visit my websites to see what I've been doing all these years! Visit www.agora-gallery.com & www.susanmarxartist.com.
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| Alumni In History...Martin Luther King and YJ |
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"[Let it be] resolved that a delegation from [the Young Judaea summer convention] participate in the integration march on Washington on Wednesday, August 28th, 1963, and be it recommended that a report of this action be carried back to the regions through the Young Judaea structure. Less than twelve hours later a small Rambler American sped along the highway towards the national capital [bound for the March on Washington]. In the car were: Mel Reisfield, Avi Mendelowitz, Alex Nacht, Susan Ross, Don Schoenfeld and Aviva Mintz. The importance of the march was the very fact that National Young Judaea finally stood up and took a definite stand on the issue and was recognized as a single voice and body. Every member of Young Judaea can and should be proud of this movement..." -- Young Judaea Civil Rights Resolution, August 26th, 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 18, 2010 marked the birthday Martin Luther King, Jr., the civil rights leader and nonviolent activist who helped to realize the dream of integration. It was King's vision which led and inspired the civil rights movement, and his acts of resistance and protest which transformed a generation and changed how Americans understood race. We here in Young Judaea and Hadassah commemorate the life and achievements of this man who changed so much, and inspired so many against the odds.
Martin Luther King and Young Judaea
Martin Luther King Day is particularly meaningful for Young Judaea and Hadassah, whose history is bound up with the civil rights movement and King's activism. On August 28th, 1963, a delegation of Judaeans was sent by the movement to the "March on Washington", where King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
"The Senior", the Young Judaea newspaper from November 1st 1963 reported: "After almost three hours of debate, National Young Judaea summer convention body passed the Civil Rights resolution which read as follows: "Whereas, it is our duty as Jews and Zionists to aid the advancement of Jewish social values on the American scene, and Whereas the present struggle of the Negro people to full equality in housing, job opportunities, education, etc. is thus worthy of our support, and Whereas for this unique march (the upcoming March on Washington) many different organizations have been asked to join the march on this day only Be it resolved that a delegation from this convention participate in the integration march on Washington on Wednesday, August 28th, 1963, and be it recommended that a report of this action be carried back to the regions through the Young Judaea structure.' Less than twelve hours later a small Rambler American sped along the highway towards the national capital [bound for the March on Washington]. In the car were: Mel Reisfield, Avi Mendelowitz, Alex Nacht, Susan Ross, Don Schoenfeld and Aviva Mintz. The importance of the march was the very fact that National Young Judaea finally stood up and took a definite stand on the issue and was recognized as a single voice and body. Every member of Young Judaea can and should be proud of this movement..." Ultimately, the decision to march was motivated by a Judaean and Jewish commitment to pluralism and equality. The experience itself made a lasting impression - one that participants remember vividly nearly half a century later.
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| Young Judaea Updates |
 Keep Up With Alternative Winter Break (AWB) -- Blog!
It's been a few weeks since 43 amazing Jewish teens landed in Fort Lauderdale Airport ... so much has happened! Alternative Winter Break 2009, the leading short-term Jewish service-learning program for teens in America, was an amazing success thanks to the dedication, hard-work and commitment to Tzedek (Social Justice) by our AWB participants, counselors and Young Judaea staff! To see the AWB 2009 wrap up, click here! You can also heck out the blog at www.alternativewinterbreak.wordpress.com, which was updated during and after AWB to learn how these Judaeans impacted the Ft. Lauderdale community.
And ... Just around the corner...YJ's National Midwinter Convention in Texas. Sign Up Today! February 12-15, 2010
For details please contact Andrew Fretwell. Plus, AWB Participants get a special $50 discount off the convention fee! |
In Honor and Celebration of YJ's 100th Anniversary...
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Celebrate a Century of Young Judaea, Honor Mel Reisfield 
Become a part of the $100,000 Campaign! For over 60 years, Mel Reisfield has played an integral part in the lives of hundred of thousands of Judaeans. As an educator, leader and mentor he continues to inspire us all to lives dedicated to social responsibility, filled with Jewish traditions and connected to the land of Israel, its language and culture.
To be part of the $100,000 Campaign to honor Mel Reisfield, Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Young Judaea, donate here.
Hadassah & YJ: Special Lifetime Membership Offer, Expires June 2010Hadassah and Young Judaea: The Perfect Match. Become a Hadassah life member or Hadassah associate today! In honor of Young Judaea's 100th anniversary and to celebrate their special relationship, Hadassah welcomes alumni and current participants of any Young Judaea program to join at this special price. Pay $200. $100 goes directly towards Young Judaea scholarships, and $100 to Hadassah for a lifetime connection. Craig Schneider (YC '81-82) said, " It is an honor to become an Associate of Hadassah. I have tremendous appreciation and pride for what Hadassah has accomplished, and I am grateful for their support of Young Judaea. Being a member of Young Judaea truly changed my life, and it is critical that young Jews continue to have this transformative experience." Join or learn more today.
YJ is 100
Happy 100th Anniversary Young Judaea! For 100 years, Young Judaea has been connecting American Jewish youth to Israel and to each other. Won't you help us celebrate with an anniversary gift of $100? Details available here. |
| Amirim and Taglit-Birthright Israel |
Israel Programs Alumni: Get back to Israel this summer and make a difference! Join Amirim, Young Judaea's in-depth Israel living and community service program for college students and young professionals, ages 18-27. Participants live in apartments, in Jerusalem, Bat Yam or Arad, for 4-8 week sessions, with peers from North America, Europe, Israel and beyond. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to volunteer throughout the week for a non-profit organization in their area of interest. In addition to volunteering, they will also enjoy a variety of cultural events and guest speakers, weekly group trips, Hebrew learning opportunities, and free time. 
Alumnus Andrew M. said, "It was a great way of giving back, enriching my Jewish culture and making new connections."
Registration for Amirim will be opening this month, and is on a first come, first serve basis. Visit our web site to learn more and sign up for updates. Q's? Call toll free: 877-464-2624 or e-mail: info@yjimpact.org.
Taglit-Birthright Israel: Young Judaea
Registration for the Summer 2010 will open on February 17th at 12 PM EST (noon), for a limited time! We will be offering sessions for college students and young professionals, and a specialty track for those interested in architecture! Learn more and sign up for updates: www.toisraelnow.org. Tell your friends, family and colleagues! |
| Run For Lone Soldiers in Israel, March 15-19, 2010 |
As part of the Jerusalem Half Marathon, join Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah's Solidarity Project. "Fundraising Marathon For Lone Soldiers."
March 15th- March 19th, 2010 
Includes:
- 4 Nights in a 4 Star hotel in Jerusalem (including breakfast)
- 2 Day Tours of Jerusalem and the Dead sea
- 2 Group meals and a pasta night before the marathon
- Entrance fee and transportation to the marathon
Price: $600 (excluding air fare) + Minimum $1,000 donation. For more info please contact Deena at 011-972-2-561-9165, extension 203 or Deena@themerkaz.org.
Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah (aka The Merkaz) is a unique combination of a community and activism center. As part of Young Judaea, The Merkaz is based on Zionism, Jewish Pluralism and Social Activism. |
| Feedback and Suggestions |
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Email YJ Alumni Relations with your feedback and suggestions for future newsletters! | |
