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*Please note - Outlook users may have difficulty viewing this email correctly. If you use Outlook - please view Vatikim on-line here.*
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 Vatikim -
The Young Judaea
Alumni Newsletter
August-September 2011/Av-Elul 5771
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Young Judaea Camps are truly a family affair
Young Judaeans have always been a family, and so many campers are second and third generation Judaeans. Here are reports from some of the YJ Camps and camp families:
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Muti-generational campers at Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake
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Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake was thrilled to have a record number of children of Sprout Lake/Young Judaea alumni at camp this summer! It is so wonderful that these campers are continuing their parents' Young Judaea legacy. We hope next summer will bring even more campers of alumni! See more photos here
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Several generations of Judaeans celebrate the dedication at CYJT
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At CYJ-Texas, we are proud to have dedicated our new kitchen "Savta's
Kitchen" in memory of Peggy Samet Fine. "Savta" was a founder of the Beth Yeshurun Jewish pre-school and day school program in Houston, Texas, where she spent 27 years as an educator and principal, developing an integrated Judaica and secular curriculum. She was a talented pianist, gifted poet, stand-up comedian, and ardent Zionist who, together with her husband Leon Samet, generously supported Camp Young Judaea - Texas where their 5 children and many grandchildren were campers and later became staff members. Read more here
Marnina Abrams wrote: "I went to CJ (NC), CYJ (midwest in MI) & TY. I have worked at CYJ Midwest (WI) 5 times, including the last few years. I also worked at West for 2 summers. All three of my siblings attended CYJ Midwest for at least 1 summer. With me during the past 5 summers at West and/or Midwest, my two children were campers. My son is only going into 8th grade but he is already talking about Year Course. That is a legacy I am so proud of."
Rachel Keiles Park let us know that when she picked her child up at TY this summer it completed a circle that began in the 1970's.
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From the Founding Board
Mike Lasday (TY '78-'80, CYJ Midwest Staff '80-'83, '85-'86, Regional Maz '81-'82, National Maz '81-'82, YC '82-'83, TY Staff '84) writes: With much pride and enthusiasm, a group of Young Judaea alumni, or "vatikim," if you will, joined the annual National Summer Convention last month in beautiful upstate New York. As has been the case every August going back decades, the leaders of the movement came together at Tel Yehudah for their annual ritual in which the most critical issues of the movement were debated and addressed. Read the rest of the article here. 
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From Generation to Generation: Young Judaea National Summer Convention
Reading the who, what, where and why of Young Judaea's National Summer Convention 2011 may have looked like a rerun of years past. Convention was held at TY, the chucha was debated in aseyfah, there was singing, dancing - even romancing!
As a tribute to our Young Judaea alumni, and the power of the movement, more than half of the chanichim were second or third generation Judaeans, and all of our volunteer madrichim, including Joel Srebrenick (Sprout '02-'05, TY '06-'07, YC '10-'11), Monica Blitzer (YC 09-'10, TY Staff '11), Michele Freed (CYJ Midwest '06, TY '07, YC '10-'11) and Zachary Goldstein (Sprout '02-'03, TY '04-'06, YC '08-'09, TY Staff '11) are alumni of the Movement. Read much more about convention in the special issue of Kol Ha'Tanua and see pictures of Convention here!
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Young Judaea Hits The Silver Screen
 | | Kenny Borsykow and Danny Aviv, TY '84 |
Ever thought you might be a movie star in disguise? Check out the Young Judaea videos from spanning our history from the beginning of the Movement until today. Let us know if you star in one or if you know some of the supporting cast! We also love to add to our film
vault -send us any films we may be missing to alumni@youngjudaea.org. Keep checking the site as we add more films. |
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Young Judaea Alumni in the News
 Gershon Baskin (TY '70-'75, Regional Maz '73-'74, YC '74-'75, CYJ Sprout Staff '76, TY Staff '77, CYJ Midwest Staff '77), was the subject of "Talking Peace Is Only Language He Understands. Gershon Baskin Is Rare Conduit Between Israel and Palestinians" in The Forward.
William Deresiewicz (National Maz '80-'81) - Has been
busy this year. In addition to publishing his first book "A Jane Austen Education", his essay "An Empty Regard" was featured in the Sunday New York Times on Sunday August 21, 2011.
 Dan Deutsch (CYJ Sprout '86-'91, TY '91-'94, ISP '93, Regional Maz '93-'94, National Maz '94-'95, YC '95-'96 Director of Israel Programs '08-'10)- Wrote a great article in eJewish Philanthropy titled "We Must Bring Our Teens to Israel"
Yoav Fisher (TY '91-'95, CYJ West Staff '95-'97, 
Regional Maz '95-'96, YC '96-'97) recently published his first novel
"The Total Nitwits Guide to Wasting Two Years", tells the story of Michael, who seems to have it all together - until the dot com bubble bursts...
Jonathan Zwickel (YC '92-'93)-
Knows you have to fight for the right to PARTY. In January he published, Beastie Boys: A Musical Biography tells the story of the band, from its beginnings through its ongoing critical and commercial success. Fans can read about the group's origins, the training of its members, its awards and accomplishments, and its influence on pop culture. Authoritative yet concise, this lively overview covers everything from the band's unique sound to their collaborations with leading filmmakers on their award-winning videos.
If you have written, been featured or know of an article or book written by a Judaean, please let us know at alumni@youngjudaea.org
* Please note that listings for books and articles are not to be construed as an endorsement by Young Judaea, Hadassah or any affiliate thereof. All listings are provided for informational purposes only.
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WUJS Arts Show!
By Joline Vyth, WUJS Spring 2011
 With the spectacular final exhibition, the WUJS Arts track of spring 2011 came to spectacular end. The artists shared the works that they worked so hard on the last few months with a group exhibit. Showcased were a unique group of eight individuals, and the depth and variation of their works made the show incredibly special and meaningful. Read more of about the show and see some of the work here.
You can also watch the video of the May 2011 WUJS alumni evening in New York here |
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Young Judaea's 56th Year Course
On Monday September 5th, Young Judaea began its 56th Year Course in Israel. 236 students arrived to Ben Gurion airport headed for Jerusalem, Bat Yam and the Negev ready to make a difference in Israeli society and grow as individuals. These teens came from 31 states, Canada and Venezuela joined by members of YJ's partners in Atid from FZY (Great Britain) and Tzofim (Israel). Learn what Year Course is up to all year by reading the Year Course Blog.
If you know someone who is thinking about Year Course 2012-2013, let them know pre-registration is now open
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איפו אנחנו ? Where are we
Ya'akov (Jerrold) Aronson (TOL, TY '54, Editor TOL Outlook '55, Staff CYJ Texas '55-'56, National Maz '55-'56, Summer Course '57), has retired from his position as a university librarian at Bar Ilan University. Ya'akov resides in Rehovot and delivered a paper about manuscripts in the Bar Ilan University Library collection at the annual convention of the Association of Jewish Libraries in Montreal in June, 2011. Mazal tov Ya'akov. If you would like to contact Ya'akov, please feel free to forward messages to alumni@youngjudaea.org and we will happily pass them on!
Debbi Daum Gersh
(TY '72-'23, TY Staff '74-'75, YC'75-'76) Visited Toronto this summer and spent time with Year Course friends from Toronto and Israel. Debbie told us "We haven't all been together since Year Course. It's amazing how time stands still!"
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Debbie Daum Gesh and the rest of the TY Bet Staff '74
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| Alumni Profile
Roni Schwartz is excited to be living out her Young Judaea dream, and serving as the Hadassah Division Coordinator of Young Judaea. A YJ alumnae herself and the parent of
a Young Judaean, Roni knows the impact that the Movement can have on a person, a family and a nation! Learn more about Roni and other alumni here.
If you would like to contact Roni, feel free to email her!
If you would like to be profiled in Vatikim, please email Alana at alumni@youngjudaea.org
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Summer Israel Programs Update
On August 3, 143 happy, tan, and exhuasted but excited teens landed back in the US after spending 5 weeks touring Israel with YJ Summer Programs. The group was comprised of 101 Judaeans and 42 participants new to YJ who went on YJ Discovery. 
The participants came from all over the U.S and overseas, including Puerto Rico, France, Hungary, Ireland, and Israel, and ranged in age from 14 to 18, and grade from 9th to 12th. Among our participants were the children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews of YJ Alumni. Each of the 8 American madrichim (staff) working with the participants this summer are Judaeans who wanted to share their YJ experiences with a new generation.
On behalf of the YJ offices in NY and Israel, we want to thank the participants and their families for an AMAZING summer!
To learn more about Young Judaea's Israel Summer Programs, contact Diana Diner at ddiner@youngjudaea.org
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You Probably grew up in Young Judaea If...
You have been excited to be involved in this alumni generated project on Facebook this summer! Long forgotten memories are being dug up, some funny, some sad, some that just make you go ohhhhh - a few of our favorites are: ...Ani v'atah became a mantra that you just couldn't shake. ..."oooh baby" is part of birkat hamazon, regardless of the circumstances. ...The leadership skills you learned 30 years ago, you are still using today. ...Middle school and high school were those annoying breaks between summers at camp. See the rest of the entries and join the group here |
Are you a Rabbi, Cantor or Jewish Professional? Young Judaea is looking for you! Please send your contact information, professional role and a short description of your Young Judaea involvement to Alana at acooper@youngjudaea.org
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Amirim: 130 College Students make a difference in Israel with Young Judaea
As Young Judaea's 2011 Amirim summer program draws to an end, the verdict is in: by all accounts, it has been a fantastic summer for students and young adults from all over the world, making a significant effort to help Israel.
With 130 participants choosing to take part in a four- or eight-week session, registration numbers were up more than 50% from 2010, making Amirim by far the biggest program of its kind. The perfect bridge from short-term to long-term Israel programs, Amirim provides an immersive experience into Israeli society for university students and young professionals. This program has been a valuable way for Birthright and Young Judaea alumni to return to Israel for a more adult experience, and this summer was no different. Read the rest of the article here.
To learn more about Amirim, contact Yael or visit our website
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Looking for the Perfect Hanukkah Gift?
Give the gift of Israel! Winter/Spring 2011-12 trip registration for FREE Taglit-Birthright Israel with Young Judaea opens on Wednesday, September 14th at toisraelnow.org. Tell your eligible friends and family today!
For more information check out the Taglit-Birthright Israel with Young Judaea site here
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Mitzvahs and Mazal Tovs and More
Engagements
Seth Gildenblatt (ISP 2001, CYJ Midwest Staff 2003, Year Course 2003-2004, Machon Staff 2005) &
Limor Fraenkel (Sprout Lake 1994-1998, TY 1999-2001, ISP 2000, TY Staff 2002, Year Course 2002-2003, CYJ Texas Staff 2003-2004, ISP Staff 2005-2006, Year Course Staff 2007-2008, YJ Birthright Next Staff 2009) are thrilled to announce their engagement! Seth and Limor met while staffing Israel Summer Programs in 2005 and got engaged in Israel this past June.
Weddings
Micah Cooper (TY '95, YC '95-96) and Alicia D'Angelone-Brown were married on August 14, 2011 in New York City. It was a fun-filled family occasion. The groom was beaming and the bride was beautiful.
Mara Berman (CJ '94-'99, TY '99-01, ISP '00, YC '02-'03, CJ Staff '02-'04, TY Staff '04, ISP Staff '05-'06, YC Staff '06-'07) and Michael Maze (CYJ Texas '93-'96, TY '97-'99, ISP '98, YC '00-'01, TY Staff '01-'03, ISP Staff '05) were married in Atlanta on June 12, 2011. The couple resides in Tel Aviv. Mazal Tov!!
Rachel Sacks (CJ '96-'98, ISP '99, TY '00, CJ Staff '01-'02, TY Staff '10) and Sruly Oberstein were married on July 7, 2011 in Cockeysville, MD.
Births
Hillary Goldberg (Zaer) (Sprout '95-'97, TY '98-'99, '01 ISP '00) and husband Howard Goldberg welcomed a baby boy, Michael Harris Goldberg on August 15, 2011, 6 Lbs, 11 Oz.
Brad Amron (Sprout '91-93, TY '94-'97, YJ '97-'98, ISP '96, YC '98-'99) and Sarah Gerfein-Amron (YC '98-'99) welcomed a new Judaean, a baby girl Caleigh Jayne at 1:00 AM on June 11. Caleigh weighed in at 4lbs and 4oz.
Ronit Fraenkel (Sprout Lake 1994, TY 1995-1998, ISP 1997, Year Course 1999-2000, TY Staff 2001-2002) and her husband Danny had a beautiful baby girl, Sivan, born on July 7, 2011.
Noam Hirschberger (YJ '90-'95, CYJ Midwest '90, ISP '93, Staff CYJ Midwest '94-'96, YC '95-'96) and his wife Heather, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Orli Eve, on June 4, 2011 weighing 7.2 lbs.
Shoshana Kogan Aharon (TY Staff '96-'98, CYJ TX staff '96-'03, Regional Maz '95-'96, National Maz '95-'96, ISP '95, YC '96-'97, ISP Staff '99) and Husband Asaf welcomed Ma'ayan Esther at 5:50 AM on July 16, 2011.
Beth Meshel-Spivack (CYJ West '90-'95, ISP '96, TY '97, YC '98-'99) and Husband Shlomo, welcomed baby girl Pitchiya Hadar on May 30, 2011/27 Iyar.
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If you have a mitzvah you would like to share with the Young Judaea community, please email it to alumni@youngjudaea.org. If you notice that your information is incorrect - including years of participation, please let us know so that we can correct it! |
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Reunion, Events and More
For more information on any of these events or would like to be involved in one, please contact Alana at acooper@youngjudaea.org or check out our website
Machon 69 Reunion
 Sindy Wayne writes: The July 30th reunion of Machon L'Madrichei Chu'l Machzor 69 (1981-82) in Philadelphia, PA was a great success! Twenty Machonikim, former members of 5 different youth movements, came from across the US and Israel (a Young Judaean after dropping his son off at TY!). In addition, we connected via Skype with our chevrei in England, Israel, and Mexico. Seven of the 15 members of the Young Judaea kvutza attended. Throughout the weekend, we easily re-connected after 30 years, reminisced about the life changing experiences we shared together in Israel, and laughed long into the night. Check more photos here
Camp Judaea's 50th Anniversary Reunion
This Labor Day weekend, almost 150 alumni, supporters and friends gathered at Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, NC,
to celebrate 50 years 'full of joy and laughter.' The attendees spanned the decades from those who were campers in the 1950's at Blue Star to those who will be campers in a few short years! They gathered for shira in the chadar, t'fillot in the new Amphitheater, and to see old friends. There were discussions on America's role with Israel and what it means to be a Zionist. The highlights of the weekend included jumping on the trampoline in the lake, climbing and ziplining on CJ's tower, and playing in the traditional Shabbat softball game. Find out more about the reunion on the CJ 50th site
Upcoming Reunions and Events
Camp Young Judaea Texas 60th Anniversary - Will take place the weekend of April 20, 2012 at CYJ Texas. Contact Jessica Starkschall at jessica@cyjtexas.org to stay connected and learn about the plans and progress.
Do you live in an area with lots of Young Judaea alumni? Do you think you are all alone? Would you like to host or be involved in the planning for an alumni event? Please let Alana know! We are in the process of planning events in DC, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, California and are always looking to plan more! We need committee members for all of these exciting events! Let us know how you want to help at alumni@youngjudaea.org
Year Course Reunions
If you would like to be involved in planning your Year Course Reunion, or already involved in planning one, let us know! We can help with logistics, finding lost Year Coursers, ideas and much more! Just email Alana at alumni@youngjudaea.org
YC 1981-82 Reunion - Has it really been 30 years?
Section I - After 30 years, we decided that it was high time for a reunion! Although it is still early in the planning process, the excitement is building and we want to hear from all of our Chavarim! For more info (and to make sure that we have all of your current contact information) please feel free to email Lee Kaplan at leeskaplan@gmail.com
YC 1977-1978 - The 1977-1978 Year Course Alumni group will gather together at the Newport Beachside Resort and Spa on Sunny Isles Beach in Miami on March 2-4, 2012 as they CELEBRATE the 35th anniversary of their Year Course.
If you want to assist in planning, are going to be there or are just looking for more information please contact Robin Mendelson at YearCourse77.78@gmail.com
YC 1992-1993 - It's never to early to start thinking about the future, or the past. It's coming up on 20 years since we first met on that ELAL flight to Tel Aviv and we need to celebrate! If you are interested in helping to plan our reunion, or just want to share some ideas please email Alana at acooper@youngjudaea.org
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Feedback and Suggestions
Email YJ Alumni Relations with your feedback and suggestions for future issues or
if you would like to submit any information for the next issue of Vatikim or be profiled, please let us know!
Be Sure to Join our Facebook Page Here!
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