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Vatikim -
The Young Judaea
Alumni Newsletter
November 2011/ Cheshvan 5772
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Baruch Shuvcha Gilad - Welcome Home Gilad
During the years that Cpl. Gilad Shalit was held captive in Gaza, Young Judaeans have been active in the movement for his release. As we celebrate his release, the impact on members of our movement has become even more obvious. Check out the the details...
Young Judaea National Mazkirut Statement on release of Gilad Shalit  On behalf of Young Judaea, the largest American Zionist Youth Movement, we celebrate the news of the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit after one thousand, nine hundred and thirty-four days in captivity in Gaza. We look forward to a heartfelt and long overdue baruch hashoveh (welcome back)! Gilad's expected return to his parents, Noam and Aviva, infuses us and all defenders of human rights and Israel, with relief, gratitude, and hope.
At this time we also extend our support for all those who have sacrificed their lives for the State of Israel and the Jewish People. We continue to hope for the release of Staff Sgt. Zacharaya Baumel, Staff Sgt. Zvi Feldman, Sgt. Yehuda Katz, Major Ron Arad, all missing since 1982; Guy Chever, missing since August 1997, and Majdy Halabi, missing since 2005. As we look forward to a joyous homecoming of Gilad to his family and country, we pray and struggle for their speedy return.
Yael David, National President of Young Judaea on behalf of Young Judaea's National Mazkirut 2010-2011
Young Judaea Alumnus, Gershon (Gary) Baskin was instrumental in negotiating the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit
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Gershon Baskin
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Young Judaea is proud to be able to call Gershon Baskin one of our own. Gershon, who was involved in Young Judaea for his entire youth, was instrumental in brokering the release of Gilad Shalit. Learn about Gershon's involvement, his current work and how YJ influenced him here.
 | | Watch Young Judaea Year Course celebrate the release of Gilad Shalit and read all about the Year Courser's activism on the Year Course Blog |
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Young Judaea: Update on Path to Independence
By David Bechhofer, YJ Board President
Young Judaea's transition to independence is underway, with Hadassah and YJ leaders working long and hard since June to set us up for success. We hope to have more information in the coming weeks and months and are looking forward to the time when we can begin to engage more alumni, parents, grandparents, and other supporters in the process.
Since Hadassah's decision to spin off Young Judaea, many important steps have been taken by the YJ Founding Board. Click here to read more.
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Alumni Profile- David Eber
David Eber (CYJ West '98-01, CYJ West '03-'04, Regional Maz '00-'01CYJ Midwest Staff '01-'04, YC '03-'04), a Young Judaea Alumnus, truly lives the Movement ideal of Tikun Olam. Combining his professional work and his love of YJ, David is one
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of our alumni volunteers working with our AWB program for a second year. David tells us that:
"YJ played a crucial role in the formation of my Jewish Identity. Attending local events, going to retreats in PNW, attending TY, Machon and Year Course. These are some of the most formative Jewish experiences of my life."
Registration for AWB is open for both New Orleans and the Navajo Nation - for more information check out our website here! You can also watch the video from the 2010 AWB program
Did you Know?
The all-volunteer staff for AWB is comprised exclusively of college-age YJ alumni who choose to spend their vacation joining and sharing leadership skills with current Judaeans!
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YJ Enters the Digital Age
Young Judaeans, always in the lead are now ruling world of digital media. Check out the Young Judaea alumni, The Chorsha, blog on the TY website.
The Promised Podcast, project of the new applied Israeli thinktank Shaharit, brings together three old friends from their Young Judaea youth movement days, who reflect on the events of the week and bring unique perspectives on Israeli politics and culture.
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Young Judaea Alumni among Haretz's "Top 10 Most Influential Anglos"'
Haretz names its list of "The most Influential Anglos In Israel"- and Young Judaeans are at the top of the list! Haretz's annual list of the Most Influential Anglos in Israel was recently published. It's always a surprise to see who is named - what is not a surprise is to see that Young Judaeans are on the list. We are so proud that 2 Young Judaea alumni are on the list and a former director of TY! Check out the article and list in Haretz here. Kol H'kavod to Jessica Montell , Yosef Abromowitz and Alan Hoffman! |
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Young Judaea Alumni in the News
 Dr. Brent Stockwell (TY '87-'88, CYJ Sprout Staff '88-'93, YC '89-'90) of Columbia University was featured on WAMC's Academic Minute on Oct. 11, 2011 and revealed why the past decade has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of new drugs. You can listen to the interview here
 Seth Engelbourg (YC '10-'11) was featured in the UMass's Daily Collegian Newspaper on Oct. 19, 2011 in a story about students taking a gap year before entering. Seth shares his experiences on Year Course and talks about his amazing year in Israel! Read the article here 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. |
Were you a member of Year Course in the
last 5 years?
We need your help! !If you went on Year Course in the last 5 years (ie 2006/07 through 2010/11) please take a few minutes of your time to fill out this survey.
We will hold a random drawing for Starbucks gift cards. Help us help future YCers!
If you know someone who is thinking about Year Course 2012-2013, let them know pre-registration is now open |
WUJS Update
Lindsey Urell (WUJS Fall 2011) let us know:
The WUJS 2011 fall session has commenced! On September 12th, chanichim arrived from different countries  around the world to begin a 5 month Israel Journey.
Orientation week flew with daily programs, icebreakers, and a morning hike through Nachal Arugot in Ein Gedi. We look forward to building a community together and are excited to make memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on the WUJS-Hadassah Program, please visit
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| Alumni Updates
Susan Marx (TY '61-'64, YC '63-'64, TY Staff '65-'67),an abstract impressionist painter who loves color will exhibit paintings at the A. Jain Marunouchi Gallery, 24 West 57 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY November 29 - December 22, 2011 there will be an opening reception: December 1, 2011 from 5 - 7 PM .
Susan lives in Orange, New Jersey.
Michal Reamer (YC '07-'08) writes: I am from Montreal (Qc), Canada and the only Montrealler in my section (Shevet and YC section 1 were more or less combined - it was Shevet's first year)
CKB is a Canadian Young Judaea camp that I went to for my last year as a camper. It was one of the best camp experiences I ever had. Interestingly, two years later I received a call from the camp director, Guy Korngold, who notified me of a YC meeting to learn more about the program. In the end, I was the only one of... get this - two people - at the meeting who ended up going (I never understood why YC is so under-promoted in Montreal). Hear more from Michal here.
Diane Kaplan (WUJS Machzor Oct 1979) let us know that she came to Israel with WUJS In 1979 and has been living in  Israel ever since. "I also went to Young Judea summer camps as a child, the only place where I got a taste of Jewish community life, and that, somehow, felt like home for me. I came to Israel as a young single person, to WUJS in Arad, and again felt that "home" feeling" said Diane. Learn more about Diane or feel free to contact her at dianakp@netvision.il.net
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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 new favorites are: ...Your child on YC spends Chagim with your moshav family. ...You break out into spontaneous rikud sessions. ...You look for a buddy chart whenever you go swimming. ...You use the Hashachar Shiron as your go to lullaby source. 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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Meet the YJ Shlicha - Rivka Bar-Z'ev
Rivka Bar-Z'ev joins Young Judaea as the new Shlicha for Young Judaea in NY/NJ region. Rivka writes: "I'm from Jerusalem, and I have been working for Young Judaea in Israel for the past 4 years. I was working with the Year Course
participants
and their counselors (madrichim) and loved it!" Read more about Rivka here.. Please fill free to contact me for any issue - from learning about Israel Programs to educational needs like planning peulot (activities), Israel Updates, or to host an Israel Programs information session. I am available at rbarzev@youngjudaea.org or by phone at 212-303-4581 or 646-538-6876
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 Seeking Alumni to act as Advisors for Local YJ Clubs
Young Judaeans around the country are trying to form all the time, but they need advisors to work with the teen leaders. Can you help? Our greatest need is in Orlando, Miami and Pittsburgh! Can you help out? Please let Rachel Comstock know asap!!! |
Pittsburgh Alumnae Share Love of YJ with Next Generation
Three Young Judaea Alumnae in Pittsburgh Karen Morris (CYJ Midwest '78-'82, TY '82-'85, ISP '84, YC '85-'86), Barbara Baumann (CYJ Midwest '80-'83, ISP '84, TY '83-'86, YC '86-'87) and Sharon Ackerman (YC '83-'84) have volunteered to act as YJ club advisors for a Pittsburgh PA club. These 3 alumnae are sharing the wonderful experiences and creating new memories for a new generation of Judaeans! We are still looking for more help, and if you would like to join the group in Pittsburgh or start a club in your town, let Rachel Comstock know!
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Young Judaea Dances On!
For 61 years, Young Judaea dancers have participated in the National Israeli Dance Festival in New York. Were you a member of the Young Judaea Dance Troupe? Did you perform in the Israeli Dance Festival in New York City? We have photos and video. You may be able to see yourself in action. We'd love to be in touch with you. Please reply to ralbert@hadassah.org
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Young Judaea Employment Opportunities
Are you looking for a way to give back to Young Judaea? We are hiring for a variety of positions in the US and Israel. For more information on all of these positions, visit our YJ Employment page.
United States
Summer: Year Round:
Camp Judaea Inside Sales Associate
CYJ Texas
CYJ Sprout Lake
Camp Tel Yehudah
CYJ Midwest
Israel
Summer: Year Round:
Israel Summer Programs Year Course For more information on these opportunities and others please visit our YJ employment page |
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Members of the National YJ Mazkirut attend the AIPAC High School Summit.
Among those who  attended were: Yael David, National Mazkira, Frances Lasday, National Social Action Programmer, and Sydney Ryan, Honorary YJ Delegate. At the conference, delegates learned from AIPAC professionals and leaders about the importance and underlying skills of advocacy and political lobbying. The program culminated with lobbying members of Congress on supporting Foreign Aid to Israel, increased sanctions to stop Iran's nuclear program and pressuring Palestinian Leadership to return to the negotiating table. Yael David said "As the oldest Zionist youth movement in America, we are dedicated to the defense of the State of Israel in the face of delegitimization by educating ourselves and others. By sending delegates to the Schusterman Advocacy Institute High School Summit we are better able to engage with the American Jewish community and we look forward to sharing the knowledge we acquire at this conference with our peers in Young Judaea."
YJ Convention Update - run by Judaeans (with help from Alumni)
Young Judaea Merchavim are gearing up for conventions and the Mazkirut are working hard with the assistance of some wonderful volunteer Alumni.
- Northeast Merchav Convention will be held Dec. 2-4, 2011.The Merchav Mazkirut is being backed up by David Feller (Sprout '92-'93, TY '95-'98, ISP '97, Regional Maz '98-'99, YC '99-'00, Sprout Staff '03-'05, YC Staff '04-'05) whose leadership, skills honed by his years in YJ has been invaluable.
- Midwest Merchav Convention will be held Dec. 1-4, 2011. Midwest Mazkirut members are happy to be backed by Donna (YJ Club '73-'79, TY '77-'78, Regional Maz '77-'79, CYJ Midwest Staff '78-'79, YC '79-'80, ISP Staff '83) and Aaron Horowitz (YJ Club '73-'79, TY '77-'78, Regional Maz '77-'79, CYJ Midwest Staff '77-'79, YC '79-'80, ISP Staff '83) and Suzanne Wexler (TY '81-'82, TY Staff '82-'83, Regional Maz '82-'83, YC '83-'84)
- The West Merchav Mazkirut is seeking alumni to assist them with their convention - if you are interested in helping, please contact Rachel.
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Mitzvah, Mazel Tovs and More
Engagements
Sam Davis (CYJ Texas '92-'93, CYJ Texas Staff '98-'99 '01, TY '94-'97, YC '98-'99, ISP Staff '03) and Annette Bielas (CYJ Texas '90, CYJ Texas Staff '95, '00, '03, '05) became engaged this summer. The couple lives in Houston TX.
Weddings
Jon Parritz (Machon '77-'78, TY staff '79, Sprout staff '80, New England YJ Exec. Dir. '82-'83) and Robin Hornik Parritz (Sprout staff '80) announce the wedding of their son Ari Daniel Parritz to Rachel Soffer (Sprout '97-2000, TY '01). They live in Long Island, New York. Jon and Robin live in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Phillip Brodsky (CJ '92-'95) and Kallie Foxman were married in Vermont on Oct. 23, 2011. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding in the wonderful fall colors of Vermont.
Sara Chamama (Manager of Registration for YJ Israel Programs) and Reuven Blau were married on October 30, 2011. Mazal Tov to the happy couple.
Births
Lauren (Voit) Fabella (CJ '89-'93, CJ Staff '97-'00, TY 1994, ISP '95, YC '97-'98) And her husband Brian Fabella are excited to announce the birth of their daughter Mykah Elise Fabella on August 13. Mykah was born at a healthy 7lb 4oz 19in.
Lisa Wolk Stein (Gil Yam Director, National Staff and TY Staff '99-'04) and Stu Stein ( Sprout, TY CYJ Texas '79-'07, YC '89-'90) welcomed a 2nd child, Maxwell Levi born on August 18. Baby, sister Gabriella and mom doing well, dad worried how to afford to send 2 kids to camp and year course.
Dan Cardonick (Assistant Director/Regional Director NJ & Eastern PA Young Judaea '97-'02, CYJ Sprout Staff '97-'98, TY staff '99-'01, Director of American Programs '02-'10) and wife, Tish welcomed their second baby girl, Amanda Carson Cardonick on October 14th at 12:13pm at a 8 lbs 6 ozs 20.75 inches. Big sister Allie is excited about the new addition!
Barbar Sofer, one of the many Judaeans who have made Aliyah, is proud to announce the birth of twin grandchildren--2 beautiful girls,Ayala Rivka, and her sister Menucha Geula. They continued the family tradition in Young Judaea, as they were born at Hadassah Mount Scopus.
Meital Fischer (Northeast Shlicha for Young Judaea) and Nir Landau became proud parents to a healthy baby girl born October 27th!
Gabe (TY '94, ISP '95, YC '97-'98) and Ariel Rubin ('97-'98) became the proud parents of a second child on September 14th, 2011. Talya Ayelet was 7lbs. 7 oz. She and brother Shai are doing well.
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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Reunions, 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
Young Judaea Alumni Gather at GA in Denver!
 On Monday November 7 Young Judaea Alumni attendees of the GA in Denver shared a drink and YJ memories. In addition to the evening gathering, many Judaeans, who are leaders in the Jewish communal world attended the GA! Decades of Alumni were all excited to share that they were inspired by YJ and that their passion for Jewish Communal life started in Young Judaea.
Upcoming Reunions and Events Sunday November 13, 2011 - Join members of the Founding Board of Young Judaea, YJ Camp Directors and Interim Executive Director, Steve Goldberg at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield MA from 5:30-6:30 PM. Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres will be served. For additional information and to RSVP please email Alana at acooper@youngjudaea.org Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake 36th Birthday! - Grab your old yearbooks, dig up a faded (but cherished) Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake t-shirt, call your best friend from camp, and head up to Verbank, New York, for a giant 36th Anniversary celebration this summer on Sunday, July 22, 2012! Stay tuned for more updates and email us at info@cyjsproutlake.org so we can send you details as they become available.
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!
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the JTA article