[Written by Leora Goldberg, Boca Raton, FL]
We started off our 8th day in LA bright and early with a meaningful Davening, yummy breakfast, and inspiring chaburah. After, we were privileged to hear from Rabbi Micah Greenland, the International Director of NCSY. He spoke to us about taking the amazing opportunities that we are given on this program and taking them home to our communities. We then went on to split up for the day. I had the chance to go to the Midnight Mission, a rehabilitation shelter for the homeless. After a tour and learning about the background and work the mission works for the people of Skid Row, we began to prepare for their lunch service. We were each given a job — filling up trays, helping the handicapped get their food, or working in the kitchen. We saw people from all walks of life coming inside, desperate for food. At the end, we all sat down and shared some of the amazing stories that these unfortunate people told us. We realized that these people were just like us until their lives changed and landed them in these depressing situations. Through our discussion, an uplifting thought was developed. Although we all humans, we have one major difference — we are Jewish. We are part of a unified nation and community that would never let us end up alone. Leaving midnight mission, we felt paralyzed with appreciation for everything that we have. Appreciation for our parents, friends, communities. Appreciation to be on this amazing program, with amazing directors, inspiring advisers, and long lasting friendships. Appreciation for the BEST.SUMMER.EVER.
[Written by Leba Shleifer, Lawrence, NY]
Today I went to the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles and we helped them prepare for their incoming students. We helped cut things for bulletin boards and prepare games. The head of the program made us feel so welcome. She made us feel like we were really helping out and doing chesed even though we weren’t actually interacting with the Friendship Circle students. She told us of how they put up new pictures every year because when the students walk down the hallways it makes them so happy to be able to look at the pictures and see themselves in them. I’m really happy that I got the opportunity to spend my summer doing chesed and giving to other people. There is nothing else that makes you feel more accomplished than doing something for someone else that immediately puts a smile on their face. Thanks Mom for sending me to this amazing summer program. I love you so much!
[Written by Adina Frankel, Woodmere, NY]
This afternoon on GIVE WEST we drove to Rodeo Drive. We got to walk around and explore stores, Coffee Bean, and many cool cars. It was really fun! Someone even met Ty Blue from the popular Disney show, “Shake It Up!” Paul then drove us to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was so cool to see so many different celebrity stars along the ground. I got to take a lot of pictures with my friends! We even stopped in a gift shop along the way and bought some souvenirs. After our time there, we drove to Pizza World and ate yummy delicious Pizza for dinner…and had some free time afterward in The Grove and the Farmers Market. Some girls even got manicures (me included)!!! Our final stop of the night was at the LACMA lights on Wilshire. It was very artsy and we got really cool pictures! Paul drove us back to AJU for night activity…ENDING IN COLOR WAR BREAKOUT! Go Team Red!!!!!