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NCSY GIVE WEST: Day 13 (Shiva Asar B’Tammuz) Recap

giveusa July 12, 2017

[Written by Atara Benquesus, Toronto, Canada]
After a late wake up this morning, we all made our way to davening and chabburah, where we were taught about the importance of this day. After chabburah, the advisors ran a program teaching us how to prevent hurtful actions towards others in the future. We learned about Sinat Chinam, and how to be nicer to our friends, family, and teachers. Here, on GIVE WEST, we learned a lot about Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, the baseless hatred that resulted in our current exile, and the complete love and acceptance we must display in order to reach our goals, as a nation. This past week and a half has been a truly remarkable experience for the teenagers on this trip. I don’t recall ever feeling as inspired to give and love as I have on this meaningful fast. In the afternoon some of us went to learn from one of the advisers. I was actually surprised with the amount of enthusiasm I had to be there, excited to hear everything she had to say. Following Mincha, our group set off to sit on a beautiful balcony overlooking the breathtaking LA sunset. The view at sunset, with mountains in the distance, is a sight to treasure. We heard from Mrs. Rivkie Greenland about being empowered as Jewish Women in today’s world. We sat in a circle as the fast slowly came to its end, singing in the sunset. For that last hour of the fast I was no longer hungry, I thought of other people and of different times or places. As we listened to these stories I noticed how much I’ve matured this week. I know that when I go home I want to be like that girl Rachel we just learnt about today from Mrs. Greenland, taking initiative of something, even if it’s only a small action. We ended the night working together with girls from our schools to create positive programs to bring back with us to our schools. It was really fun, but also so meaningful. I am so grateful to my parents for giving me this great opportunity to grow and find myself, and to my advisers who have taught me so much in the most interesting ways. I am excited for another day of GIVE WEST!