Summer 2017

[Written by Atara Black, Toronto, Canada]
This Shabbos we enjoyed being in the Pico community of LA. We stayed in different people’s homes with our friends from GIVE WEST. I stayed with Emma Freiden at the Escovitz home. We ate Friday Night dinner with their family. Shabbos morning we all met at Anshe Emes, a shul in LA where we davened, ate kiddush with the shul, and heard a tehillim shiur by a member of the shul. We then ate a yummy lunch and went into a program called would you rather (NCSY style). The session asked personal or funny questions that got us thinking about the way we think about things, we discussed it in groups and read the Torah perspectives which were on the back of each card. Then we had a fun game of Fe Fi Fo Fum, where four girls went up at a time and a statement was said, and everyone called out to which person the statement best applied, using those names, Fe Fi Fo and Fum. Then we had free time and I went to a friends house and we hung out there. We walked together to Beth Jacob to end shabbos with the community there. We davened Mincha, ate a nice Shaloshudes with them, and heard from Rabbi Pose, the Rabbi of the Shul. We sang together, ebbing Shabbos away, and heard Havdalah by Rabbi Pose. Right after Shabbos we went to the NCSY office and played the “tapping game” — everyone sat in a circle and closed their eyes. A few girls went inside the circle, where a statement was called out, for example, “tap a person who is a reliable friend” and the people in the middle of the circle would tap girls who they felt the statement applied. We did a few rounds, switching up the girls and the statements. It made everyone feel good and helped everyone feel appreciated and a part of our GIVE WEST community. We enjoyed a melava malka of ice cream and doughnuts and went back to our hosts. We met Sunday morning back at the NCSY Office for davening, breakfast, and to head out for our last day in LA!

[Written by Yona Leibowitz, Toronto, Canada]
Today we woke up super early at 6:15am so we could bring all of our luggage to the bus since it was our last day at AJU. We then had breakfast and drove to Warner Brothers Studios!!! It was an awesome experience. I loved seeing all the different sets and locations of shows and movies. I especially loved seeing the set and stage for the Ellen Show! We got to sit in the seats and take pictures by the stage. There were a lot of TV sets there like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, and Pretty Little Liars. We even got to act out a scene in Friends. It was so cool to see how so many of the same locations were used in a bunch of different shows/movies. It was especially cool to see how they made a winter scene in the middle of the summer. I loved seeing all the props and costumes that were used in the shows. Another thing that was cool was that a lot of the buildings were double sided and served as two houses/buildings in one. In Pretty Little Liars the school and the City Hall were one building as a set. It was so awesome to see in person how they make all these TV shows and all the sets that they use! After the tour, we went to the LA Tar Pits. We ate lunch there and had chabburas with our advisors. We then had some free time to walk around. We also were able to buy shabbat -o- grams for our friends! It was a fun filled day and I can’t wait for an awesome Shabbos in Pico!

[Written by Daniella Mintz, Monsey, NY]
Last night we stayed up late preparing for an exciting day of Color War! We were divided into 3 teams — Red (Torah), White (Avodah), and Blue (Chesed). I was on the White Team. Today we had late wake-up, followed by davening, then we went to breakfast & Divrei Torah presentations from each team. The first competition was Chidon Hatanach. Questions were asked on Tanach to one person from every team, while there was a cup of water on their head, and when they wanted to answer a question, they stood and the cup would fall as they would answer the question! I then went to cheer my team on at the basketball game…we won the first game! Team time was followed by lunch and cheer presentations, then we had a really fun game of Cupcake Wars. Each team was given supplies to decorate cupcakes in their color and theme. We competed in an Apache Race, where every girl on the team participated in a section of the competition, which ended in a pyramid on the basketball course…which we also won! During the next team time, we learned our song and practiced the dance before the presentations. All the teams presented their songs and dances…and then we found out we won! GO WHITE! After Color War, we headed out to Universal Citywalk, for a fun night out in town. We came back to AJU, enjoyed a camper vs. advisor basketball game, and packed up our things for Shabbos. Looking forward to another great day on GIVE WEST.

[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!!!!!

[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!

[Written by Avigayil Greenberg, Hollywood, FL]
This morning on GIVE WEST we woke up to our daily Shacharit around the tree. Davening here always feels extra meaningful because of our beautiful setting and unity. After breakfast and chabburah, lead by our amazing advisors, we boarded the busses and headed for the LA Food Bank. When we first entered the food bank, we were greeted by the staff who instructed us on how to sort the food and package it for distribution. They kept repeating that we should throw away the food if it wasn’t something we wouldn’t eat at home, which is something I really liked. What I learned from today while sorting through the food, looking at the expiration dates and examining the overall quality of the merchandise, I love this aspect of what the food bank does, because I believe that even though they are homeless, they are still people and they deserve the best food just like we do. This organization is unique because they really care a lot about what they are giving out and they treat the needy just like any of us, just because they are poor, doesn’t mean they deserve expired food that could make them sick. After the meaningful chesed experience, we headed for a fun outing at The Grove, a popular outdoor shopping area in LA. We were all given the opportunity to split up and have some free time exploring. I made my necessary stop at Coffee Bean and then went with some friends on a cute trolley around the mall, on the trolley, we saw all the shops and people. The shoppers also enjoyed the outing, lots of people came back with cute new clothes.

[Written by Michal Feder, Teaneck, NJ]
After The Grove, we headed to the Museum of Tolerance. This museum focuses on making sure that the Holocaust is remembered and never forgotten. The tour guide gave us a card that had information about a child that went through the Holocaust. Throughout the tour, there were different stops for us to learn about the child on the card, at the last stop we found out if they survived the Holocaust. It was powerful to see and learn about how people my age had to go through such terrible times during their life. After the museum, we went to Dockweiler Beach, where we were able to hang out, and when the sun set, we had a bonfire and Kumzitz. During the Kumzitz, we sang songs, and the advisors told us inspirational stories that happened throughout their lives. I found tonight very inspirational because leading into Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, it was important to hear about Sinat Chinam and Ahavas Chinam. I am looking forward to a meaningful fast day together.

[Written By Emmy Simon, Phoenix, AZ]
This morning on NCSY GIVE WEST we traveled to San Diego! Our first stop was a gorgeous overlook of the sea — the Tory Pines Glider Ports. There was a fun hike down to the beach, and really great photo opts. After, we went to Balboa Park, and there was biking, a fun train ride outside the Zoo, and The Spanish Village Art Center. The art center was one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen in my entire life. We then went to Seaport Village, where we saw lots of cute little shops and a beautiful view of the water. There was a really cool pond there with birds swimming, people hanging around, and lots of tourists. Our last stop in San Diego was La Jolla Cliffs — and we saw more of the stunning beaches and lots and lots of seals! We traveled back to LA, had fun chatting over dinner, and ended the day with a delightful Spa Night! Every day on GVIE WEST is so much fun and I am SO happy to be here!

[Written by Ora Hochberg, Teaneck, New Jersey]
After getting ready for Shabbos, we took beautiful pictures outside of the AJU dorms. Then we went out to a large balcony and davened Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat as the sun was setting over the hills. After davening went inside for the meal, there was a lot of ruach, singing, and dancing. Tiferet Mondrow spoke about what we can learn from the contrast between Avraham and Bilam. After the meal, we had a Question and Answer session with Rabbi Katz from MMY, who answered any question that we had about an array of topics in Judaism, Torah, and Halacha. Then our advisors ran an optional tisch with snacks and singing. Afterward, I continued to speak to Rabbi Katz with some friends. My favorite part of Shabbos was davening outside because I don’t usually get to daven in that setting, and when everyone was dancing around at the meal. Thank you so much, Mommy and Abba for sending me on this program.

[Written by Leora Cohn, Boca Raton, FL]
Shabbos morning began with davening and Parsha Shiur with Rabbi Katz. He gave us a beautiful insight on how to better our relationship with our peers. Following Kiddush, we had free time and lunch. After lunch we had Chabbura with our advisors, they taught us about Rocel and Leah and the importance of Bein Adam L’chaveiro. After the Chabburot, we had a really fun advisor panel, where we got to hear from the advisors about their personal experience through life, we got great advice on how to go through High School with a positive outlook and how to better our relationship with Hashem, our peers, and ourselves. We learned so much about our advisors and got to relate to them on a more personal level. We then had free time, during free time, our director, Leah Moskovich, gave an optional shiur about how we can actually take a message from the game of basketball and the all-star player, LeBron James. She spoke about the different aspects of basketball and how they correspond to Judaism. Optional Beit Medrash time led into a shiur from Rabbi Katz about the Halachot pertaining to the Three Weeks and Nine Days and what we can gain from fasting, not only refraining from eating and drinking but also a more spiritual message. We then had Seudat Shilishit with a nice singing to conclude Shabbat and a great Havdala by Rabbi Katz. Motzei Shabbos was filled with yummy pizza, dancing, an awesome game of PANIC, and we then headed to bed pumped and excited for San Diego!

[Written by Sophie Schanzer, Edison, NJ]
This morning on GIVE WEST was truly incredible. After wake up, davening, breakfast, and chaburah, we headed on the bus to Shalhevet High School to run a carnival for Camp Etta. Camp Etta is a day camp for people of all ages with disabilities. GIVE WEST planned a carnival with 11 booths to have fun with our new friends. We ran the carnival outside in the yard and it was a beautiful day. I ran a booth called the ping pong challenge, where people would take a ping pong ball and try to throw the ball into a cup. They could stand at different spots to make the game challenging. It was an awesome and inspiring experience to hang out and talk with the Camp Etta campers. This carnival was really fun because I was able to make these people happy and put a smile on their faces. In the middle of the carnival, we all broke out into a dance party and sang with the members of Camp Etta. I had such a blast and I hope to continue hanging out and working with these types of kids. Thank you so much mom and dad for giving me this opportunity to go on GIVE WEST, to gain new friendships, grow spiritually, and give back to the community.

[Written by Sarala Kupferstein, West Hempstead, New York]
After the carnival, we went outside and had lunch before heading to 3rd Street Promenade. It was a beautiful outdoor shopping center with a coffee bean where we all got drinks. Afterward, we went to Santa Monica Beach where some of us swam in the ocean. It was my first time in the Pacific Ocean, I was scared to go in at first but then I closed my eyes and ran in any way. I swam with my advisors and had a blast with my friends. We dried off in the sun before getting back on the bus to head to AJU to prepare for Shabbos. Thanks, mom and dad, I’m really enjoying myself and I’m glad you can give me this experience.