summer-2013 Archives - Page 2 of 2

Day 1 by Yosef Tropper

Yesterday afternoon everyone arrived with excitement in their eyes for the best summer of their lives. After a lengthy plane ride during which everyone got to know each other, we arrived in Israel and immediately began our first amazing activity. The NCSYers all made their way to the great sites of some of the great Rabbis who organized the Mishna, including Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi himself!

These graves were located in caves which made for a very adventurous experience for all. But that still wasn’t the end to our amazing first day! We finished it off by going to K’far Kedem and reliving the glory days of the second temple era. We did this by making pitot followed by a beautiful donkey ride into the sunset. For dinner, we are a traditional meal of homemade schnitzel, rice, hot pita and condiments. I, for one, thought that today was one of the best days of my life! And this is just the beginning…

Introducing Your Awesome Advisor Moshe Heideman!!

Hey everyone!! My name is Moshe. I grew up in New Jersey but now I live in Baltimore, MD. I’m in college, finishing my bachelor’s degree, and I attent yeshiva in the mornings. I spent a couple of years in Israel, at Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim (OJ) and now, I’m working as the NCSY City Director of Baltimore, with the help of my beautiful wife to be, Shira Beleck <3 <3 <3. I do graphic design on the side, also with the help of my beautiful wife to be, Shira Beleck <3 <3 <3. I don’t eat chocolate or tomato sauce, but I won’t object if you want to buy me a white on white Magnum ice cream bar 😉

I’m super stoked to meet all you guys and have the BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

NCSYer Ali Zak Can’t Wait for the Summer!

Hi everybody! My name is Ali Zak and I live in Oakland, California. I love Disney movies, spend a lot of time singing to my dog (he’s the only one who tolerates my singing voice), dance, and am super stressed out cuz I haven’t started packing yet! I’ve been to Israel many times to visit family, but I hope that going on ICE will allow me to experience and connect to the land in a different way than I have gotten to when I just stayed at my Grandma’s house. I’m nervous about meeting so many new people, but am super excited to be meeting so many other teens who love NCSY like I do. I know in the end I’ll come out with so many new friends cuz everyone seems super nice! Cant Wait!!!

Introducing Your Awesome Assistant Director Yisrael Katz!!

Hi All,

My name is Yisrael Katz and I am currently the West Valley City Director for West Coast NCSY. I’ve done TJJ for past two summers but when they told me about ICE ISRAEL I was on board right away. I am married to the beautiful Jamie Katz and we currently live in Encino, CA. After I spent my year abroad at Lev HaTorah I attended Yeshiva University and majored in Finance. After that I got married and moved to California to become the W. Valley City Director. I love this job and wouldn’t give up for anything in the world. Can’t wait for the BEST. SUMMER. EVER!!!

Introducing Your Awesome Advisor Jamie Katz!

Hey! My name is Jamie Katz and I’m incredibly excited to spend the summer with you all. I’m originally from Chicago, IL, Yisrael and I (we’re married :)) now live in Encino, California. We have a hamster named Lucy and we hope she survives the summer when we are away. During the school year, I work for Yachad and also do graphic design. I HATE bananas, LOVE chocolate and am very excited to drink some Israeli iced coffee with y’all. I’m so excited to meet each and every one of you and to hike, dance, sing and party the summer away!!! See you soon!

Chaya Ross: Getting Excited for the Summer!

Ever since I signed up for ICE Israel in November I’ve been counting down the days until my first time in the Holy Land. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about NCSY programs so I’m extremely excited. This summer with ICE, I am looking forward to learn about my Jewish heritage hands on by visiting sacred sites and studying with advisors. It will be fascinating to see all the years of learning about the history of Israel in school come alive. We will be going to these holy places with a group of around forty people. That means forty new smiling faces, forty new Jews passionate about Israel and Judaism, forty new kids with the same goal and forty new friends. Naturally, one can be a little nervous coming into a new environment such as ICE. There are so many new personalities and places that I’ll have to encounter on the program. It’s scary going off to another country alone not knowing what will happen.

My goal on ICE is to replace the fear of the unknown with curiosity. I am going to put myself out there and get the most out of this beautiful Israel experience. I want to walk away from this summer with new memories, new friends, and new love for my heritage. Opportunities like this do not happen often, so I will make sure to have the Best.Summer.Ever.

Introducing Your Awesome Advisor Sara Wolkenfeld!

Hiiii guys!!! I’m Sara Wolkenfeld and I’m super excited to be going on NCSY ICE Israel this summer!!! I live in West Hempstead, NY and I have been involved with New York NCSY for 9 years, but this is my first time on an NCSY Summer Program. Some important things you should know about me: I can quote all 10 seasons of Friends, my favorite movie is My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I think Jolly Ranchers are delicious, and I love to bake (there might even be a surprise waiting for you at the airport!) Please do not be fooled by my small stature, I promise I am an advisor. I can’t wait to spend the summer with you traveling around and learning about our holy homeland for what is sure to be the BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

Get Ready for the Best. Summer. Ever.

NCSY Summer is shaping up and about to begin its largest summer yet. With close to 1,000 participants expected to attend one of NCSY’s 12 summer programs, it’s going to be an epic summer!

This summer, NCSY launched three new programs: ICE Israel, TJJ Plus and GIVE USA. ICE Israel is a co-ed program that travels through the land of Israel. TJJ Plus is a leadership program for public school teens that have already spent a summer on TJJ. The program begins in Poland where teens learn about their rich Jewish history and culminates with a unique Israel experience. Lastly, GIVE USA is an all-girls program based in Upstate New York that focuses on volunteering and service learning opportunities.

Each NCSY summer program is lead by experienced and talented professionals who have spent the year researching and planning exciting trips, activities and educational experiences. Now it’s your turn to let the summer unfold and see what’s in store for you. Get ready for the Best. Summer. Ever!

Summer 2013 – Best. Summer. Ever.

NCSY Summer Programs are more than just summer trips. They’re one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of a person’s life. NCSY runs twelve unique summer programs in the US, Israel and Europe that cater to teens with different interests and backgrounds.