On the Tuesday night following the terror attack at the Boston Marathon, TAS High School students wrote their reactions and reflections. Below is the response of one of those students … 

4/15/13

Today I walked through the front door, eagerly asking my mom if it we were going on a run. She replied by pointing at the TV. The news was on and the screen read: ‘Two explosions at Boston Marathon Finish’. “2 dead over 86 wounded.” Nearly 6 hours later, that number is above 130. I am shocked by the harm one human is capable of causing. But doesn’t that mean one person can change the world for the better? But a bigger question: Can terrorism really be fought?

The recent events in Boston are disheartening, discouraging, dissuading, and frankly, disgusting. Am I ever going to have the courage to run another marathon?

We as humans are obligated to mourn the losses of innocent by standers, runners, or security guards. We are obligated to respect their suffering and pity their physical and emotional injuries. Someone has targeted marathon runners. But not only them, well us, but American and human kind.

I proudly wear those 3 labels.

I am a marathon runner, an American, and a person. I do not want these labels morphing into targets.

It could have been LA 1 year ago.

Thinking one year ago I finished a marathon and visited Boston directly after, is really scary. I know terrorism is wrong, like most warm-hearted people. However, putting it down ultimately results in more violence. Because, to be blunt, they believe in terrorism as strongly as we don’t.

I want to take a stand. I want someone to read this and help me in aiding the world. Ultimately, no one is safe. Nowhere is safe. No time is safe. But living in fear is just as dangerous as living in direct vicinity as physical danger. Therefore, every human must work hand-in-hand with each other, an improbable feat.

Tomorrow, I plan on wearing my marathon shirt, as a sign of support. I see that it may appear disrespectful, too soon, or as if I am rubbing my past safety in the faces of those put in danger today. But that is millions of marathons worth of miles away from my intent. I feel as if marathon runner can unit in solidarity, show support for people we’d have instant camaraderie with, and make a difference in the world. I vow to support these victims of terror. To wear my labels with pride and dignity and never let them turn into bulls eyes.

By Ady Friedman, NFTY-SoCal

This event, above all the rest, truly decides the future of our beautiful region, NFTY SoCal. Elections Kallah has always been an event that I believe brings our community closer together. I have always been jealous of people whose first event was elections. There is always such a small amount of new members that they are not only welcomed with open arms, but, I believe, they are also treated with extra respect for choosing for their first experience to be a board meeting that last upwards of 10 hours. Throughout the course of this incredibly long asefah, I have always met new friends and bonded with old ones. As we sit in a room for almost an entire day, so many memories are formed, and the future leaders of the region are chosen.

Over the three elections I have been to so far, I have learned many valuable things. First, make sure that whatever you wear to asefah is comfortable: you will be wearing it for hours. Second, bring pens and paper to pass notes, but not during important parts, for example, do not pass notes during speeches, board reports, or voting. And finally, don’t just bring junk food to eat. Want to know a little secret? Freshman year, after only eating fairly unhealthy food, I fainted (wow, that’s really embarrassing, don’t be like me). It was definitely not one of my proudest moments of NFTY, but it taught me to make sure you always take care of yourself.

A little timeline of my asefot from the past 3 elections kallot I have attended!

This is going to an amazing event guaranteed, and one that will bring us even closer, for sure. I can’t wait to see everyone and make new friends.

Love you all,

Ady

By Ady Friedman, NFTY-SoCal

There are some NFTY events where all I want to do when I come home is curl up in my own bed and sleep for days. NFTY Convention was the kind of event where when I came home all I wanted to do, after my 5 hour nap of course, was listen to “Stay” by Rihanna on repeat, eat my feelings and add all the new friends I made on Facebook. The magic of bringing a camera to an event is that I now have beautiful pictures to look back on and be able to visualize and better remember what happened. What’s even better is having the ingenious idea to leave said camera with friends (s/o to Elliot), and being left with a plethora of pictures of people I do not actually know! (but at least they look like they are enjoying themselves…)

NFTY Convention was not only an experience that left me with new friends and memories, but one that strengthened my love for NFTY even further than I thought possible. Two years ago, when I had the amazing opportunity to attend the convention in Dallas, Texas, on the day we left the hotel, we only visited “fun” locations. This time, we picked between 21 programs to see and I was able to visit Beit T’shuvah, and meet an inspiring group of individuals from both the residential treatment program, and the prevention program. What I love about NFTY is the passion that everyone shares not only to simply better the world, but also to meet new people in order to make an impact in their lives. My life has definitely changed after discovering people from all of the 19 different regions of NFTY, because while everyone has several things in common, everyone has their own story to tell.

After many mixers that focused on the social action theme, NFTY addresses mental health, programs where I bonded with my grade, visiting Universal Studios, and inspirational speakers that taught about their own struggles (#liveandletlive) and accomplishments, I can honestly say that NFTY Convention could not have been a better event.

Here’s a gem from Convention 2011 where you will see some familiar faces, and have a window into my awkward life…

I learned that not all regions of NFTY are the same. Many do not give out beads at events, some have summer kallot, and there is only one NFTY SoCal.  Especially at an event with almost 900 participants, I was not only proud to tell everyone that I was from SoCal, but proud to be from the region in which NFTY Convention was held (not so secretly I enjoyed watching everyone freak out when we drove past the Hollywood sign.)

To all those who were unable to attend, please go to the next NFTY Convention if you can, and otherwise sign up for SoCal Elections so we can be best friends/become better friends/meet

Dear Convention 2013,

Thanks for the memories, you will be missed.

Love, Ady

#22ndevent #lovemyjews #nftysocal #brocal #nftyconvention #liveandletlive

By Ady Friedman, NFTY-SoCal

Just thinking about SJK makes me smile. NFTY SoCal’s Social Justice Kallah a few weeks ago has been my favorite event of the year so far. The concept of what SJK means has always made it my favorite events, and I am very proud of that fact. The first time I was introduced to the concept of social justice through NFTY SoCal was as a freshman at SJK (shout out to VCTRY for hosting).

After having the wonderful opportunity to visit all of the different locations on Saturday, I can honestly say that everyone should have been able to leave SJK knowing that they really made a difference. The magical thing about this particular event is that although everyone is participating in their own project during the day, the group as a whole is participating in the same project: social justice – Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.

NFTY SoCalites had the opportunity to take care of animals, work at a food bank, tour facilities that help hundreds of people, as well as many other projects in which everyone had to work together to accomplish a task.

SJK may be my favorite event of the year, but there is one part of all events that I love more than anything else. Havdallah. To me, it is the most beautiful experience, and I love spiraling together and knowing that I am surrounded by a family that truly cares. This Havdallah was extra special however, because we were at the Griffith Park Observatory, one of the most incredible outlook points I have ever been to. And yes, I may have cried while looking around at all of my amazing friends and knowing that NFTY SoCal is the place I am happiest.

When it came time for closing circle and we couldn’t really find space – due to the conveniently planned Bat Mitzvah, we wound up using the sanctuary. This was the most unconventional closing circle out of all of the events I have attended, but it was also one of my favorite. Even though we weren’t technically in a circle, everyone had their arms around the people next to them, and the spontaneity reminded me why I love NFTY. No matter the situation, we all come together to make something beautiful.

Katie did plan an amazing event, with the help of the rest of the regional board of course, but this picture that always makes me smile. All of the participants are what made the event possible and what brought it to life, but these are the people that planned everything to make people just like myself smile weeks after, just by reminiscing.

by Rachel Kahn, NFTY-Northwest President, Sophie Grossman, NFTY-Central West President, Spencer Winson, NFTY-Southwest President, and Jenna Snyder, NFTY-SoCal President   

Twice a year, the NFTY General Board meets to do the business of NFTY. On rare occasions, the General Board is given the opportunity to review recommendations to give NFTY’s highest honor, NFTY Lifetime Membership, to individuals who have indelibly impacted NFTY. The requirements for NFTY Lifetime Membership include dedicating more than seven years to the ongoing development of NFTY on a North American level.

Our most recent recipients have dedicated their time, resources, and passion to helping further youth participation within NFTY-SoCal, NFTY-Southwest, NFTY-Northwest, NFTY Central West, Camp Newman, Camp Kalsman, NFTY in Israel, NFTY EIE Semester in Israel, NFTY Mitzvah Corps, NFTY Convention and the URJ Kutz Camp.

Because of their generosity, more than 20,000 young people have been afforded the opportunity to attend NFTY events, travel to Israel, and enjoy exciting summer camping experiences. However, perhaps their greatest gifts are the time and passion they have dedicated to creating the canvas for immersive, meaningful, and transformative Reform Jewish experiences in which to be created.

On behalf of the West Coast regions of NFTY, it is our honor, privilege, and joy to present NFTY Lifetime Membership to outstanding role models, philanthropists, and supporters, Mark and Peachy Levy.

 Resolution to Grant NFTY Lifetime Membership to Mark & Peachy Levy

Friday, February 15, 2013

WHEREAS NFTY strives to create a community where every individual is equal, regardless of financial situation, and;

WHEREAS NFTY strives to not let members’ financial situations limit their participation in NFTY regional events and summer programs, and;

WHEREAS many NFTYites have received financial aid in order to attend events and participate in programs, and;

WHEREAS Mark & Peachy Levy have donated significantly to help teens attend meaningful and life changing programs at  URJ Camp Newman, NFTY-SoCal, NFTY-SW, NFTY Mitzvah Corps, NFTY in Israel, the URJ Kutz Camp, and NFTY-EIE, and;

WHEREAS the Levy’s contributed significantly to expand the growth of URJ Camp Newman (NFTY-CWR’s regional camp) and to URJ Camp Kalsman (NFTY-NW’s regional camp) since 2002 and;

WHEREAS scholarships given by the Levy’s have impacted more than 20,000 teens and children over the past decade, and;

WHEREAS their support through the decades has provided meaningful and significant Jewish experiences to thousands that would otherwise not have had opportunities to attend NFTY or URJ camp programs,

THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that Mark and Peachy Levy be granted NFTY Lifetime Membership, NFTY’s highest honor.

Respectfully submitted,

Rachel Kahn, NFTY-NW President                             Sophie Grossman, NFTY-CWR President

Spencer Winson, NFTY-SW President                       Jenna Snyder,  NFTY-SoCal President

On behalf of NFTY Northwest, NFTY Central West, NFTY Southern California and NFTY Southwest

By Ady Friedman, NFTY-SoCal 

Praydoh. Everyone is beautiful. Photo hike. OpMands. Shira. I was born this way. I am beautiful because I… have a wonderful time at NFTY despite the rain? A few weekends ago (sorry it’s been a while I’ve been attempting to get into college) NFTY SoCalites learned to find beauty in themselves at Fall Kallah. I learned that I am beautiful because I pee about 35 times a day, my tummy makes weird noises when I’m hungry, and most importantly, because I can smile and laugh.

During services Friday night we were all given Playdoh, or as Aliza, the regional RCVP, cleverly named it: Praydoh. I sculpted a heart, the world, and then artfully mixed my praydoh with my friends’ to show that everyone has an impact on everyone else around them.

The night before Fall, I mentally decided that it was going to be the first event I actually woke up in time to go on the photo hike that I am always regretful for missing. As rain is not my favorite person in this world, I decided that the next one will be my first for sure. But the rain didn’t stop the group that was brave enough to venture outside.

Frankie Alchanati and Frankie Golick (Photo courtesy of BESHTY)

The amount of new members at this event was really ridiculous. I am so happy that the amount of members of the NFTY SoCal community is infinitely growing (get it, infinfty? Like the adorable tanks Emily Berent created from Ari Tooch and Marni Zipper’s idea?) So aside from the fact that that last part was all one big name drop, I am trying to say that there were around 85 new members at Fall, and it makes me smile so big to know that.

Okay so big fun. BIG FUN. Big Fun. “Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set” Lady Gaga. After being told to dress in something that expressed who I am, or something crazy with lots of sparkles, I really had no idea what to expect for big fun. The ‘born this way’ Monster Ball was one of my favorite big fun ideas, ever. Everyone was able to wear whatever they thought fit the mysterious instructions, and there were some pretty crazy outfits.

Hopefully you not only got to attend Fall Kallah, but I was able to meet you there. If not, don’t worry. I will be at SJK (January 11-13) and Convention over President’s day weekend in February. You have plenty of chances to meet me and my awkwardness before the year is over.

And because I know you were all waiting for it, the obligatory awkward picture of myself. Here ya go. (Okay I made another collage because there are too many)

Fall Kallah was an event where I was able to not only learn more about myself and all the ways in which I am beautiful, but where I was able to connect with new and old friends. I am in love with this community. Keep up the good work, RegBo.

Hugs and Kisses,
Ady

By Ady Friedman, NFTY-SoCal Blogger

Oh hey! Oh hey!

So before I begin, I’m going to introduce myself. My name is Ady Friedman and I am the NFTY-SoCal blogger. Pretty fancy title for a job where all I have to do is put down my love for this region on paper, well on the computer. I have been a very active member of NFTY-SoCal since my very first event, LTI 2009. There are few things you should know about me. First, I never miss a NFTY event, I just don’t know how to. Second, I am an awkward person. I take awkward pictures and definitely introduce myself awkwardly (normally with a surprise hug, so prepare yourselves). I also love thrift stores, green tea and taking selfies on Instagram, I’m just a little bit addicted. I live in the tiny little town of South Pasadena, and am currently a senior at SPHS. I have two adorable kitties, Mahjong and Monkey, and fourteen turtles and tortoises (I never said I was normal).

FALL KALLAH

Fall Kallah has always been my second favorite event of the year, after SJK (because I love helping others). This event always has the most new members, which means the most opportunities for new friendships. Here are some pictures from the 3 fall kallahs I have attended so far. I tried to separate the photos as much as possible by year.

Top Left: Fall Kallah 2009. Big fun was 20’s style poker night. I met our beautiful historian Shane and we have been friends ever since.

Top Right: Fall Kallah 2010. Big fun was dress like your favorite cartoon character, and I was Wanda from The Fairly OddParents. This has been one of my all-time favorite events, mostly because at fall there is the most time to talk to friends and make new ones.

Bottom: Fall Kallah 2011. Big fun was a winter wonderland dance, cookie decorating, and fake snow fun. One of my favorite big funs ever.

So if all you got out of those pictures is that I was a very awkward freshman, that’s okay. It’s hard to understand the magic of NFTY just by looking at pictures of people you might not even know.

If this is your first event, your first Fall Kallah, or your first time back at NFTY, you should look forward to an amazing event. Fall Kallah has never disappointed me so far, and with such an amazing regional board there is no way it will disappoint me this year.  If you see me during the event please come up and introduce yourself, if I don’t already know you, or just come to say hi. I am looking forward to meeting a lot of new friends, being in a lot more than the 4 awkward pictures I was in 3 years ago, and wearing crazy clothes Saturday night for big fun. Look forward to sparkles, spandex, and surprises.

Xoxo, GossipGirl (Just kidding. It’s just me.)

Love, Ady

Kudos, Sara-Jean!

By Ryan E. Smith, The Jewish Journal

Originally posted on JewishJournal.com

Someday, maybe every gay Jewish youth will have as easy a time coming out as Elias Rubin did.

“I came out a few days after I figured it out myself,” said the 11th-grader from Valley Village. “Everybody was totally supportive and accepting.”

That was when he was in eighth grade. Rubin, now 17, didn’t see the point in keeping it a secret, whether at home or at school.

“Everybody knows, everybody’s OK with it, and we just go on with our daily lives,” he said.

Not all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens are so lucky. Nine out of 10 LGBT students have experienced harassment at school, and more than one-third have attempted suicide, according to the It Gets Better Project (itgetsbetter.org), a collection of video testimonials in support of LGBT youths and in response to harassment and bullying.

A number of Jewish schools and youth organizations in the area are doing their part not only to provide resources for students struggling with their sexuality, but also to ensure inclusive environments where they can thrive.

At New Community Jewish High School (NCJHS) in West Hills, about 15 students attend weekly meetings of the B’tselem Elohim / Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). The Hebrew refers to the idea that humans are created in God’s own image. Members of the group, now in its second year, have discussed articles from current events and watched videos from the It Gets Better Project.

“The mission is to raise awareness about homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender issues today, all the while encouraging acceptance in our community today,” said Sivan Lipman, the NCJHS group’s faculty adviser.

Milken Community High School in Bel Air has a GSA as well. Members are organizing a Day of Silence on Nov. 18, modeled after a national day of action in which students take some form of a vow of silence to call attention to bullying and harassment of LGBT youth in schools, according to Stephanie Monteleone, Milken’s group adviser.

“The students who started the GSA felt there was a need for increased awareness about homophobia and how that impacts our community as well as establishing a support network for students who identify as LGBTQ,” she said in an e-mail.

Milken’s middle school also includes a unit on diversity during which the film “Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School” is shown.

Simply providing access to information is one easy way to help LGBT students, said Joel L. Kushner, director of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation. Based in Los Angeles, it has a massive online collection of resources at huc.edu/ijso.

“It’s really important for Jewish settings … to have the information so that a child can … know that ‘oh, I can be Jewish and not an abomination — you know, from the Leviticus 18:22 verse — and my community will still accept me,’ ” he said.

He said he has seen progress when it comes to openness and awareness in schools and camps, but it needs to be taken to the next level. That means doing education for teachers and not waiting until high school to talk to kids about LGBT issues, he said.

Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles has taken that to heart. Its middle school offers a human development class that starts by teaching sixth-graders about bullying, teasing and how people get targeted for their differences. By the eighth grade, students are sharing their personal stories and smashing stereotypes, from racism to LGBT issues, said counselor Inez Tiger, who teaches the class.

“We just want to create an open, inclusive dialogue,” Tiger said.

Students watch “Straightlaced,” a documentary that examines gender biases, and there are gay speakers who are part of panel discussions. Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, the head of school, also discusses the biblical issues surrounding homosexuality.

Much has changed since Tiger first offered the class.

“I would say it has transformed from when it started 10 years ago, when some parents wouldn’t let their kids come to this section of the class, to now, when they don’t even opt out at all,” she said.

One of the next challenges is turning tolerant spaces into inclusive ones, according to Asher Gellis, executive director of JQ International, a Los Angeles-based organization that provides programs and services for the LGBT Jewish community.

“Understanding that LGBT community members can come and participate and won’t be discriminated against is ‘tolerant.’ Being inclusive is offering LGBT-specific services. They have particular needs,” Gellis said. “Do you have a welcoming page on your Web page? Do you have LGBT role models? Are you offering support for parents of LGBT kids? It’s a complicated dynamic.”

Sara-Jean Lipmen, Southern California regional programs manager for the Reform movement’s North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), understands this. While part of the group’s response has been simple — “We have an intolerance for intolerance,” she said — leaders realize there’s more to consider.

“For example, we’re looking at doing one event, possibly this year, that is gender-segregated. The regional board is already talking about what happens with the teens who may want to be with a different gender than they are biologically,” Lipmen said, referring to transgender identity. “It’s something that we’re keenly aware of.”

JQ’s Gellis said he has worked with the Conservative movement’s United Synagogue Youth, NFTY and Pressman Academy on LGBT issues. Overall, he’s pleased to see how far things have come in the last 25 years.

“The changes are quite dramatic,” he said. “It went from a period of growing up in the ’80s and having no queer Jewish role models — it was a subject that was never discussed — to a conversation that is happening at Shabbat dinner tables, happening on the pulpit and happening in the classroom.”

West Coast Party is a bi-annual event that allows Jewish teens to explore their Jewish identity in a safe, Jewish camp environment. Participants will have the opportunity to reunite with friends from Camp Newman, Camp Kalsman, NFTY, EIE, Mitzvah Corps, and NFTY in Israel while meeting new lifelong friends along the way.

Check out the great 2012 West Coast Party video!

Click here for more information and to register!

Let your friends know you’re attending on the West Coast Party Event Page!

Leah Hennes, Alyssa Magier, and Taylor at the NFTY-SoCal Fall Kallah

“Home, let me come home.  Home is where ever I’m with you.”

These lyrics were sung by two NFTY-SoCalites at the end of SoCal’s Leadership Training Institute, but similar words ran through my mind as soon as I stepped foot in Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge, CA.

This being my first event away from my home region, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the first moments of the event, however, my anxieties were calmed as I was greeted by friendly faces, familiar and new, letting me know that though the place might not be familiar, I had arrived back in my home, in NFTY.

It was a pleasure to watch NFTY-SoCal’s regional board lead their first event together and to see their new advisor, Sara Jean-Lipmen, thrive in her role as Youth Programs Manager for the region.

I was given the incredible opportunity to lead the “non-traditional” track during network meetings. ‘Non-traditional’ refers to TYG board positions that do not necessarily fit into the other seven networks (president, programming, religious and cultural, social action, membership, communications, and finance) led by each regional board member. In our meeting we talked about communications, tips for public speaking, and what leadership characteristics they can bring to their TYG boards. They enjoyed my accent (“y’all”), and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with these excited and eager youth group leaders!

Another thrilling moment of the weekend was passing a resolution to abolish the no-vote, presented by Zack Robinson, Kutz Camp alum and 2010-2011 NFTY-SoCal Programming Vice President. Additionally, NFTY-SoCal’s Social Action Vice President, Maya Polon, led an enlightening program about food insecurity, specifically in Southern California, and brought in a representative from SOVA, a nonsectarian program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, to talk with the participants about this important issue.

On Saturday night, NFTY-SoCal ventured to Topanga Mall where, after a very satisfying meal, we all sang the Birkat Hamazon in Red Robin and began the “Minute to Win It” scavenger hunt throughout the entire mall, dressed as pirates, old people, ninjas and more. Everyone had an awesome time running around, having fun and completing tasks as a team. Exhausted, we headed back to Temple Ahavat Shalom for closing circle, where, even though I had only known some of these NFTYites for a little more than 24 hours, I was instantly in the arms of the two people beside me at the first strum of the guitar, swaying and singing with them like we had known each other for years. This will be one of my many “snapshots” – a significant moment in my NFTY experience and, ironically, the theme of this event. That moment, including others throughout the weekend, reminded me of the connections, friendships, and sense of “home” we can create through this incredible organization.

NFTY is one of my homes and always will be. I loved having the opportunity to visit one of our amazing nineteen regions, and I look forward to my next visit to NFTY-MAR! Thanks for hosting me, NFTY-SoCal!

Taylor Lyles is the NFTY North American Membership and Communications Vice President and a freshman at the University of Miami. You can find her on Twitter at @NFTYMCVP and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NFTYMCVP.