MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR
We at West Coast NCSY spent much time over last summer reflecting and analyzing our operation and programming. We knew that we had an impressive team of passionate outreach professionals and recorded unprecedented membership in 2011. We were now concerned with giving Jewish teens specialized attention in areas that would truly propel them to new levels of growth. Over the last three years, our teen initiative, LEAD (Leadership Education Advocacy and Development) has grown by leaps and bounds. Now, with the help of a particularly passionate teen leadership board, the group was poised for greatness. In October, West Coast NCSY’s regional board launched the Teen Philanthropy Movement.
Our incredible group of teen leaders spent three months working on a terrific social action campaign. Over that period, seven groups of students dedicated their time to researching non-profit organizations, meeting with representatives, learning with them on the Jewish perspective on philanthropy, and visiting their facilities.
On February 29, we held our first annual Decision Day on which four judges heard presentations from the students and decided which three organizations of the seven should receive and divide $5,000. The goal of the campaign was to not only teach the students to be thoughtful about gifts and distribution but also to foster leadership skills and heighten their sensitivity and awareness for the less fortunate in the Jewish community.
In addition, our staff spent considerable time this year revamping our educational component. Educating our teens in an informal setting is something unique that we provide. The Torah, leadership, and friendships are but some of the ways we help nurture our children. This year we paid special attention to students’ needs and offered a wide array of options for which they can connect to Torah learning.
We would like to congratulate our Director of Outreach, Rabbi Josh Horwitz, on organizing a successful Maimonides Scholar Programfor the seventh straight year. The program pairs public school students with day school students in 100 hours of Torah study. This year, more than 50 teens participated and were celebrated at a siyum dinner at a private home.
NCSY’s success relies on many different people, but we would like to highlight the following friends. Many thanks to the Chairman of our Youth Commission, Dr. Josh Penn, and to Rhoda Weisman, who have been great friends and mentors to NCSY. Their vision and direction are major reasons for our growth and advancement. A special thanks to the other members of the commission: Jason Ciment, Elyssa Czuker, Yossie Essas, Jacquelyn Glazer, Ashi Gottesman, Dina Leeds, Elaine Levkowitz, Irwin Nachimson, Nachum Leib Pomeranz, Jonny Schoen and Alan Teichman. They have served as advisors on so many levels. Thank you for taking time away from your family and investing it with ours. We look forward to bringing you much nachas in the upcoming year.
Rabbi Effie Goldberg Solly Hess
Executive Director Regional Director