Summer 2016 Archives

Chaburah Spotlight: Shani Rothwachs

The one and only Shani Rothwachs is from Teaneck, New Jersey. She went to Maayanot and then spent a year and a half learning in Israel in Shaalavim and Michlalah. She is currently in Touro College. This is Shani’s third summer on Michlelet, but first time as a Madricha!

The girls in Shani’s Chabura are Leora Mause (Monsey, NY), Avital Wolff (Woodmere, NY), Aliza Brody (Queens, NY), and Rena Mandel (Passaic, NJ).

Shani’s chaburah focused on learning various middos, like simcha, emunah, & priorities, through stories of gedolim!

What is your favorite Israeli snack?
Leora Mause- chocolate eggs
Aliza Brody- Doritos
Rena Mandel -Doritos
Avital Wolff-chocolate eggs

Chaburah Spotlight: Tamara Weinberg

Tamara Weinberg, from Woodmere, NY, is excited to spend her fourth summer on Michlelet!

The girls in Tamara’s chaburah are Yael Grosberg (Queens, NY), Yael Scheinman (Woodmere, NY), Aliza Kurtz (Passaic, NJ), and Aliza Rothman (Woodmere, NY).

Tamara’s chaburah is about simcha. By learning about emunah, hakaras hatov, giving, self esteem, and other values, the girls learn how to develop a sense of simchas hachaim in their own lives!

What makes you smile?

Aliza Rothman- Spending time with my family and friends and making memories that I’ll never forget, for example Michlelet, really brings a smile to my face

Yael Scheinman- Being able to make other people smile is something that brings true joy to me and always puts a smile on my face

Aliza Kurtz- Being in Israel, learning Torah with my friends, and touring our country really inspires me and keeps a smile on my face all day long.

Yael Grosberg- Doing chessed in Israel and experiencing all the amazing fun trips with my friends

Last shabbos!

Another inspiring shabbos on Michlelet. The perfect ending to an inspiring summer, to say the least.

Kabbalas shabbos, zemiros, Divrei Torah, tisch, chilling, learning, eating, playing games, chavrusahs, Mincha by the gorgeous sunset, singing as one voice as shabbos ebbed away… The list goes on!!! This is a shabbos that we will never forget.

After havdala, we packed up, had a pizza melave malka, and then finished the night with a closing Kumsitz where every girl spoke about her experience and accomplishments this summer. AS the night came to a close, we loaded the busses for our last visit to the Kotel for this trip, where we had a beautiful sunrise davening before we drove to the airport.

As the girls all expressed themselves, many of us came in as strangers, but we are leaving as a Michlelet Family. We sincerely feel so close to one another and are so appreciative of those who made this summer for us, be it the incredible Michlelet staff, our family, & of course Hashem!

We are now in Ben Gurion airport, getting ready for our flight. It’s hard to leave home, but Gd willing we will be back here in Israel, reunited with all our brothers and sisters, very soon.

We can’t wait to see our friends and family back in America!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

Check out our pictures, because you better believe we’re still posting!

Mrs. Yudin Weekly Update #6

Dear Michlelet NCSY Parents,

It is almost impossible to believe that I am writing the final weekly letter of the summer! What an incredibly charged week it was full of meaning, growth and so much fun. We have experienced so much so deeply. We have experienced the lowest lows to the highest Highs. It is hard to imagine your daughters have ever experience a week so growth filled, feeling so deeply connected to Am Yisrael in so many special ways.

The week began with Tisha B’av – the saddest day of the Jewish calendar. It was a very powerful day here at Michlelet –full of contemplation and connection with the tragedies that have befallen Am Yisrael, both past and present. We cried together and sang from the bottom of our hearts that we should merit Mashiach’s arrival. We ended off the day with a beautiful kumzitz overlooking the hills of Beit Shemesh – so united in song and hope for the geula to arrive. Although it has not yet come, I am confident that Tisha B’av here was a very meaningful step in the process of Mashiach’s arrival. So many girls said that was the most powerful and profound Tisha B’av they had ever experienced.

Contrast Tisha B’av with the incredible wedding we were privileged to make on Monday!!! The girls worked so hard to prepare every single detail of the gorgeous chasuna we made on Monday night. They prepared the chuppa, the kallah’s chair, the yichud room, the set up, waitressing etc… It was all done with love and excitement and pure Ahavat Yisrael. And when the wedding actually began, they each did their part to make the evening beautiful and so memorable. There were so many times throughout the evening that my eyes welled up with tears as I watched how hard the girls worked and how sensitive they were. They were so thoughtful and careful that no one else at the wedding figure out that we had funded and were making the wedding. They made sure to dance only at the outskirts of the circles for the first dance and part of the second , so she should be able to dance with her family and friends first. It was true true chessed, not done for their own recognition or honor, but truly for the sake of the Kallah and her family. I was really blown away! As we said our final mazel tov to the Chassan and Kallah, the kallah was in tears as she thanked us from the bottom of her heart for making her such an amazing wedding. As her father said afterwards, in his wildest dreams, he could not have imagined as beautiful a wedding as this. A special thanks to each of you who helped make this wedding a reality. You are truly a most generous parent body – and we can clearly see where the girls get their generosity and goodness from.

Tuesday morning we didn’t skip a beat as we hosted a carnival for children from Sderot. Another incredible high here on Michlelet as the girls prepared fun booths with all kinds of contests and games to make kids they never met before so happy. Ahavas Yisrael to the max, was once again the feeling that was felt here and the priceless smiles on the faces of the kids was a true testament to the fun and joy that was had by all!

Wednesday was our final tiyul. We woke up really early (5:00) and were off to greet a Nefesh B’nefesh flight! We welcomed the olim with tremendous enthusiasm and simcha! We once again had the privilege of displaying Ahavas Chinam – as these people were not our family members. But they are our brothers and sisters and you could really feel the brotherhood and love in the room as they were warmly welcomed by our girls and the many others that came to greet the flight. From my perspective, it was especially touching, as our family made Aliyah eight years ago. I know how difficult it is to start anew without family and the emotions felt at that time, and to be greeted by so many dancing, happy fellow Jews, is such a comfort and so incredibly heartwarming. It was especially touching, as three previous Michlelet NCSYers were on the flight, making Aliyah with their families.

From there we drove up north to Luna Gal, a great water park where we enjoyed a very refreshing and fun time in a relaxed and splashy environment. It was “chill time” – very needed as the girls had been so busy with chessed and of course incredible learning the days before the trip. We ended off the day in Kfar Kedem, where we made pitas and went on Donkey Rides– riding high and having a blast. We were treated there to a delicious dinner prepared for us in Kfar Kedem.

All this went on, of course, with a regular learning schedule, where the girls learned from madrichot, teachers, had optional shiurim, speakers and were excited about learning Torah!

Our last “regular day” was yesterday. It was bittersweet – as we knew it was the last time we would have our classes, chaburahs and teachers for this summer. The girls were really thirsty and made the most of the final classes.

We then got ready for our banquet! What a beautiful evening it was – as we all sat together and reminisced the past indescribable six weeks here at Michlelet NCSY. We heard from our peers, our staff and had a chance to express our hakarat hatov for all those individuals who helped make this summer the awesome one that it was.

And then ….. We exploded!! We had Shlomo Katz and his band come and play a great concert for us. I cannot possibly describe the ruach, excitement and joy in the room as we danced together in celebration of what we accomplished together this summer. What a perfect ending to a near perfect summer!!

We B”H still have one Shabbos together and we are all so excited to share it here on Michlelet NCSY 5776. Shabbos on Michlelet is truly indescribable!!

We have experienced the lows, but we also have enjoyed really high highs. We hope all Klal Yisrael experiences true nechama this Shabbos Nachamu and that we all can soon join together to sing and dance as hundreds of planes land here to greet Mashiach speedily in our days.

Good Shabbos,

With Love from the Holy Land,

Rivka Yudin

Friday in Yerushalayim

This morning was our last pancake breakfast for the summer! 🙁

We drove to Yerushalayim and walked around from the kotel to Geulah -wherever our hearts desires to see the beautiful city and purchase food or last minute gifts.

Now, back on campus, we enthusiastically prepare for our last shabbos on Michlelet 2016, which is SURE to be unforgettable.

Wow…where does the time go?

GOOD SHABBOS FROM BEIT SHEMESH!!!!

NCSY MICHLELET 2016 SUMMER RECAP!

Chaburah Spotlight: Atara Rosen

Atara Rosen is from Cedarhurst, NY, and is currently studying at Queens College. She is so excited to be a madricha on Michlelet NCSY and inspire girls that dedicated their summer to learn Torah in Eretz Yisroel! She went to Torah Academy for Girls for high school and attended Michlalah shana alef and bet for seminary.

The INCREDIBLE girl’s in Atara’s chaburah are Tali Antosofsky, (Teaneck, NJ) Rivka Frank, (Far Rockaway, NY) Shani Hans, (Monsey, NY) and Zehava Weinberg (Woodmere, NY).

Atara’s chaburah is on Pirkei Avos. She goes through one mishna a day, analyzing each phrase. Her goal is for the girls to understand and relate to the words of wisdom from our early sages. She discusses daily lessons and practical applications for the girls from topics regarding friendship, anger, love, forgiveness, judging, excuses, and goals.

QUESTION: What is your favorite quote and why?

Tali Antosofsky:

“When you’re happy you enjoy the music. When you’re sad you understand the lyrics.” -Frank Ocean

I really like this quote for a few reasons. One is that I absolutely love music, especially emotional songs. It’s when I am listening to the sad songs when I am sad about something that I really understand the meaning of what I am hearing. It makes me feel so connected, and truly inspired.

The other reason I like this quote is that it also works for life itself. Of course we should always be happy and comfortable, we should always enjoy life, but we need to make sure that we also understand life. We need the sad times to help us see the meaning behind things because that helps us understand our existence.

We need to first understand the lyrics, then we can enjoy the music. Understand life, then live it happily.

Rivka Frank:

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

Coming home from Michlelet is going to be the biggest jump I have ever made. I am currently leaving my “training” which I aquired through learning Torah for six weeks, and now I am going into the “battlefield.” Here on Michlelet, I am surrounded by so much inspiration and girls who want to grow just like me. However, when I get home that may not be the case. That is why I believe I should act now, in order for me to keep the inspiration and continue to make it last!

Shani Hans:

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

– Lao Tzu

This quote is really inspiring to me because sometimes in life we are faced with a challenge or a task that seems so daunting. We may think that we must have the ability to complete the entire task before even beginning. This quote works to remind me that even though I may not be able to map out the whole route, and the end seems so far away, all I need to do is take it one step at a time and with G-d’s help I will reach my goal.

Zehava Weinberg:

“It’s not how we make mistakes, but how we correct them that defines us.”

Everyone makes mistakes because no one is perfect. Without mistakes I would not be growing and working on myself to become a better person. One of the worst things in the world is a person who stays the same throughout his life, not achieving much.

I use my mistakes to motivate me, not discourage me, to inspire and influence me rather than intimidate me.

Everyone is going to make mistakes so you might as well learn from it and become a better person because of it.

Last Day on Campus/Banquet

Today we had our last day of learning and activities for summer 2016. There were few dry eyes around campus. We spent the day with our madrichot, teachers, and friends discussing what we’ve gained from and enjoyed on Michlelet!

We began packing and organizing our belongings. Then, we had our final banquet of the summer! Five of our inspired campers spoke in such a passionate way about their achievements this summer. Some of the staff spoke as well, as we ate delicious banquet dinner food.

Following dinner, the madrichot and campers presented their beautiful end of the summer choirs!

Then we were graced with a Shlomo Katz concert and kumsitz, which were rockin’ and so special!! Then we watched the end of the summer recap video, be sure to look out for a next post, which will include a link to it. We all got our camp sweatshirts and sefarim, danced the night away a little bit more, and went back to our rooms to finish packing.
We love Michlelet NCSY and we can’t believe we have only 2 more days here.

Check out our pictures!

And stay tuned for more!

Chaburah Spotlight: Ayelet Shachar

Ayelet Shachar is from the royal village of Queens,NY. After attending SKA, she spent an amazing year and half of learning in Shaalvim for Women. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Queens College.

Ayelet is so excited to be on Michlelet for the first time and feels truly lucky to be spending her summer on such an special program.

The incredible girls in Ayelet’s Chaburah are Rachel Ash( Cedahurst,NY),Shira Galler(Woodmere,NY) Ayelet Rosenwasser(Chicago,IL) and Racheli Brunner(Woodmere,NY).

Ayelet’s chaburah is called “Build a בת Workshop”. The Chaburah is based off the idea that every mitzvah corresponds to a body part and that a person can only become an אדם שלם by pursuing all types of mitzvot and middot. Just as every limb and organ is essential,so too each mitzvah we have been given is essential in our service of HaShem and in becoming our best selves.Each day,the girls delve into a different body part and the corresponding middot or mitzvot related to it. Topics covered include the middah of Ayin Tova for the eyes,the importance of Torah learning in correspondence to the head or the significance of washing Negel Vaaser in relation to our hands and so forth. Through learning together, they hope to better understand Torat HaShem, have a stronger sense of self awareness, cultivate a feeling of responsibility for the world around us and to ultimately strengthen our shmirat hamitzvot and connection to each mitzvah and middah in a practical way for our daily lives.

What is your favorite Kumzitz song and why?

Rachel Ash: אשא עיני:

This song is about realizing that Hashem is the source of everything in my life. Therefore if I am in a difficult situation I need to remember that Hashem is the one that placed me in this situation and He knows what I can and cannot handle. This can give us chizuk that Hashem gave this to me, but He has faith in my ability to handle it. Also knowing that the situation is from Hashem in the first place helps us because then we know that Hashem can also bring the Yeshua!

Shira Galler: אם אשכח ירושלים

I love the words describing the fundamental concept of always keeping ירושלים on your mind and in your heart. ירושלים is the focal point of the entire unvierse, meaning most of the kedusha in the world resonates there at the kotel where G-d is waiting for us to come back to Him. Therefore if this city and all of its Kedusha is forgotten we would be as lost as if we had “lost our right hands”. This is a very important concept and must be kept in mind and close to our hearts.

Ayelet Rosenwasser: ברכת הבנים

The reason I love this song is because the words in this song describe a beautiful tefillah of what we want for our future. It is a very emotional song that talks about how we are asking Hashem to allow us to raise children who are G-d fearing and עוסקים בתורה- constantly involving themselves in Torah. Not only this, but we also want to lead our own lives like this as an example for our children.

Racheli Brunner:Yisroel Yisroel

I love this song because I think it really makes you understand why we mourn the בית המקדש. We sing about HaShem asking us why we would stray from the Torah when he gives us everything we could ever wish for. This song really made me feel what we are missing now that we don’t have the בית המקדש and motivated me to really want to help rebuild it so we can bring משיח במהרה בימינו.

Chaburah Spotlight: Sarah Sklar

Sarah Sklar is from Cedarhurst, New York. She attended Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls, and was then privileged to spend a year and a half of learning and growing in Michlalah Yerushalayim. Sarah went on Michlelet as a camper and is so excited to be able to give back to the place she gained so much from.

The incredible girls that Sarah is privileged to learn with in Chabura are Nechama Tova Weis (Woodmere, NY), Hannah Feldman (Fair Lawn, NJ), Elisheva Lesser (Lawrence, NY), and Rina Levitt (Atlanta, GA).

Sarah’s Chabura is titled ‘Learning Something from Everything’ where she conveys the idea that Hashem is constantly involved in our lives, we just have to open our eyes to see it. Sarah gives real life examples and situations where we wouldn’t necessarily see Hashem, and describes how everything has something to be learned from, even if it is not so obvious. Sarah’s goal is to ultimately instill in the girls that Hashem is constantly involved in our lives, and He sends us reminders throughout the day.

What is your favorite quote from Chabura and why?

Hannah Feldman- “It’s ok to be a glow stick, sometimes we have to break before we shine”- This quote means a lot to me because it’s important to remember that a situation could be hard, but here’s always a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Rina levitt- “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want” – I like this quote because if you’re not happy with what you have, then it’s almost impossible to look forward and accomplish anything else. Also, if you’re not satisfied with what you have, then it will be hard to look past what you’re lacking and try to get or become something greater.

Nechama Tova Weis- “what if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you had thanked Gd for today”- this quote made me realize how much Hashem gives us every day, and that we shouldn’t take it for granted. We should thank him for everything that we have because everything is a gift from Him.

Elisheva lesser- “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…. It’s learning to dance in the rain” This is my favorite quote because it shows us that when a nisayon/ something hard comes into our life we shouldn’t just give up and wait for it to pass but rather we should get up and face it. Every test that Hashem gives us is for our best and helps bring out all our potential. He never gives us a test we can’t handle.