Dear Michlelet NCSY Parents,
I write this letter to you from the Holy City of Tzfat.
This week, has been a tremendous week for us all, a week of experiencing what it is to be part of Am Yisroel in the deepest ways. It is hard to think of a better place, that a Jew can feel so much a part of the destruction and rebuilding, than here in Eretz Yisroel. And that in a nutshell is a synopsis of the magnificent week we spent here at Michlelet NCSY.
After a Shabbos, with an impossible to describe amount of spirit, energy and unity and feeling the glory of Yiddishkeit, we, together with all of our Nation, sat on the floor to read Eichah.
The entire Tisha Bav was extremely moving and meaningful.
The most touching and uplifting parts for me were the two kumzitses we had on Tisha Bav. The first, after Eicha and Kinos at the beginning of Tisha Bav, was on the porch outside the Beit Midrash, overlooking the hills of Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh, where we had powerful programs and the most beautiful, heartfelt kumzits. We ended Tisha Bav as well, with the glorious sunset and magnificent hills in the background, praying, hoping, connecting and feeling as we sang, our voices joining in unison. The most special part to me was at the end, when the fast was over, all the Michlelet NCSYers walking down to the dining room, arm in arm, singing V’LeYerushayim Ircha B’rachamim Tashuv (Please bring us back to Jerusalem with Your Mercy..”) and then, when they got to the dining room, they stood in one big circle, arms around each other, singing over and over again, with such passion and meaning, “Uvneh Yerashalayim,” (“Please rebuild Jerusalem”) not even thinking of breaking their fast, just singing, connecting and yearning. That scene was so incredibly uplifting and beautiful.
What a sad but unifying, elevated feeling we had at the end of the fast. So many girls said that it was the most moving, powerful Tish’a B’av they had ever experienced.
Tisha Bav was connecting deeply to the pain of Klal Yisroel, of longing for a connection with Hashem and His Bais Hamikdash. Monday, was connecting to being a part of Am Yisroel in all its glory and splendor; of feeling pride to be able to be privileged to be part of a nation serving Hashem.
Yom NCSY was simply an awesome experience. To hear the powerful words of Mrs. Racheli Frenkel, mother of Naftali, Hy”d, together with 1500 other NCSYers and staff members, from all walks of life was nothing short of extraordinary! You literally could hear a pin drop as she spoke. This reflected so much of our week together; the highs and lows of Am Yisroel, and feeling proud to be a Jew through it all. Mrs. Frenkel appropriately represented that sentiment. A woman, who has been through such immense pain and suffering yet gave such chizuk to us all and stated firmly and passionately that even through it all, with everything she has been through, she would never give up the privilege of living in Eretz Yisroel. How privileged we all are to appreciate each other and be a light in each other’s lives, she continued. A woman who represents the strength and grandeur of our Nation.
The dancing during the Shlomo Katz concert was electrifying; so many different programs, all under the auspices of NCSY, coming together, joining in unity in song and dance, feeling the honor it is to be part of this glorious Nation!
Another moment that I really felt the beauty and feeling of Nechama, of really feeling part of Klal Yisroel was when the girls made an incredible carnival for children from Sderot this Thursday. !! It was so moving to be able to put a smile on these children’s faces and give them a great time, helping them forget the fear and trauma that they go through. There was dancing and laughter and tons of happy spirit. When they were leaving, one of their staff members said to me “Many of these children never leave their homes because their parents are too fearful for sirens due to past trauma. Your girls gave them so much attention and made them so so happy- they had two hours of calm and happiness in their life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts”
There were so many other highlights this week; a water tiyul, a trip to an Attraction Park, fun activities, 2 am café night, phenomenal speakers and so much more. But perhaps where it hit me most- the tapping into the highs and lows of Klal Yisroel and feeling so much a part of it, was watching the girls learn throughout the week. It is always a real source of inspiration and chizuk for me to walk around our Reishit campus. To watch girls spending a portion of their time during the summer months, enjoying learning with their madrichot and teachers, tapping into our rich and magnificent heritage with passion and excitement is truly amazing and not something to be taken for granted. It is absolutely amazing and completely inspiring to spend the summer with your daughters, the true future leaders of Klal Yisroel.
We had a refreshing, glorious day in the North today, building rafts and swimming in the Kineret and are looking forward to real bonding and feeling the true Nechama this Shabbos Nachamu as one can especially tap into in the holy city of Tzfat; a true culmination of the very unique and special week we shared together.
As always, continue to check our daily blogs on michlelet.ncsy.org and feel free to be in touch about any feedback you may have.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Thank you!
Rivka Yudin