Dear Michlelet NCSY Parents,

Upon reflection of our week, I can say it was a regular Michlelet NCSY week. However, a typical week on Michlelet is far from regular. A week experienced on Michlelet is one in which the extraordinary is ordinary. One is surrounded by constant opportunities for growth as an individual and as part of our Michlelet community; opportunities in which leadership qualities are fostered and nurtured and will surely spill forth to Klal Yisrael for years to come.

Part of what makes the Michlelet experience so unique is the outstanding caliber of the girls and staff with which the summer is spent. What an exceptional group of girls- who have come to not only have a blast with their summer but to be inspired as well. One can already see how empowering it is to part of such a special group of girls.

A case in point of this incredible group is the addition of two new Michlelet NCSYers this week. If you recall, last week, the girls from TJJ bus 6, an NCSY program for high schoolers in public school, came for just a few short hours. They joined us for dinner, our speaker (my husband, Rav Andi Yudin J) and night activity. Although it was just a typical night on Michlelet, they were so blown away and impressed by the incredible warmth and accepting atmosphere here from the Michlelet NCSYers , an environment filled with growth and learning that from those 3 short hours, two girls decided to join us for the rest of Michlelet and learn more about Yiddishkeit.  

Watching the girls learn interactively with their madrichot this week was so special to see! Be sure to check out our chaburah spotlights on our website. Witnessing their eagerness and involvement as they learn with their teachers has been equally touching. We have so many exceptional teachers, with so many different styles and approaches that every girl has a chance to learn in the way that best suits her. Whether learning the depth of a song and how it beautifully explains a pasuk in Mishlei if one is in Rav Avraham WIllig’s class, or learning more chavrusah style in Michelle Elmaleh’s class…Whether one is being inspired by the text in Mrs. Batya Weinberg’s class or discussions in Mrs. Arielle Arielli’s class…Whether learning new and exciting insights to the Mitzvot in Rabbi Rafi Rosenblum’s class or discussing and being exposed to important ideas in Mrs. Sara Leah Haber’s class, or from learning in the classes of one of our head staff, there is something for everyone. I personally am really enjoying learning our Leadership Training Class with our shana bet girls.  

Watching the Michlelet NCSYer’s excitement as they listen to our evening speakers is beautiful! Our evening speakers this week were phenomenal! We heard from Rabbi Moshe Benovitz, Mrs. Dina Schoonmacher, Mrs. Shira Smiles and Rav Mordechai Burg.  In addition, we had the privilege of hearing the extremely touching and uplifting personal story of R’ Lavi Greenspan, of how he became blind and an approach to hardships in general. All were incredibly inspiring.

In addition to the amazing learning that was experienced this week, the girls really toured the magnificent Holy Land and got to know it better. How exciting it was on Tuesday to choose the tiyul that spoke to you. One bus headed off to see Shiloh, go to a winery in Psagot and to actually experience herding sheep, laughing and cheering the whole time. Another option was going on the fun and wet(!) Ein Prat water hike and then zip lining and rock climbing. Yet another bus went to Yerushalayim, participating in an archeological dig, the Kotel Tunnel Tours and the Israel Museum. Our optional tiyulim which were offered during free time were taken advantage of by 2/3 of the girls as well, going to Bar Kochva caves and the beautiful Biblical Zoo. In addition, some girls went to the Kotel on Shiva Asar B’Tamuz. Today we are off to our weekend up North, building rafts in the beautiful Kineret.

This week some of the Michlelet NCSYers  helped work in a factory alongside people who are blind or disabled while others went to various Mo’adoniyot to play games and run programs with children from underprivileged backgrounds. The girls had a great time and felt so good afterwards.

The fun that was had this week was also of the highest level. Activities of all types- from swimming to jump roping to aerobics to sports to cake decorating to so much more! Night Activities were of their usual excitement and laughter! Of course a highlight was when we went on our mystery bus ride. The girls kept guessing but none could imagine what they had in store…. We had rented out the entire IJump for Michlelet NCSY. I loved looking around the room, seeing the massive smiles and happiness on the faces of every Michlelet NCSYer as they jumped, sang and flipped the night away.

And so, we have had a pretty typical week here at Michlelet. Typical?  Regular? I think not! I am so glad to be spending such an extraordinary summer with your daughters.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

Rivka Yudin

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