Phoenix, AZ Shmuli Josephson shmuli@ncsy.org
PHOENIX NCSY NOW HAS OVER 100 TEENS INVOLVED WEEKLY Jewish teens in the valley now have many opportunities both in and out of school to connect and be inspired through NCSY. Our Jewish culture clubs in high schools have taken off with a bang, with new clubs at Brophy and Desert Mountain in addition to current clubs at Chaparral and Horizon. Activities include: guest speakers from organizations such as AIPAC, Israel advocacy training, candy apple making for Rosh Hashana and doughnut making for Chanukah. Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/phoenixncsy
Oregon and SW Washington Meira Spivak spivakm@ncsy.org
EUGENE NCSY SEES RECORD ATTENDANCE AND STARTS NEW CLUBS With Tehila Derfler back in full force, NCSY’s Jewish culture clubs have been stronger than ever. The club at South High School has seen a huge increase in attendance from last year. Even more exciting is that there are now two clubs in Eugene – one in South and one in Sheldon.
SUCCESS OF JEWISH DRIVERS ED MEASURED BY STUDENT’S FEEDBACK NCSY has partnered with the Oregon Driver Training Institute to create a discounted Drivers Ed course for Jewish teens. The students enjoy pizza while participating in engaging interactive discussions on the Jewish view of topics related to safety and body image; in addition to the weekly three-hour driving lecture and required driving hours. The first term of Jewish Drivers Education is off to a terrific start, with the students thrilled to be a part of the class. 98% of students said they are happy to take this program with other Jews and would like to hear about future learning opportunities.
Seattle, WA Ari & Jessica Hoffman hoffmanj@ncsy.org
SEATTLE SHABBATON AKA SEATTLE CON HOSTS OVER 175 TEENS On November 11-13th, More than 175 teens from Seattle, Portland and Vancouver came together for an amazing weekend in Seattle. Joined by impressive speakers such as Mark Kligman, an MLB player agent, Dr. David Luchins from Touro’s Lander Colleges, and representatives from schools in Israel, teens enjoyed an inspiring weekend in Seward Park. With a Saturday night event of indoor beach volleyball at the Sandbox and an epic breakfast by Eli Varon, teens left Seattle saying it was the best Shabbaton they had ever been on.
San Francisco, CA Mike Donovan donovanm@ncsy.org
SAN FRANCISCO NCSY’S AMAZING KICKOFF EVENT More than 30 Bay Area NCSYers came out for an “Amazing Kickoff” event based on the television show “The Amazing Race.” Teens had to decipher clues, which took them around downtown San Francisco. Obstacles included a human pyramid, navigating the MUNI transit system and a zip line. The finish line was at beautiful Crissy Fields next to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Additionally, two more Jewish culture clubs started this year with Hillsdale High in San Mateo attracting the largest attendance with more than 50 students.
San Diego, CA Adam Simon simona@ncsy.org
CLOWNING AROUND IN SAN DIEGO Teens from around San Diego & La Jolla have enrolled in NCSY’s Medical Clown program. Medical clowning has been shown to help heal patients using the power of hope and humor. It continues to be endorsed by numerous studies in Israel. With their new skills, teens will participate in and plan many chesed activities!
Students at Horizon High School’s Jewish culture club in Scottsdale, Arizona, enjoy pizza and educational activities led by Arizona Director Shmuli Josephson.
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