KFC CTEen program guide by CTeen Central

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WHAT’S INSIDE

CONTENTS

ast year we piloted the Kosher Food Club, a cocurricular high school club, which enables shluchim to reach unaffiliated teens on their home turf. The KFC was popular with students and faculty alike since it serves as both a humanitarian initiative that promotes healthy lifestyles and feeding the homeless, as well as providing hands-on preparation and education of traditional Jewish foods.

WHAT’S INSIDE SUGGESTED LEARNING METHODS

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HIGH SCHOOL CLUB HOW TO

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WEEKLY TOPICS AND RECIPES ADDITIONAL TOPICS

After consulting shluchim who regularly run high school clubs, we have created a comprehensive curriculum geared for shorton-time shluchim. Each week, a controversial topic is featured in a question and answer form. Alongside it is a recipe that fits the theme, such as Israeli and Shabbat foods, recipes inspired by the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook, and of course, teen favorites! You have 25 minutes to impact teens who likely never set foot in a synagogue. For many students, this may be their first taste of Yiddishkeit. Hook ‘em and it won’t be their last!

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SUGGESTED LEARNING METHOD

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Rather than lecturing on a topic, get a conversation going. Provoke an argument! Teen participation and long-term impact will be greater the more involved they are.

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TAPE THE TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION ON THE BOARD.

TRY TO LEAD THE TEENS TO THE ANSWERS, INSTEAD OF SIMPLY GIVING THE ANSWERS OVER.

ASK THE GROUP FOR ITS OPINION. FOR A FUN TWIST, SET UP A LIVE TWEET FOR QUESTIONS DURING THE SESSION.

IF TEENS GET STUCK ON TWO SIDES OF ONE OPINION, SET UP A DEBATE!

BRING THE ASK THE RABBI BOX TO EACH SESSION. THEY CAN DROP QUESTIONS FOR YOU INTO THE BOX, WHICH YOU SHOULD CONSIDER AS TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AT A LATER DATE.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 5

HIGH SCHOOL CLUB HOW TO

WHAT IS A HIGH SCHOOL CLUB? Many public high schools have clubs. These clubs vary in nature and can be religious, humanitarian, community affairs, volunteering, hobbies, culture, etc. Some clubs are part of a national or international organization, and some are local clubs specific to that particular community. Students in public high schools have a legal right to bring in an outsider to run a club on their campus. Students must first find a club “sponsor,” usually a teacher who gives permission for the club to use his or her classroom during lunchtime.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE TEENS? Teens join clubs for many reasons, ranging from peer pressure and social exclusivity to extracurriculars for their college applications.

WHY KFC? Because it tastes good!

WHERE DID MY PEOPLE GO? Before doing anything, assess the needs of your community. Which high schools have the most Jews? Which ones don’t already have a Jewish presence? What matters most to the teens in your community? Are they academics, jocks, community volunteers? How much do they already know about Judaism? To what extent do they identify as Jews? How important is Jewish observance in their homes?

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There may already be other organizations with a strong presence in your community. Remember the flavor of Judaism you have to offer and the way you have to offer it!

CLUBBING

WORKING WITH THE OTHER GUYS Working with another Jewish club may be to your advantage, but make sure you know the values and mission statement of the club before you consider it. If this club has events that are not up to your standards, it is better to avoid teaming up with them at all. Still, it is important to always demonstrate respect for the other Jewish clubs, especially in front of the teens.

CLUB STARTUP 1. Visit the schools. Find out with whom you need to meet and how to do things correctly. 2. Generate excitement. Do you know anyone in the school who could get the word out for you? If there’s no one yet, maybe do some traditional mivtzoim to meet someone there. 3. Know your lingo. Many schools have policies regulating religious programs so you may be restricted from doing any type of prayer, but you may talk about Israel or loving a fellow Jew. The key words here are “culture” and “cultural experiences.” 4. Some schools don’t allow outsiders to come in and run the clubs. If so, consider becoming the “sponsor” and picking students to run the club for you. 5. Some schools only allow multi-cultural clubs, so you may have an opportunity to come in every few months. Choose your words and topic carefully, because there will be other teens there.

LEADING THE LEADER Create leaders who will feel responsible for the club and work to make it succeed. Meet with them, discuss goals with them, make them official CTeen leaders! (Email lrivkin@cteencentral. com to reach out to them.) This will help ensure your club’s success!

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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Most of the above applies to private schools as well, but the main thing to take note of is that the school has more control and the right to an open club is not guaranteed. Connecting with students, parents or teachers of this school may be the best way to start your club, as they can talk to the powers that be for you.

CLUBBING Club sessions are usually once a week, mainly during lunchtime, and run for about a half hour. Set up a Facebook page and get teens to help spread the word. Stay active—post pictures and tag the teens in them!

Because you will be serving food, it is important to be sensitive to potential allergies. Always announce if there are common allergens in the food you are serving, such as dairy, eggs, or nuts. If a regular student has an allergy, try to be accommodating.

1. Think of the first session as a startup meeting. Thank everyone for coming and single out anyone who helped make the club happen. 2. Try to bring foods that don’t need too much preparation to serve. (Think pizza… stir fry is great, but who’s going to make it?) If there’s no rule against it, say a bracha together. 3. Remember, time is limited.

4. Tell a personal story with a lesson, or drop a controversial statement and let the teens have at it! Just make sure you leave enough time to wrap up any argument. 5. Consider playing a game or showing them a slideshow or video.

ALLERGIES

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Don’t get caught up on the food or the lesson. The teens need to have fun, socialize, and discuss.

6. If it’s allowed, put on tefillin or give out neshek at the end. 7. Be flexible. If everyone’s making friends and having a good time, set aside some of the scheduled program and join in! It’s important to teach teens but it’s also important to cultivate longterm relationships with them.

"TAKE SE RA H P O T E CAR THEY CAN’T SO S T P E C N ONG R CO W E H T BE TAKEN AY." W

8. Assign two teens to stand at a pickup table to hand out food at dismissal, either cooked and ready to take home, or in aluminium foil pans so that they can easily cook the food at home.

IT’S ALL IN THE PACKAGING: Brand your club according to the interests of your teens.

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by a question a teen poses and promise to find the answer for next week so the curious teen will come back for more

INVEST

TO Y A W E T A G R U O Y S I UB." C L F C K " N E E T C UR O Y G N I D N A EXP

Part of leading a successful club is having the right materials. Investing in kitchen utensils and cookware will make the process simpler and easier. If possible, once you make a connection with each school, find out if a utility closet or storage room may be available for you to store the club items. Items that you may consider investing in include: 9 by 11 toaster oven Extension cord Electric deep fryer Lots of storage containers (in various sizes) Aluminum pans (in various sizes)

Food can be the biggest draw for some, but the biggest turn off for others. Focus on the humanitarian aspect if your group is too sophisticated to show up for “free food.”

KNOW YOUR CLASS The free food might lure some non-Jewish students. Take care to phrase concepts so they can’t be taken the wrong way. When teaching sensitive topics such as intermarriage or Jewish survival, be prepared with another lesson just in case non-Jewish students join the meeting.

CAN I GET YOUR DIGITS?

Take care to be consistent, on time, and professional. Teens notice these signs of respect and appreciate them. Give them a heads up in advance about upcoming sessions and programs. A lot of them can’t make last-minute plans. Try to make the sessions fun and personal. If particular issues are more relevant to your teens, spend more time on them. Ask the teens to share a personal story based on the topic just discussed.

Try to think of something special to do for yomim tovim. Can you have a large menorah lighting in the school? Can you bring along a pop up sukka for an outdoor session? What about dressing up for Purim?

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

Find out if you can put updates of your club’s activities in the school newsletter.

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Now that you’ve got the teens, keep them! Think of other after-school activities or programs that you can do with them. It’s easier to get the teens together when they’re already in school, but work to generate interest in events outside of school. Plan a KFC reunion or meet up with your teens over vacations. And of course, KFC is your gateway to expanding your CTeen club.

Incentives like points and raffles might boost attendance.

Don’t let the teens out without getting their contact information! Send follow up emails, inform them of future activities, update them on upcoming clubs, and keep in touch after the school year’s out.

Building a good reputation is the best way to make sure the teens come, again and again.

SCHOOL’S OUT!

Want to lock in a teen? Pretend to be stumped

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SEPTEMBER

KOSHER MARIJUANA? Do Jewish mystical teachings regard marijuana as a method of getting closer to G‑d? Of course, there is the fact that marijuana is still against the law in many places, but there are obviously some exceptions for actions done for spiritual purposes that normally would be against the law. Before your soul came down into this world, it was high. The ultimate high. So high, there was only one way she could get higher: by squeezing herself into a bloodand-bones body and coming to live down here on planet Earth.

this into my gray-matter brain and to get my blood-filled heart pumping over it. That’s where the high comes from: from reaching deep within, all on your own. Who knows, maybe marijuana and other psychotropic drugs open up the doors of perception for the soul. Maybe it gets a short relief from sweating away at its mission down here. But it’s a high that lies. And for the soul, it makes the long journey down here into a bad trip. “This is high?” she says. “For this I could have stayed above and been much, much higher!”

"The real high can happen only by working with the body, not escaping it"

Here’s the gameplan: Soul descends and invests within walking, talking body. Body thinks for itself and doesn’t want to listen to soul. Soul feels trapped, oppressed, forced into doing things it can’t stand. Soul reaches within to find hidden powers. Soul works with body. Gradually, soul refines body. Body becomes soul-like. Soul discovers its quintessential being. Let my soul try every way it can to bring 14 // SEPTEMBER

The real high can happen only by working with that body, not escaping it; by prying open the doors of your perception step by step, stretching its limits a little more each day, engaging your senses, limbs, heart, mind and stomach in beautiful, divine acts daily. That’s the path to getting high and staying there.

STRAWBERRY / BANANA TOOLBOX: A blender 1 banana 1 cup strawberries ½ cup of vanilla yogurt ½ cup of milk 2 teaspoons honey 1 cup ice A pinch of cinnamon for garnish Large plastic cups in various colors HOW TO: Blend ingredients together. Pour into cups and enjoy!

FRUIT SMOOTHIES

Final Say: Find the ultimate high by empowering your body to work with your soul, not against it. THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 15

TATTOOS

FALAFEL

What’s wrong with tattoos?

The Torah warns against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28:“You shall not make cuts in your flesh for a person [who died]. You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

to insulting G‑d’s handiwork. Secondly, in ancient times it was customary for idol-worshippers to tattoo themselves as a sign of commitment to their deity—much like an animal that is branded by its owner. On many occasions the Torah forbids practices that emulate pagan customs to prevent the Jewish people from adopting idolatrous practices.

"Mutilating G-d’s work is rejecting His handiwork."

There are two general explanations for this prohibition. First of all, the human body is G‑d’s creation, and it is therefore unbefitting to mutilate G‑d’s handiwork.¹ This is seen from the juxtaposition of the prohibitions of cutting and tattooing. One must believe that G‑d, the greatest artisan of all, formed him or her in the most fitting way, and one must not change this form. Changing one’s body (unless it is for health reasons) is tantamount

The covenant of circumcision is unique in that is is a physical sign on our bodies of our relationship with G‑d. Making other marks on one’s body would weaken and cheapen this special sign.

TOOLBOX: 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 teaspoon coriander 3/4 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons flour oil for frying (canola or vegetable) HOW TO: 1. Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour and combine well. 2. Mash chickpeas, making sure to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste. 3. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten. 4. Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (2-5 minutes). 5. Serve falafel by itself, or with hot pita bread with veggies, hummus, or tahini sauce.

Final Say: Your body is G-d’s creation, and should be respected and cared for. Mutilating G-d’s work is rejecting His handiwork.

¹ Some students might follow up with a question about piercings. Body piercing is not a new phenomenon. In fact the Torah mentions nose rings and earrings. Do body piercings, for the purposes of beauty, fall under the prohibition against self-wounding? Not all forms of wounding are prohibited. Obviously, surgery needed for health consideration is not only permitted but mandated. Wounding is permitted when it is intended to benefit the person, therefore the prohibition against wounding is only when it is intended to pain and degrade the body (Iggrot Moshe Choshen Mishpat 2:65-66). Piercings for the sake of beauty and ornamentation would therefore be permitted, but if they are associated with a subculture of masochism and self-destruction, they would violate the prohibition against wounding.

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CANDIED APPLES

WHAT IS LIFE’S PURPOSE? What is the purpose of life? Why are we here, and what are we meant to accomplish? One of the most important conversations that children have amongst themselves is what they want to be when they grow up. Every child from a young age knows that they want to be a ballerina, an astronaut, a doctor, or even Superman. They set a goal in their minds, or in other words, a purpose. Now, think of it on a much larger scale: G-d set out with a purpose for creation. When it comes to our individual purposes in the world, we can look at it in two ways. The first is to look at G-d’s intention for creation as a whole. When G-d created the world, He was creating a physical place in which he could dwell. The purpose of every soul is to elevate the physical world and make it an appropriate place in which G-d can dwell. G-d created every single being with the ability to turn the world over into a spiritual place.

creating a home for G-d, every soul has a unique and individual purpose of it’s own. G-d created every individual to undertake a unique mission in the world, a duty that each person must accomplish during his or her time on earth. How does one know one’s own specific purpose? The answer is that everything happens by Divine Providence, and if a person is presented with a certain opportunity, this is certainly sent from Above and should be treated as if it is the purpose of one’s soul’s descent.

"If a person is presented with a certain opportunity, this is certainly sent from Above"

We look to the Torah for guidance with our purpose. The Torah makes us constantly aware of our duties in life; it gives us a true definition of our purpose, and it shows us the ways and means of attaining this goal, both in spiritual and physical means. Final Say: Just as each person has a specific purpose, skillset or career, so too, each moment has a specific mission.

TOOLBOX: 15 apples 2 cups white sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1 1/2 cups water 8 drops red food coloring Cookie Sheets Oil for greasing cookie sheets Craft sticks HOW TO: 1. Lightly grease cookie sheets. Insert craft sticks into whole, stemmed apples. 2. In a medium saucepan over mediumhigh heat, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Heat to 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads. Remove from heat and stir in food coloring. 3. Holding apple by its stick, dip in syrup and remove and turn to coat evenly. Place on prepared sheets to harden.

Besides for the general purpose of 18 // SEPTEMBER

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AN INVITATION TO MY LIFE I’ve learned that Rosh Hashanah is about coronating G-d as king. That’s a pretty lofty concept. I’m pretty a downto-earth person. How does this esoteric concept affect my relationship with G-d? Rabbi Shmuel Munkes was traveling before Rosh Hashanah and was stranded in a small village over Shabbat. The next morning the entire village woke up before sunrise to go to the synagogue to recite Selichot, the prayer that opens the High Holiday season, but Rabbi Shmuel remained in bed, fast asleep. Rabbi Shmuel’s host went to wake him up. “What's the matter with you?” he cried. “If I hadn't woken you, you would have slept through the entire Selichot!” “Selichot?” asked Rabbi Shmuel. “What is Selichot?” Rabbi Shmuel’s host was beside himself. “Are you making a mockery of me? The entire village is now in the synagogue, praying and begging G-d to bless them with a good year...” “You're going to the synagogue to pray?” asked Rabbi Shmuel. “What's so urgent that can't keep until morning? What are you praying for?” “There's so much to pray for, Reb Shmuel,” sighed the villager. “I pray that the cow should give enough milk to keep my children healthy. I pray that the oats should fetch a good price on the market this year, for soon I shall have a daughter to marry off. I pray that my horse should not break a leg, G-d forbid, as happened the year before last...”

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“I don't understand,” interrupted Rabbi Shmuel. “Since when do grown men wake up in the middle of the night to ask for a bit of milk?”

ROUND CHALLAH

Our sages explain that because the spiritual world is essentially more connected with its divine source, it is difficult to freely choose to serve G-d when our spiritual selves are awed and overwhelmed by G-dliness. On the other hand, when we invite G-d into our physical lives, when we serve Him through physical deeds and materials, we are truly choosing to submit to Him, for this kind of service goes against the nature of our physical selves.

TOOLBOX: 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1/2 cup honey 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 tablespoon salt 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

Crowning G-d as king means accepting Him as sovereign in all areas of our lives, including— and primarily—our most mundane needs and requirements. Seen in such a light, our needs are not personal needs, and our requirements are not selfish requirements.. We ask for money to observe the mitzvah of charity; for strength to build a Sukkah; for food to keep body and soul together so that our physical lives may serve as a “dwelling in the lower realms" that houses His presence in our world.

PREP: Prepare challah dough beforehand. See recipe: 1. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over barely warm water. 2. Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs, and salt. 3. Add the flour one cup at a time, beating after each addition, graduating to kneading with hands as dough thickens. 4. Knead until smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, adding flour as needed. 5. Cover with a damp clean cloth and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in bulk.

Final Say: This Rosh Hashanah, when we pray for material good, we are inviting G-d into our real, everyday, routine lives. Asking for our physical needs may seem selfish, but in truth it are only so that we can fulfill our divine mission of making this world a more kind, G-dly place.

HOW TO: 1. Preheat oven at 400 F. 2. Divide the dough in half, and further divide each half into thirds and roll out each third into logs of equal length. Lay the pieces out in front of you. 3. Braid the three strands together from the middle. 4. Once the three strands have been made into a braid, bring the two ends of the braid together, turning the challah dough into a circle. 5. Glaze challah loaves with egg glaze and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tops and bottoms are golden.

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OCTOBER

THE JOY OF SIN?

SALAD BAR

I find Yom Kippur depressing. Why spend a day focusing on our sins and failures? Do we need to be reminded how far we are from being perfect? Yom Kippur is a celebration of being human. And being human means being imperfect.

"Rather than be depressed by failings, we celebrate them. Every sin, every slip up, every failed attempt at living up to our calling is another opportunity to grow and improve."

Human failure is so predictable, G-d has placed on the calendar an annual day of forgiveness. It is not an optional holiday for only those who happen to have sinned. Yom Kippur comes every single year for every single person. It is as if we are expected to sin, that there will always be mess-ups for which we have to make amends. G-d is so not surprised by our failings that He allows a clean-up day every year. We

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were never meant to be perfect. For all of us who are not perfect, Yom Kippur is our day. Rather than be depressed by failings, we celebrate them. Every sin, every slip up, every failed attempt at living up to our calling is another opportunity to grow and improve. Failing at our mission is itself a part of the mission. Yom Kippur is the day G-d thanks us for being human, and we thank G-d that we aren't perfect. If we were, we'd have nothing to do.

TOOLBOX: 1 each English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced 2 pt fresh red cherry tomatoes 2 diced bell peppers, yellow and red 1 pkg baby carrots 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed Bag of seasoned croutons 1 cup small black pitted olives Bags of various types of salad greens Bottled dressings in various flavors UTENSILS Small bowls for each ingredient Serving bowls Serving spoons Forks and knives Plates HOW TO: Arrange ingredients around a table. Enjoy creating your own salads!

Final Say: If we were perfect beings, we would have no reason to exist. Yom Kippur is a day that reminds us weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re human, and just how great being human is, even with our sins and failures.

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PIZZA IN THE HUT

DO THE LULAV SHAKE BRING A LULAV AND ETROG WITH YOU. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HAVE A CLUB MEETING ON SUKKOT, GIVE THE STUDENTS A CHANCE TO MAKE A BRACHA AND SHAKE THE LULAV, OTHERWISE DEMONSTRATE HOW IT IS DONE AND THEN SEGUE INTO THIS QUESTION. What’s with the shaking of all of those branches? It almost looks like they should be doing the Harlem Shake! What’s the significance? The theme of Sukkot is Jewish unity, which is expressed in several ways on this holiday. The mitzvah of the Four Species is all about Jewish unity. Each of the four types represents a different type of Jew: The etrog, a citron fruit, which smells and tastes good, represents a Jew who learns Torah and does good deeds. The lulav, a palm frond, tastes good but does not have an aroma, symbolizing a Jew who has Torah knowledge but does not perform good

deeds. The hadas, or myrtle branch, has a fine aroma but does not have a taste, representing a Jews who performs good deeds but does not have Torah knowledge. Finally, the aravah, or willow branch, has no taste and no aroma, representing a Jew who does not learn Torah or perform good deeds. We bind these four species together, and shake, symbolizing the unity of all types of Jews, no matter their background or level of observance. After all, we’re the same nation.

TOOLBOX: 4 whole wheat pitas (4-6 inches in diameter; pocketless works best) 3/4 cup tomato sauce 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup olive oil Fresh oregano HOW TO: 1. Grill pitas on both sides (about 3 minutes per side) and remove from grill. 2. Spread 2 or 3 spoons of tomato sauce on each pita, leaving a 1/2-inch rim around the edge. Top each pita with 1/4 cup mozzarella. Place on grill and cover with a metal bowl to make the cheese melt faster (about 2 to 3 minutes). 3. Remove pizza from grill. Drizzle with olive oil, then top with fresh oregano.

Final Say: The Four Species represents the unity of the Jewish people, no matter the background or level of observance of a Jew.

"We bind these four species together, and shake, symbolizing the unity of all types of Jews, no matter their background or level of observance." 26 // OCTOBER

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SMILEY FACE COOKIES

THE CHOSEN PEOPLE I am uncomfortable with the concept of the "Chosen People". To suggest that as Jews we are somehow closer to G-d than all other nations smacks of arrogance, elitism, and racial prejudice. How is that any different to anti-Semitism? In the Jewish understanding, chosenness leads not to arrogance, but rather to humility. If it were some human king that chose us to be his special people, then your assumption would be correct—we would become elitists. When a mortal power shows favoritism towards a subject, that subject will become more arrogant as a result -- the closer you are to the king, the more significant you are, and the more significant you are the higher respect you feel you deserve.

petty self-importance fall away when you stand before infinity. Being close with G-d demands introspection and self-improvement, not smugness. This is the idea of the Chosen People—a nation of individuals who have been given the opportunity to sense G-d's closeness, hear His truth and relay his message to the world. All agree that it was the Jews that introduced the world to monotheism and a system of ethics and morals that has shaped the modern view of life and its purpose. And it is the survival of Judaism to this day that attests to the eternal value of this system. To say that this is ethnocentric is absurd for one simple reason: anyone from any ethnic background can convert to Judaism and become chosen. Jewish chosenness is not a gene, it is a state of the soul. Anyone wishing to take it upon themselves is welcome -- as long as they are ready to have their bubble burst.

"The true test of chosenness is how humble you are."

But we were chosen by G-d. And the closer you are to G-d, the more you sense your insignificance. While being buddy-buddy with a human leader inflates your ego, a relationship with G-d bursts your selfish bubble. Because G-d is an infinite being, and all delusions of 28 // OCTOBER

So the arrogant person is not acting chosen. The true test of chosenness is how humble you are. While most other religious groups are quite comfortable claiming that they are the best, we Jews will do anything to say that we are nothing special. Now that's what I call a Chosen People! Final Say: The Chosen People were tasked with sharing with the world G-d’s message of morality and ethics, the value of life, and to make this world a more kind and G-dly place. Arrogance and elitism impedes a close relationship with G-d—to be chosen is to be humble.

TOOLBOX:

HOW TO:

COOKIES: Unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and blended, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. On low speed, beat in flour until dough begins to come together. Gather dough into a ball, flatten into a disc and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 3/16-inch thickness. Cut out circles using 3-1/2-inch and 2-1/2-inch cutters. Transfer circles to ungreased cookie sheets. Combine and roll out scraps of dough, and cut more circles. Bake cookies at 350 degrees F. for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway, until just browning at edges. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

ICING: 1 box (1 pound) confectioner’s sugar 3 tablespoons powdered egg whites Black and yellow food coloring Water EXTRAS: Large Bowl Hand mixer Baking sheets Ziplock bags

ICING: Combine confectioner’s sugar, powdered egg whites, and 7 tablespoons water in a large bowl. With electric mixer on low speed, beat until blended then increase speed to high and beat 6 minutes. Remove 1 cup icing and tint black with food coloring. Tint remaining icing with yellow food coloring. Mix until smooth. Spread yellow icing onto cookies using a small angled spatula. Let dry completely. Transfer black icing to a resealable plastic bag or a piping bag fitted with a writing tip. Pipe eyes and a smiling mouth onto each cookie. Let dry completely at room temperature before stacking cookies. Makes ten 3-1/2- inch cookies and twelve 1-1/2- inch cookies.

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DO JEWS CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN? Do Jews celebrate Halloween? I know its origins aren't very “Jewish,” but I don't want to feel left out. Let me tell you about a wonderful Jewish holiday: once a year, children dress up as sages, princesses, heroes, and clowns. They visit homes in the community, visit the infirm and the aged, spreading joy and laughter. They bring gifts of food and drink and collect tzedakah (charity) for the needy.

I know how hard it is to be different, but as Jews, we have been doing just that for most of our 3,800 years of history. Since Abraham and Sarah broke away from the pagan Sumerian cult of gods and demons, we have lived amongst other peoples while being very different from them. And we have dramatically changed the world that way.

"demanding instead of giving; scaring instead of rejoicing;"

You guessed it—I’m talking about Purim. It is customary to send mishloach manot, gifts of food, to one’s friends and even more gifts to those in hard times. Flip it over—October instead of March; demanding instead of giving; scaring instead of rejoicing; demons instead of sages; and you have Halloween.

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There’s a proud role: To be a leader and not a follower, to be a model of what should be instead of what is. Final Say: You belong to a people who have been entrusted with the mission to be a light to the nations—not an ominous light inside a pumpkin, but a light that stands out and above and shows everyone where to go. Forget about Halloween and wait for Purim to turn the neighborhood upside down!

POTATO KUGEL TOOLBOX: 8 medium potatoes 2 onions 6 eggs 1/2 cup oil 4 tablespoons. all-purpose flour 1 heaping tablespoon salt 1/2-1 teaspoon pepper HOW TO: 1. Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit (200° Celcius). 2. In a large bowl, mix eggs, oil, flour, salt and pepper. Set aside. 3. Coarsely grate the potatoes and onion by hand or food processor. Let stand 3-5 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid. Add grated potatoes to the egg-flour mixture. Mix by hand only until smooth. 4. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour or until golden brown on top and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 31

NOVEMBER

WHAT IS THE SECRET OF JEWISH SURVIVAL? Why have Jews survived through the ages while other civilizations and religions have come and gone? Truly, by all accounts the Jews should have long faded into their place on the bookshelf of history, like all other oncegreat nations. How and why are we still here? All things are mortal but the Jews; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?..... If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one quarter of one percent of the human race... Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk… All things are mortal but the Jews; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality? - Mark Twain (download symbol) How is simple. G‑d did it and continues to do it. Who else would we suspect of performing miracles but He?

This example will help us understand why: Avraham, the first Jew, once asked G-d: “How will I know that I will inherit the Land of Israel?”, G‑d responded by cementing His eternal relationship with Abraham and his descendants. In this covenant, G‑d promised to always protect us, and in return we will be His agents down here to spread absolute morality, kindness and justice, G‑dliness, sanctity of life, and other values that originated with Abraham and by now have been accepted by most cultures around the world. You could say we are G‑d’s PR office. Now, you may ask: What about all the times when Jews didn’t fulfill their end of the deal? Does G‑d get selective? Does He keep score? The answer is that the very definition of a covenant is that it’s the type of deal that implies an absolute commitment, irrelevant of the circumstances involving the other partner to the covenant. So over the years when we tried to forget G‑d, He didn’t forget us, and likewise there were times when we felt that He forgot us, yet we didn’t forget Him.

"You could say we are G‑d’s PR office"

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But at the end of the day, like it or not, G‑d is our G‑d and we are His children, and it will be that way for all time. It’s our job to make sure that we can say that happily and with good work behind us to back up our part of the deal. The vehicle which we Jews have used for all time to spread the knowledge of what is good, right, and holy has been our Torah and its mitzvot. Perhaps now would be a good time to “pump it up” a bit.

CHOCOLATE FONDUE TOOLBOX: 2 cups heavy cream 1 pound premium semi-sweet chocolate 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, brownies, marshmallow, cookies, or any other dipping item of your choice UTENSILS: 1 saucepan 1 mixing bowl (that will sit on top of saucepan) Measuring cup Measuring spoons Whisk Fondue serving set Fondue skewers HOW TO: Put approximately 4 inches of water in the saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Place the mixing bowl on top and pour in the heavy cream; let heat. Meanwhile, break up or chop chocolate into small pieces. When the cream feels hot to the touch, add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Whisk in vanilla. Pour into the fondue pot and light the handy fuel underneath; keep the flame low as not to burn the fondue. Arrange strawberries, bananas, pineapple, brownies, marshmallow, cookies or any of your favorite items on a platter and enjoy.

Final Say: The secret to Jewish survival is our covenant with G-d. G-d promises to always protect us and we share the light of Torah and mitzvot with the world. It’s our job, no matter what, to keep our end of the covenant. THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 35

WHY AREN’T WOMEN AND MEN TREATED THE SAME IN JUDAISM? Why aren’t women and men treated the same in Judaism? In the Torah, a woman has every obligation of a man, and a man every obligation of a woman. Torah doesn’t know of man and woman as separate beings. They are a single whole, whether they are cognizant of one another or not. Each act is performed once through a single body. A body that in our world may appear as two, but to the Torah is seen as one. This is actually a statement of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the greatest of the

kabbalists. He explains that man and woman are a single body—and that is how they are considered in halacha, as well. So, for example, a woman also puts on tefillin—she dons them with her male body. Ideally, that should be her husband. Women’s mitzvot are of utmost importance in the Torah as well. Those mitzvot include baking challah, lighting Shabbos candles, and family purity. Final Say: Torah doesn't recognize man and woman as separate beings. Though they are separate physical entities, the Torah recognizes them as one being.

"A body that in our world may appear as two, but to the Torah is seen as one."

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ICE COFFEE

TOOLBOX: 1/3 cup medium-coarse ground coffee 1 1/2 cups filtered water Coffee ice cubes 2 packets sugar Milk (optional) HOW TO: 1. To Make Cold-Brewed Coffee: Place the coffee in a glass jar, add the water, and stir to combine. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight. 2. Strain the coffee through a large-size paper coffee filter, a fine sieve, or a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Coldbrewed coffee can be refrigerated in a covered jar for up to 24 hours. This recipe can be doubled. 3. Fill a tall glass with coffee ice cubes. Pour in the cold brewed coffee. Sweeten to taste with sugar. Add milk as desired.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 37

WHY IS LIFE SO DIFFICULT? Why is life so challenging? Can’t G-d give us a break? G-d could have established a world order in which morality and ethics would reign supreme with little or no effort on the part of man. Ideally, G-d wants man to enjoy goodness and pleasure without hardship and toil. However, human nature is such that a person enjoys most the pleasure he accomplished with his or her own hard work. Often, a person can feel degraded by receiving something good without earning it, as if he or she had received charity. When a person knows that that there is a Divine command to follow a certain path in life, one set outs to fulfill that mission no matter the obstacles. In

fact, instead of facing obstacles with fear, obstacles are encountered as a challenge to be faced and overcome—they reinforce a person’s determination and stimulate one’s effort to the maximum degree. A feeling of satisfaction and pleasure is better achieved from putting effort into one’s work. The greater the struggle, the sweeter the fruit. Final Say: Whenever you go through something challenging, remember that G-d does not give people challenges that they cannot handle. If you are going through something difficult, it has a purpose. Ultimately, the challenge you are facing will make you a stronger person.

"The greater the struggle, the sweeter the fruit." ² Some students might ask about the spiritual fulfillment of single women. Emphasize that these Kabbalistic teaching is referring to a world of ideals. In an ideal world, marriage unifies a divided soul and allows it to achieve this sort of spiritual fulfillment, but this does not negate the fact that single Jews can also lead spiritually rich lives.

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HUMMUS

TEHINA

TOOLBOX: 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed 1 clove garlic 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus more for serving 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cumin kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon paprika Packaged tahini paste

TOOLBOX: 3 cloves garlic 2/3 cup tahini (sesame paste) 3/4 cup water 3 tablespoons lemon juice salt

HOW TO: 1. In a food processor, puree the chickpeas and garlic with the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini (if using), cumin, and ¾ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water as necessary to achieve the desired consistency. 2. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the paprika before serving.

HOW TO: 1. Mince garlic in food processor, add tahini. While food processor is running, add water SLOWLY, approximately one teaspoon at a time. You'll notice that the tehina will begin to clump up and look like it’s separating. 2. Continue gradually adding the water, allowing it to become incorporated into the tehina before adding any additional water. 3. Add lemon juice and salt to taste. Note: the tehina will look thin and runny. 4. It will thicken and become light and creamy when chilled in the refrigerator.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 39

DEPRESSION: Why would a kind and caring G‑d create people with depression? Depression is the pits. There’s nothing good about depression. Passion can be channeled for good, jealousy can drive a person forward, even anger can be redeemed as righteous indignation. But depression? What can be good about going nowhere? When a person is happy, he’s healthy. True happiness is when every faculty, every sense, every neuron and every muscle is in tune and functioning harmoniously. When happy, a person can fulfill his purpose in life, all of him, all of his purpose. Which is why depression is so despicable. Because depression is a surrender of purpose, of meaning. Depression is the state of a human psyche decomposing, losing all its form and potential.

living. If it’s hurting you, it must be that it’s just not in that right place. Paradoxically, depression contains the key to its own demise. It can be fought in Kung Fu fashion, using its own power against it. Depression argues that you’re a worthless, hopeless scum in whom nobody would ever take interest. So agree with it. Tell it back, “You’re absolutely right. I’m even less than that. I was created with a purpose that I have not lived up to. I’ve messed up again and again. And yet, nevertheless, I have a G‑d who has put up with me despite all my failures, who continues to ask me to be His agent in His world, eagerly awaiting my mitzvot, looking forward to me sharing my concerns with Him three times a day. My purpose still lies before me, and whatever of it I can fulfill, even for a moment, is worth more than all the pleasures of the Garden of Eden.”

"Teach it to destroy itself"

However, as we said, if our Creator put it within us, there must be a place for it—a place where it provides a valuable function and contributes to healthy

Fight depression as a blood sworn enemy—but be smart about it. Like a Kung Fu master, use it’s own strength against it. Teach it to destroy itself, until one day, you will turn to look back, and discover depression itself has been transformed and all you are left with is a celebration of life. Final Say: Depression can make a person feel small and useless. Use its tactics to fight it by making yourself humble, and reminding yourself that G-d wants your mitzvot and your happiness, no matter how many times you fail or lose your way.

CHICKEN SOUP TOOLBOX: 1 (3 pound) whole chicken 4 carrots, halved 4 stalks celery, halved 1 large onion, halved water to cover salt and pepper to taste Egg noodles (optional)

HOW TO: 1. Put the chicken, carrots, celery and onion in a large soup pot and cover with cold water. Heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken meat falls off of the bones (skim off foam every so often). 2. Take everything out of the pot. Strain the broth. Pick the meat off of the bones and chop the carrots, celery and onion. Season the broth with salt, pepper and chicken bouillon to taste, if desired. Return the chicken, carrots, celery and onion to the pot, stir together, and serve.

Obviously, depression is a form of a mental illness than can and should be addressed with medical treatment. If a teen knows someone who suffers from depression or other forms of mental illness, they should not ashamed or hesitant to ask for help.

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THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 41

DECEMBER

BELIEF AFTER THE HOLOCAUST How could people continue to believe after the Holocaust? The questions that people asked regarding G-d after the Holocaust could truly only be asked by a believer. If the answer is that there is no G–d (G–d forbid), then there are no questions. Without a G–d, the world has no destiny and no purpose. Human beings may decide to act as they wish for there is no accountability. Super races may be formed and only the fittest will survive. In a G-dless world, the Holocaust is not a theological question, rather a statement of how low man can stoop. The question becomes rhetorical—not, “where was G-d during the Holocaust?” but rather, “where was man during the Holocaust?” The very fact that even those who claim they are non-believers incessantly ask where was G–d, is in fact the greatest proof that they too, deep in their hearts, believe there is a G-d. To be more benevolent one may say that, in fact, they want to believe in G–d but the Holocaust poses a question of such dramatic proportions that they feel they cannot believe.

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For the true believer there should be no questions. His faith is not challenged by the fact that he does not understand, for which mortal being can truly comprehend the ways of the A– mighty? The conflict between tragedy and faith is not new. Anybody knowledgeable in Jewish history will realise that our people have undergone the most terrible persecutions and genocide at the hands of many oppressors. Anti-Semitism was nothing new. The same method by which the Jew of 1940 knew about the past and yet kept his faith could be employed after the Holocaust. In truth however, Hitler’s Final Solution was something novel in that few people believed that in the 20th Century, when civilisation had reached its intellectual and ethical peak, such genocide was conceivable. However, the philosophers and poets of Berlin, with their fine manners and high society, turned into the world’s greatest murderers. The Holocaust was not only perpetrated by monsters, but connived at by an entire nation numbering close to one hundred million people. If anything, the story of the Holocaust shows clearly that man may not rely upon his own intellect and his own feelings for righteousness and justice. Those with the highest diplomas and university degrees were often accomplices, if not direct perpetrators, of cold-blooded murder. Man must be accountable. The command “Thou shalt not kill” must be premised on the principle, “I am the L–rd your G–d.” Final Say: After the Holocaust, though belief is difficult, it is also vital. After seeing how unreliable the life and morals of man is, how could people, in fact, not believe in G-d?

CAN I LIGHT A MENORAH NEXT TO MY X-MAS TREE? Concerns of fire hazards aside, is it okay to light the menorah near the tree? The menorah is a statement of who I am. It says, there were these people who came to our land and tried to assimilate us into their mega-culture, but we resisted and retained our identity. They took all we had to offer, along with odds and ends from the Athenians, Spartans, Persians, Parthians, Armenians, Assyrians, Egyptians, etc. and homogenized it all into a mushy Hellenist stew which eventually became our modern world. Yet, of all those ancient peoples, we alone remain, the only tribal entity to have survived into modernity.

being on this earth—especially in our globalized society now. It says that what’s divine about us is not only that which makes us the same, but much more, it’s that which makes each of us different and unique. Wouldn’t it be more meaningful for you to find something of your own heritage that has real meaning for you, something you received from your parents and grandparents and want to pass on to your family?

"find something of your own heritage that has real meaning for you"

The message of Chanukah is universal. Like they say, Jews are just like everyone else, only more so. The experience we went through in the Greek Empire back then has meaning to every human

46 // DECEMBER

DONUTS

So find what unique truths there are about you, your family, and your heritage. Use the Torah, G-d's message to all humankind, to find them. Then celebrate them. In your own way, you'll be celebrating Chanukah. Final Say: Don’t run away from being different; embrace it! Find a unique aspect of Judaism, and make it your own.

TOOLBOX: 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 1/3 cup water 1 egg, beaten 3 tablespoons margarine, melted 3/4 cup white sugar 4 1/2 cups bread flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 3/4 cup any flavor fruit jam 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying bread machine PREP: 1. In a bread machine pan add the milk, water, beaten egg, melted bwutter, sugar, bread flour, salt, nutmeg, and yeast in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Set machine to the sweet dough cycle (see Editor’s Note for using your stand mixer). 2. Once the dough cycle is completed, turn the dough out onto a floured board and let it rest for 10 minutes.

HOW TO: 1. Roll the dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness. With a floured cookie cutter, cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds. 2. Place 1/2 teaspoon jam or jelly in center of half of the rounds. Moisten edges with cold water; top with the remaining rounds, pinching edges together firmly. Place the sealed doughnuts on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled in a warm place, about 45 minutes. 3. Heat oil in deep fryer to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry one layer of doughnuts at a time. Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oil, being careful not to poke doughnuts. Drain onto paper towels and toss with sugar, if desired.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 47

BELIEF IN G-D Who Believes in G‑d?

Everyone has a god. There is not a sane person on earth who doesn’t believe in one. The question here is, which one? Your “god” is the thing that you believe to be infallible: You trust in its power despite any evidence to the contrary. It is the thing you can fall back on no matter what. The bedrock of your life, whatever that may be, is your god. If you think science has all the answers and something is only true if it is scientifically proven, then science is your god. A believer in science can blindly accept the most outlandish theory as long as it was presented by an expert in the field. Another common god is love. Believers in love make lofty statements about its divine qualities. Love conquers all. Love is forever. All you need is love. Love is the only thing worth dying for. Even though experience has shown that love is not all you need, and it certainly doesn't conquer all, their faith is not shaken.

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LATKES Others worship money. “Everything has a price” is their creed. And no matter how many miserable millionaires they meet, their god remains infallible, and they continue to have faith in money as the source of all goodness and happiness. A very popular modern god is self. “Believe in yourself. You are capable of anything. If you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't do.” Nothing you can’t do? Sounds pretty divine. A pity it’s not true. We have limitations. There are things that are simply beyond our capability. But to the believer, no evidence will move his faith in himself. It is such a relief to just let G‑d be G‑d. If G‑d is G‑d, I can be human. I am not G‑d. Nothing about me is infallible, not my feelings, intelligence, and certainly not my bank balance. I don't have to be perfect. G‑d does a good job of that. Final Say: Science, love, money and self are all very important. But they are also ever-changing, and unpredictable. The G‑d of Israel hasn't changed. If anyone or anything should be god, it’s G‑d.

"It is such a relief to just let G‑d be G‑d. If G‑d is G‑d, I can be human." TOOLBOX: 4 cups 2 tablespoons grated onion 6 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup peanut oil for frying HOW TO: 1. Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible. 2. In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together. 3. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot!

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 49

JANUARY

PANCAKES

JEWISH IDENTITY I read a lot about anti-Semitism and heard about the importance of Jewish continuity at home. What do you see as the biggest threat to Jewish survival, assimilation or anti-Semitism? The biggest threat to Jewish survival is confused Jewish identity. Sadly, today in many Jewish schools and families, Jewish identity is built through teaching Holocaust awareness and a fear of marrying out. The Jewish community's preoccupation with assimilation and anti-Semitism is not the solution, it is the problem. A pessimistic and negative presentation of being Jewish turns off young Jews more than anything else. When we obsess about anti-Semitism, we paint ourselves as perpetual victims. When we over-emphasize the threat of assimilation, it makes us feel like an endangered species. The Jews are alongside the hump-back whale and the giant panda in the list of helpless and pitiful communities disappearing from the planet. Is it so surprising that young Jews are opting out of Judaism? Who wants to be a victim? We have to stop defining ourselves by the way others perceive us. Assimilation is when non-Jews love us so much they want to marry us. AntiSemitism is when non-Jews hate us so much they want to kill us. They both just happen to us, but what do we think of ourselves? We need a clear and positive reason to stay Jewish. Failing that, why should Judaism survive? Is there a good argument for not assimilating into the welcoming societies surrounding us? Is there a compelling reason to stay proudly Jewish in the face of anti-Semitism? 52 // JANUARY

I think there is. The Jewish way of life is a revolutionary force that can transform ordinary lives into lives of meaning. A family that keeps Shabbat is always reminded that there is more to life than accumulating wealth. The kosher laws teach us that we are not mere animals that must feed our every urge and desire—eating itself can be holy. A mezuzah on the door tells the world that this home is built for a higher purpose. Judaism teaches lessons that the world urgently needs to learn: every individual person is created in the image of G-d, and is therefore unique and valuable; morality is not relative but absolute; humans are partners with G-d in creation with a mission to create heaven on earth. These bold Jewish ideas are more relevant now than ever. But bold Jewish ideas need bold Jewish people to perpetuate them. The world can only be elevated if individuals first elevate themselves. We can only make the world into a divine home if we start with our own home. This is Judaism’s formula to change the world for better. This is why we must stay Jewish.

TOOLBOX: 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon saltw 1 egg 2 tablespoons butter, melted cooking spray

HOW TO: 1. Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to “sour.” 2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into “soured” milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone. 3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

Final Say: The biggest threat to Judaism is not external pressure but rather internal confusion. When we lose sight of our mission, we lose the strength and stamina to survive. The Jewish feeling we need to develop in ourselves and our family members is not fear of anti-Semitism or guilt about assimilation. It is a humble pride in the greatness of the Jewish mission and confident resolve to fulfill it. When we are clear about our identity, no threat in the world can shake us.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 53

DID G-D CREATE EVIL? Did G‑d create evil? Surely G‑d made everything. So although it is people who actually do evil, it was G‑d who must have created the idea of evil. But if G‑d is good, how could He create evil?

reality. If G‑d decides He doesn’t want something, then that decision itself makes that thing exist. G‑d’s allpowerfulness means that even His not-wanting creates. Evil is what G‑d doesn’t want. So it exists.

Here’s the paradox: Goodness exists because G‑d desired it; evil exists because G‑d doesn’t want it.

But evil doesn't exist in the same way that goodness exists. G‑d wants goodness, so its existence is true and everlasting. Evil exists as a negative, something G‑d doesn’t want, so its existence is flimsy and temporal. Evil is no more than an undesirable non-entity, a path not to be taken. By doing evil acts, we give evil more credit than it deserves. Our bad choices invigorate evil into a truer existence than it really is.

If a human wants something, but doesn’t actually do anything about it, nothing happens. You may want a piece of cake, but a cake will not materialize unless someone bakes it.

"bad choices invigorate evil into a truer existence than it really is"

G-d’s desires create reality. If He wants it, what can possibly stop it from being? He wanted a world, so it was. He wanted goodness, so it was. Now the same applies to G‑d not wanting something: it too becomes

54 // JANUARY

Final Say: Evil is a spiritual non-entity. Our actions and choices can sustain spiritual realities. The only way to banish the ghost of evil is to turn on the light of good.

NACHOS AND CHEESE TOOLBOX: salt and pepper to taste 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 1 (14.5 ounce) package tortilla chips 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, sliced

HOW TO: 1. Arrange chips on a microwavable platter. Spread beans over the chips. Layer the cheese, and arrange jalapeno peppers on top. 2. Microwave on medium-high until cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 55

PROOF OF G-D’S EXISTENCE I feel that I cannot observe a religion if I am not certain that it is true. Is there a proof that could give me a 100% certainty that G-d exists and gave the Torah to the Jewish people? Imagine you could do a blood test to determine who your soul mate is. You would go to a laboratory with a prospective partner and give blood samples, and a half-an-hour later they would tell you yes or no. Sounds amazing! But think about it: Is that an ideal way to start a relationship? How romantic would it be to say, “Listen, the blood test came out positive, so we may as well get engaged?”

BIG MAC of freedom would be lost. Freedom is an essential ingredient of true love. Certainty is not. That’s why proving G-d’s existence is not helpful. G-d wants us to enter into a relationship with Him by choice, not by force. He created us as free beings who can deny Him if we want. There is no outside force or argument or proof that compels us to serve G-d. For that reason, when we do serve Him, it is by choice; it is coming from us, and that is the basis for a real relationship. There are many logical arguments for G-d’s existence and the truth of Torah. But most people are only ready to appreciate these proofs after they have already established a relationship with G-d, just as most people only recognize their soul mate as such after they have already committed to the relationship.

"proving G-d’s existence is not helpful. G-d wants us to enter into a relationship with Him by choice, not by force"

The truth is we wouldn’t appreciate a laboratory-tested soul mate. What makes a relationship meaningful is that it is a choice coming from within. If we based a commitment on external evidence such as a blood test, we would indeed have certainty, but the sense

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TOOLBOX: 2 pounds ground beef 1 egg, beaten 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced George Foreman HOW TO: 1. Preheat grill for high heat. 2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic using your hands. 3. Form the mixture into 8 hamburger patties. 4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill patties 5 minutes per side, or until well done.

If you wait to know for sure that you have found your soulmate, you may forever remain single. And if you wait for proof of G-d’s truth, you may forever live in a lonely universe. Embrace uncertainty and open yourself up to a real relationship. When you make that choice, you will find proof of G-d within your own soul. Final Say: When you establish your own, deep relationship with G-d, the proof of His existence will become clear to you.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 57

BLINTZES

ADDICTION: What does Judaism say about overcoming an addiction? In order to understand what the Torah says about addiction, we first have to define what an addiction is. An addiction is the insatiable need to satisfy a deeply rooted craving with something that can’t satisfy it. Think of it this way: When you crave sweets, like chocolate or candy, what is in that you’re really craving? There’s nothing much that your body wants in a cookie. So when you crave that cookie it’s probably not really a physical craving. What you want is more likely a “soul food”; i.e. something emotional or even spiritual. You might, for example, be craving the experience of sweetness, goodness, pleasure, connection, abundance, a sense of security or comfort.

Let’s draw this out on a bigger scale. Addictions are used as a way to fill a hole. Often times, the physical body craves something and falls into addiction when the spiritual aspect, or, the soul, is not satisfied. A person is endowed with ‘two souls’ (In Hebrew: Neshama): An animal soul (In Hebrew, Nefesh Ha’Behameet) and a G-dly soul (In Hebrew: Nefesh Elokeet). The G-dly soul looks for ways to transform the spiritual into physical, and finds satisfaction through performing mitzvot, while the animal soul finds pleasure in the physical, mundane world, just as, eating a cookie.

"The trick to overcoming an addiction, is first and foremost to recognize it"

If you associate cookies with those feelings you’ll keep going for the cookies. But unfortunately, no matter how many cookies you eat, your craving will never be satisfied. 58 // JANUARY

On a spiritual and physical level, the person feels as though they are missing something. Often times, instead of going to the root of the craving, which Torah states is rooted in spiritual matters, they look for other outlets, such as food or alcohol, or other physical matters, to fill the void. While it may temporarily satisfy the person, it will not dissolve the craving.

The trick to overcoming an addiction, is first and foremost to recognize it. You have to look deep down inside of you, and find the void, find the spot you’ve been trying to fill. Once you know what it is you’re trying to fill, you can work on caring for the ‘craving’ properly, instead of looking to external matters to satisfy you. Final Say: Think about the things in your life that you find yourself ‘addicted’ to, be it food, or even TV and video games. Do these external sources satisfy your cravings, or do you find yourself searching for more? Look deep into your cravings and find what it is you truly want. Make the best decisions for yourself based on what you truly need.

TOOLBOX: 4 eggs 1 cup flour 1/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup water 1 tsp vanilla Pinch of salt Nonstick cooking oil spray Vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying (grape seed or peanut oil works best)

FILLING INGREDIENTS 1 cup lowfat ricotta cheese 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese 1/4 cup sugar 1 egg yolk 2 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla Pinch of salt

HOW TO:

1. Blend all of the blintz ingredients together (you can use a food processor, blender, immersion blender or electric hand mixer). Consistency of the batter should be smooth (no lumps). Alternatively, you can use a fork to mix all ingredients together until the batter is smooth. Make sure you get rid of all the lumps. 2. Warm up a nonstick skillet on medium heat until hot. The skillet is ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface of the pan. If the water pops or jumps out of the pan, the skillet it too hot—let it cool slightly before starting. If the water sizzles, it’s at the perfect temperature. Grease the entire surface of the hot pan generously with nonstick cooking oil spray (keep the oil spray away from gas stovetop flame). 3. Pour the blintz batter by 1/3 cupfuls into the pan, then tilt the pan in a circular motion till the batter coats the entire bottom of the pan in a large, thin circular shape. 4. Let each blintz cook for 60-75 seconds until the edges of the blintz brown and the bottom of the blintz is lightly golden. You can tell it’s ready by touching the center of the pancake's surface—it should be dry and slightly tacky to the touch. Do not flip the blintz to cook the other side. Use a spatula to take the blintz out of the pan and place it on a plate. 5. Keep the blintzes separated by pieces of parchment paper, wax paper, or paper towels. This will help keep them from sticking together. 6. When all of the blintzes are cooked, create your filling. Put all of the filling ingredients into a mixing bowl, then use a fork to mix them well. Filling should be well blended but slightly lumpy. 7. Now you’re going to stuff and wrap up your blintzes! Put 3 tbsp of filling on the lower part of the blintz, about an inch from the edge. Fold the lower edge of the blintz up over the filling. 8. Fold the sides of the blintz inward, as though you’re folding an envelope. 9. Roll the blintz up and over the filling like a burrito, tucking the edges in as you roll. 10. When the blintzes are stuffed and rolled, you are ready to fry them. Pour ¼ cup of vegetable oil into the skillet and heat over medium until hot. Do not let the oil turn brown or start smoking—if this happens, discard the oil and try again. Cook the blintzes in batches of 3—this will give you space to turn them easily in the pan. Carefully place the stuffed blintzes flap-side down into the hot oil. The blintzes should fry for 1 ½ to 2 minutes until they’re brown and crispy. 11. Serve blintzes warm. They can be served as-is or topped with fruit topping, sour cream, applesauce, whipped cream, or maple syrup. THE HIGH SCHOOL CLUB MADE EASY // 59