An Extraordinary Journey: How Rivky Potestio and Her Family Found Judaism and NCSY

Over a decade ago, Rivky Potestio and her family began their extraordinary journey from being deeply involved in a small Spanish-speaking church, where her father served as pastor, toward conversion to Orthodox Judaism But for Rivky, the transition was socially and academically difficult. “None of my new classmates had ever encountered anyone with my kind of background, and I don’t think they knew how to relate,” she explains.

In tenth grade, Rivky attended NCSY's Latte 'n Learn classes, which she enjoyed. “Soon enough, I was attending Shabbatons and Regionals. From NCSY, I got this feeling that, for the first time in a long time, I belonged.”

NCSY became a safe place in which Rivky could grow and thrive in her Judaism without the pressure. “NCSY not only helped me become more comfortable with myself, but now I’m confident and proud to tell people I’m Jewish,” Rivky says.

Before her junior year, Rivky was invited to join the board and coordinated chessed projects for NCSYers. The following year, Rivky went on NCSY’s GIVE program, which immerses teen girls in volunteer experiences that give back to the people and land of Israel. “Participating on GIVE helped grow my appreciation for Judaism and NCSY, and it cemented my decision to apply for president of the board for my senior year,” said Rivky It’s a position she won handily and at which she excelled.

“Being involved in NCSY and being Jewish showed me that I have a greater purpose in life,” declared Rivky.

“Whereas I once looked at Judaism as burdensome, I now think of it as a privilege to be a part of something so big. And that’s thanks to NCSY.”

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