oregon ncsy annual report · summer programs in the us, israel and europe that cater to teens with...

ANNUAL REPORT

OREGON NCSY

2014-2015

OUR MISSION IS: TO INSPIRE THE JEWISH FUTURENCSY is the premier organization dedicated to connecting, inspiring and empowering Jewish teens. NCSY has been engaging Jewish teens and reconnecting them with their heritage since its founding in 1954. Through the decades, NCSY has evolved and developed new ways to make Judaism relevant to the next generation. In 2002, Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs were created as a forum for public and private school students to meet other Jewish teens while learning about their Jewish heritage in a fun and relaxed environment.

NCSY reaches over 16,000 teens from more than 200 cities across six countries each year. NCSY connects with Jewish youth through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs. NCSY inspires Jewish teens through informal Jewish education, retreats and summer programs. With leadership development and guidance, NCSY empowers teens to become passionate committed leaders of the Jewish community.

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TO OUR DEARFRIENDS

Thank you — for making a difference and inspiring Oregon Jewish teens!

This summer, nearly a dozen teenagers are connecting to their Jewish roots in Israel on The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), NCSY’s premier summer program for public school teens.

Your support enables NCSY to strengthen Jewish pride throughout Oregon. The following pages highlight some of what makes Jr. NCSY, NCSY and Akiva on Campus so special and critically important. Whether it's a Shabbaton, a Jewish Student Union (JSU) club in a public or private high school, or even a Jewish Drivers' Ed program, NCSY offers something for every Jewish teen.

Thank you for being our partner in building a vibrant Jewish future in Oregon. Because of you, we are reaching more students than ever before.

Meira SpivakDirector, Oregon NCSY

JR. NCSYJr. NCSY unites 6-8th graders across the state and offers social and educational programs throughout the year, as well as Shabbaton weekends. Jr. NCSY enables these teens to enter high school with a group of supportive Jewish friends.

“What I love about Jr. NCSY is that it helps me connect with other Jewish kids… In public school, it’s hard to feel Jewish. Jr. NCSY also helped me attend Camp Nageela Midwest — an NCSY affiliated Jewish sleep-away camp — where I was able to meet other Jewish kids who I had a lot in common with.”

Elianna SpilmanRobert Gray Middle School

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IGNITE THE FLAME:

THE SHABBATONShabbaton weekends inspire and educate teens in an atmosphere of Jewish pride and growth. They provide an opportunity for public school and private school students to interact together in a traditional Shabbat environment. Over the weekend, participants study Jewish topics that speak directly to the high school mind. For many teens, Shabbaton weekends are their first Shabbat experience.

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“Shabbatons have given me the opportunity to experience Judaism in a fun and accessible way. I've met so many amazing people that I could never have gotten to know so deeply in another setting. Shabbatons provide an amazing opportunity to study and connect with peers and advisors.”

“Shabbatons allow me to meet other Jewish teens, and create memories and everlasting friendships. I leave Shabbatons feeling inspired and more connected to my Judaism!”

Daniel HurwitzWilson High School

Emilia WolfLake Oswego High School

NCSY advisors are college students and young professionals — often NCSY alumni — who volunteer their time to serve as Jewish role models. While advisors connect with teens during NCSY programming, their relationships really flourish outside of NCSY. Throughout the year, advisors listen and provide mentorship to the NCSYers in a fun, safe and supportive way.

AN NCSY ADVISOR

EMPOWERING

THE FUTURE:

"Being an advisor for two years for Portland NCSY opened my eyes to its incredible community and the programming that NCSY offers! From the Friday night Shabbat Shebang dinners to the Saturday night activities, no matter what was on the agenda, I always felt right at home! The directors catered each program to the NCSYers needs and had a gracious open-door policy!”

Devorah AdlerQueens College, NY

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JEWISH STUDENT UNION (JSU) CLUBS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

With virtually all of Greater Oregon teens enrolled in public or non-Jewish private high schools, classrooms have become the battleground for Jewish identity. JSU clubs provide Jewish teens with innovative programs that strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to Judaism. The clubs also serve as an entry point for teens to discover Jewish opportunities within the local Jewish community and college campuses.

NCSY educators provide educational programming through interactive discussions, guest speakers and video presentations. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) Jewish holidays, Israel education, current events, leadership and anti-Semitism. By coming directly to where students spend most of their day, JSU clubs successfully reach hundreds of teens.

JSU CLUBS:Grant High SchoolLake Oswego High SchoolLincoln High SchoolRiverdale High SchoolSheldon High SchoolSouth Eugene High SchoolSt. Mary’s AcademyWilson High School

ON THE FRONT LINES OF INSPIRATION:

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“Getting to be a JSU President was the highlight of high school for me. JSU taught me leadership skills that will transfer to every situation I face in life and I am extremely thankful for that. It also provided a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions that I had practiced growing up, but never fully understood. Additionally, JSU gave the students at my school a chance to learn about Judaism and how wonderful it is. It unified my school and it was the club that everyone looked forward to.”

Talia ShermanRiverdale High School

NCSY Summer is more than just a few weeks away from home. It is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of a teenager’s life. NCSY runs 12 unique summer programs in the US, Israel and Europe that cater to teens with different interests and backgrounds.

BILTBoys Israel Leadership Training (BILT) is a leadership program for boys looking to challenge themselves and have an incredible adventure through the land of Israel. CAMP SPORTSCamp Sports, located in Baltimore, MD, focuses on recreational and highly competitive sports leagues. EURO ICEEuro ICE brings Jewish history to life by exploring Europe, a land full of rich Jewish culture and history. The trip culminates in Israel by visiting all the popular sites on this coed trip.

GIVEGirls Israel Volunteer Experience (GIVE) is for exceptional high school girls looking to experience Judaism through the art of giving back in Israel.

GIVE WESTGIVE West provides a select group of girls a fun and meaningful summer by giving back to communities across the West Coast. ICE ISRAELICE Israel takes boys and girls on an inspirational and exhilarating journey through the land of Israel. JOLTJewish Overseas Leadership Training (JOLT) is for teens who want to become

leaders. Past participants have described their JOLT experience in Poland, Austria and Israel as having a transformational impact on their Jewish identity. KOLLELNCSY Kollel is an unforgettable summer for boys with interactive learning, intense sports and great trips in Israel.

MICHLELETMichlelet is an extraordinary program for teenage girls looking to spend their summer in a productive way by learning Torah and touring Israel. TJJ - THE ANNE SAMSON JERUSALEM JOURNEYThe Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) is the most affordable Israel trip for

public school teens. Teens tour Israel and develop an appreciation for its history. THE ANNE SAMSON TJJ AMBASSADORSThe Anne Samson TJJ Ambassadors combines the best of touring with social action, political advocacy and Torah study in Israel for public school teens. THE ANNE SAMSON TJJ AMBASSADORS POLANDOn The Anne Samson TJJ Ambassadors Poland (TJJ AP), public school teens spend a week in Poland before traveling to Israel and touring the land through the lens of Jewish thought, history and leadership.

SUMMERPROGRAMS

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TJJ VITAL STATS94% attended a Passover seder last year92% identified as being emotionally attached to Israel88% fasted on Yom Kippur61% participated in Jewish learning at least once a week

INSPIRED FOR A LIFETIMETHE ANNE SAMSON JERUSALEM JOURNEY (TJJ)

The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) is NCSY’s premier Israel summer experience for public school and unaffiliated teens. The four-week trip to Israel prides itself on its educational programming, quality of staff and

individual attention towards each participant. The trip is highly subsidized by generous donors ensuring every Jewish teen the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand.

“On TJJ, I gained an immense appreciation and connection to my new found homeland, Israel. Words can’t describe the gratitude I have to this program for the everlasting memories created here.”

“This trip made me want to move to Israel! I find Judaism and spirituality so easily accessible and attainable here.”

Isabelle DreyfusSt. Mary’s Academy

Ezra BloomAshland High School 9

CRISIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

I am currently attending Lander [Touro] College for Women, where I have been able to take the inspiration I got from NCSY and apply it to my school work and every day life. I never would have considered a Jewish college before NCSY and a Ben Zakkai scholarship is helping me attend. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am, nor who I am, if it weren’t for NCSY. Thank you NCSY.

Moriya BarberTouro College

A teen is inspired. She’s attended several Latte & Learning sessions, Shabbat Shebangs, Shabbatons and NCSY summer programs. By the end of her junior year, she is interested in attending a gap-year program in Israel or studying in a Jewish university. She wants to continue her Jewish journey by devoting more time towards the study of her Jewish heritage. But an obstacle stands in her way. Money.

NCSY staff spend hundreds of hours working with schools, parents, teens and scholarship funds to ensure that teens who want to spend a year in Israel or attend a Jewish college are able to do so. With the backing from our locally established Crisis Scholarship Fund (CSF) and allocations from National NCSY, scholarship money is distributed to those teens who need it most.

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AKIVA ON CAMPUSAkiva on Campus makes Judaism relevant to college students today. Directed by Rabbi Jack and Shira Melul, Akiva on Campus offers the highest quality educational and social programming in a relaxed, non-judgmental and welcoming environment. Their signature program, The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship Program, is an eight-week course that empowers students with the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of their rich heritage. Participants gain the tools to become effective leaders both on campus and in their professional lives. Upon completion of the program, students earn an unforgettable trip to New York City over spring break focusing on exploring their Jewish heritage or are given a $300 stipen.

Akiva on Campus students by the numbers40 participated in the Maimonides Leaders Fellowship Program13 studied abroad in collegiate level programs in Israel 11 attended the Akiva NYC Trip7 traveled to LA for a unique Mentor Mission4 attended the Israel Free Spirit Birthright trip

“The classes were so educational and entertaining… Rabbi Jack and Shira Melul really made Judaism come to life. When I went to the Maimonides classes, I felt like I was actually at a TED talk.”

“Through Akiva, I have gained a renewed sense of Jewish identity that I had lost. It was great to reconnect with my Jewish education and form a community. [The highlight was] when I went on the Akiva NYC trip. It was better than I could have imagined and is an experience that I will always remember.”

Maia SalomonAkiva Alumnus

Charlotte RheingoldAkiva Alumnus 11

MEASURING SUCCESS AND MAXIMIZING YOUR INVESTMENT

A large part of NCSY’s success is due to an emphasis on data collection. The data allows us to keep track of where we are successful and where improvements need to be made in ensuring that teens continue their Jewish journey.

NCSY tours more than 30 Israel gap-year programs to research how teens are enjoying their experience. This knowledge enables NCSY staff to guide high school seniors to find the best program for them upon

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graduation. Additionally, it allows the staff to observe and recruit the best advisors.NCSY also maintains a database of Jewish opportunities on college campuses. NCSY connects teens to these resources to help them advance in the next stage of their lives. Not only does this enable NCSY to measure its long-term goals and successes, but it also ensures that the investment made in a teenager translates into Jewish involvement throughout a lifetime.

$220,200

REVENUE

OREGON NCSY BY THE NUMBERS450+ events300+ unique teens attend JSU clubs33 teens attended Regional Shabbaton weekends in Los Angeles11 teens continued their Jewish education after high school either on a gap-year program in Israel or in a Jewish university in America8 public high schools ran JSU programming3 full-time staff, 4-part time staff, plus active volunteer advisors make up Oregon NCSY’s dynamic team

$221,000 OREGON NCSY’S OPERATING BUDGET

$75,600* Locally allocated salaries $56,000 Akiva on Campus $49,900 Shabbatons, Shabbat Shebangs, events and scholarships$21,800 Fundraisers$10,700 JSU clubs and Latte & Learning$7,000 Office

Fundraising Events

$84,000

Private Donations/Grants

$60,500

Participant Fees

$37,700

TOTAL REVENUE

EXPENSES

*$16,300 was paid towards salaries from the 2013-2014 fiscal year

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GENEROUS SPONSORS$60,000+Wolfson Foundation

$17,000-$59,999Arlene Schnitzer Trust and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation

$9,000-$16,999CashCo Services, Michael & Rachel Rosenberg*Century Catering*Michael & Allison Sherman*

$3,000-$8,999Jewish Federation of Greater PortlandKrogerIsaac & Susan RabinowiczErik Richmond & Annette Demsey

$2,000-$2,999Adam & Robin GreenmanRichard & Judi MatzaEdward Sherman & Martha RichEve Stern & Les GutfreundVictor Winkler*

$1,000-$1,999AnonymousAnonymousAnonymousKeith & Rosalie BernePaul & Julie CandauMilton G. and Sandra Gordon FundMichael Allen Harrison*Markowitz Herbold

Anastasia Salon*Jeremy BabenerAlan BacharachAnne Bardacke and David WolfLeonard BermanHarold & Lynore BerzowDavid & Shira BirnbaumMarc & Sarah BlattnerAaron BloomAaron BloomMelissa BloomScott & Amy BloomMurray Bresler*Dana BranerRabbi Ken & Aviel BrodkinDave & Karin ButtsCedar Sinai ParkCity Liquidators*Jonathan & Sallie CohenJordan CohenChaim & Aviva CohenColumbia BankJoseph & Rebecca CoxNechama Cox KatanLee Davidson*Peggy Dorf & Sean MurphyJeffrey Druckman & Erica GoldmanMiles Ellenby & Robyn TenenbaumHoward Tzvi & Bonnie EpsteinJohn & Sarah EvansSolomon & Mimi EzraJames & Robin FeltonEdward & Cheryl FeuersteinIsaac & Sylvia FrankelRabbi Yossi & Sara Goldblatt

Howard & Lee LazarusHugo & Adriana LeibovichIrving LevinMJCC*Oregon Medical WeightlossHarold & Jane Pollin*Steve Rosenberg & Ellen LippmanSharon Stern & Steve RallisonJay & Diane ZidellOJCYF

$500-$999Craig & Jan BerneBen FalkRenee Ferrera*Yonatan & Michal FrankelGarfinkle OrthodonticsHarry & Carole GlauberRenee HolzmanHoward & Sandy KatzBenjamin & Elisheva LangsteinMalka Diamonds*Marshal Spector & Shari LevinsonShirley Stern

$300-$499Scott AlpertSheldon Aronson & Adele EpsteinBarry & Karla BensonPatrick CoxMichael Friend*Golden Haven Hot Springs*Richard Hurwitz & Brenda KatzScot & Naomi LeavittJames & Lora Meyer*

One Click Studio*Jon and Susanna Perrin*Eli & Chantal RosenthalRon & Pam Sidis*Sam Sirkin & Erin FarrarBrad & Lara SternWells Fargo*Brian & Laurie Yablon

$200-$299Thomas Baertlein & Marcia Stocks-BaertleinEvan & Hailey BernsteinBob CareyBarry & Diane DavisJeff & Jennifer EdelsonSteve and Michelle GradowRick Haselton & Sura RubensteinLeatrice KaplanMark LawsonAllen & Louise LevinLewis River Golf Course*Rina OlivestoneOJCFJeff PellissierMarti PolicarMerrill Richmond & Mary BrazellAriel Shattan and Phil JansenTonkon TorpTouro College*US Bank

$100-$19945th Ave CleanersAffordable Kosher*

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Michael GorriaranJoel & Mara GreenblumBob & Dorice HorensteinCarol JacobsMike JaffeDaniel & Alla KaplanDavid & Shannon KatzCraig KaudellErik & Anna KodeschLee Davidson*Eric & Robin KornblitRoseanne LurieMark & Bel Ami MargolesLaura MartinTom & Lisa MitchellAdam & Sandy NemerOregon Shakespeare Festival*Jordan & Debbie PlawnerYair & Devorah ReinerJoshua RemickJean Riendeau & Jyl KleinDavid, a”h & Kim RosenbergAri & Caron RothsteinArie & Amy SalomonPaul Seal & Lara GreenbergRabbi Nate SegalRobert & Mara ShlachterMort Simon*Neil Simon & Jodi Garber-SimonJonathan SingerAdam SteckelThe Place to Shoot*Steven UrmanJeffrey & Mahri WeitzBill & Teressa Wenzel

Whole Foods*Solomon & Margarita WolfYeshiva University

$50-$99Karen AbramsMoshe Agam & Sami OberlanderGlendoveer Golf and Tennis* David AikenSteve Albert & Janie GoldenbergMichael AlterSammy AronsonJonathan BarkerJodi BerrisTuvia & Rebecca BerzowJohn BlattRuth BromleyTerri BrownRabbi Dov & Rebecca ChastainJon & Sallie CohenEvan CohnMartin & Stacy CullenDarren & Leanne DallGary DarlingGavin DenyseHugh Donnely & Denise TreadwayWilliam EnyartRabbi Tzvi & Esther FischerScot GelfandMoshe GenauerRobert GitelsonJonathan & Sarah GlassBonni Goldberg & Geo KendallMark & Lauren GoldsteinJacob & Jaime Harper

Shaun HasselHarrison HessMichael HorensteinJathan & Marjorie JanoveRod JarvelaJerry’s Rouge Jets*Anne JohnstonSusan JoshuaHank KaplanRabbi Michael & Mira KaplanYosef & Leah KatzNoah KayeTroy & Suzanne KentNaomi KohnStuart & Jeanne KornMiriam LambertLaurie Fendel Art*Paul & Linda LeasureAkiva & Amanda LeederLubliner Florist*Yossi and Judy MalkaMarine Discovery Tours*Joy MarshallTim MartinRyann & Morgan McCarleyJohn McKenzieSteven & Lynne MeyerowitzPerry & Pamela MilesGolan MinyanDanette NeilNewport Tradewinds*Brian & Eva NovickPaloma Clothing*Pearl Health Center*David Policar

Reese PolicarRachel PollinJeanne RobinJeff & Julia RobinsonJeremy RogersAsheara RogsonThomas RoholtRabbi Joshua & Chana RoseSamantha SalengerMarvin & Doreen SchnitzerKelly ScottDennis SiegmanJonathan SingerBenjamin SingerPeter SingerIan SlavinShannon SmithJohn SpilmanJacob & Devorah SpilmanRabbi Chanan & Meira SpivakRuth SteckelSunny’s Legendary Frozen Yogurt*Ilan Swartz BrownsteinPhil & Patricia TobinFufkin VollmayerGarry WeinerMichael WeingradJennifer WeprinWidmer Brothers Brewing*Ben & Miriam YablonEhud & Ronit Zusman

*May include in-kind donations

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Oregon NCSY6688 SW Capitol Hwy.

Portland, OR 97219portland.ncsy.org

503-757-3037

Akiva on CampusUniversity of Oregon

Eugene, OR 97403Akivaoncampus.com

541-221-2073

NCSY is the international youth movement of the OU. NCSY is open

to teens of all backgrounds and affiliations.