April 2024 | Nisan I 5784 | |
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8th-12th Grade
Monthly Newsletter
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Welcome to the 8th-12th grade newsletter!
Approximately every Rosh Chodesh (Jewish new month), these will be sent to update you on the amazing things our teens have been doing.
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What's in this newsletter?
- "Jew" York City: Midnight Run AND Lower East Side Walking Tour Recap!
- Civil Rights Trip
- The Table: Get a taste of what we've been chatting about recently!
- Confirmation: God Shopping
- BBYO: International Convention Recap
- Madrichim Corner: A word from our Madrichim Coordinator, Ryan!
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"Jew" York City
Our "Jew" York City program offers 8th and 9th graders six trips to New York City focusing on educational, cultural, and social action based themes throughout the year. Since our last issue, we completed trips #4 and #5 as our teens participated in our Midnight Run and
Lower East Side Walking Tour!
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On March 2, several of our teens and their parents joined Rabbi Baken, Sharon Stiefel, and Ryan on WRT's first Midnight Run! We drove into Manhattan and delivered donated clothes, toiletries, and food directly to those living through homelessness. The people we served were exceptionally grateful and everyone who volunteered agreed the experience was very rewarding! We want to say an enormous thank you to everyone that donated! | |
On March 31, our teens and their parents joined Rabbi Blake and Ryan for a walking tour of the Lower East Side! After lunch at the world famous Katz's Deli, Rabbi Blake led us to landmarks such as the Eldridge Street Synagogue and The Forward Building. Many of the landmarks, such as the two pictured above, have been repurposed since their original use, but symbols of Judaism can still be seen in the architecture today! | |
8th Grade Civil Rights Trip | From March 14 to March 17, our 8th graders and their parents traveled to Georgia and Alabama for WRT's annual Civil Rights Trip! This deeply meaningful program allowed our students to explore the history and heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. We heard first hand accounts from those who attended some of the key events in the Civil Rights Movement and toured important landmarks such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice. | |
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Our juniors and seniors met twice since the last issue of our newsletter. During the March 6th session, we discussed the ethics and implications of "Ceasefire" through a Jewish lens.
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During the March 20th session, we spoke about Senator Schumer’s recent remarks in light of the historic US-Israel relationship. We also examined some of the more difficult realities of the Purim story and discussed them in relation to the tragedy unfolding in Israel and Gaza today. | |
Our 10th graders participated in an activity known as "God Shopping" where they are able to "shop" for different ideas and beliefs of God. They then had an engaging discussion and will start to shift their attention toward preparation for their Confirmation Service which will be on May 31st. | |
Madrichim Corner
A word from our Madrichim Coordinator, Ryan!
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Since our last issue, our Madrichim have worked hard to bring their presence and energy into the classrooms where they volunteer. Whether it was dressing up as poppies for our Wizard of Oz themed Purimpalooza, or helping to facilitate more complicated activities such as making hamantaschen, the professionalism, poise, and dedication to their students has never faded. At our last madrichim meeting, we completed an exercise on the importance of adapting to situations as they happen. It was amazing to see the creative solutions they came up with to overcome unexpected changes and once again proved how great they are at what they do! | |
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BBYO: The Centennial IC!
Over President's Day weekend, 3,000 Jewish teens from around the globe traveled to Orlando, Florida, for BBYO's annual International Convention (IC). This IC celebrated 100 years of BBYO with celebrity speakers, leadership workshops, massive celebrations, and the Shabbat services of a lifetime. We would like to share the stories of two of our WRT Teens that attended on behalf of Eden BBG #103: Ella Trager and Abbie Wechsler!
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From Ella:
Over President's Day weekend, I attended BBYO’s International Convention where I had experiences that will stick with me throughout my life. Walking into this convention, I had no idea what to expect or how it would play out; safe to say I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled with what came my way.
After overcoming the shock of the presence of thousands of other Jewish teens, the beauty of it overwhelmed me, and I couldn't help but smile. It was a feeling of warmth, happiness, and excitement. However, the moment that it all truly hit me was the first night in the plenary at opening ceremonies. Seeing the grand amount of people all together in one room was the greatest memory I formed. I felt so connected to BBYO and all of the people in that huge room, some of whom live all the way across the globe from me.
That is the most magical part of BBYO: you can feel remarkably close to someone who lives so far away simply because you both are Jewish. It is a blessing I will forever hang on to, and for that I am so thankful.
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From Abbie:
Over President's Day weekend, I attended BBYO’s International Convention where I had the privilege of meeting so many new people. Everywhere I turned, there was someone new for me to talk to. Whether in the elevators, waiting in line at Universal, on the busses, or anywhere else, I was able to talk to someone new. I really enjoyed getting to know all different types of Jewish teens from across the world. It was a magical, once in a lifetime experience (except in my case, I will definitely be going back next year).
The first night, we had opening ceremonies. It was so powerful to look around the plenary room and see everyone engaging in the traditions. Watching people from so many different backgrounds and communities unite for one sole reason, Judaism, was very motivating. From singing “Let It Go” to hearing about the history of BBYO, every single thing at IC was so impactful.
My experience in Orlando helped me realize how important it is for me to stay connected to my Jewish roots. I loved being surrounded by people with the same intentions and mindsets as me. Being a part of BBYO is such an amazing opportunity that everyone who is given the chance should take!
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"Jew" York City
Our next and final event is a Tour of the Museum of Jewish Heritage with Cantor Rodnizki on May 5! We will examine issues of cultural identity, responsibility to community, and decision-making surrounding the Holocaust.
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Confirmation
- April 10th (Tonight!)
- April 14th (Carwash!)
- April 17th
- May 1st (service prep)
- May 15th (service prep)
- May 22nd (service prep)
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The Table
Remaining sessions:
- April 10 (Tonight!)
- April 17 (11th/12th only)
- May 15
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Monthly Madrichim Meetings
Upcoming meetings:
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8th Grade Civil Rights
Post-Trip Meeting
Both the student and the parent attending the trip are required to be in attendance. (Rescheduled day/time TBA)
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JLL Schedule Notes
There will be no JLL from April 20 to April 29 in observance of Passover. Madrichim who would normally have classes during those dates should not come in.
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