Summer 2014

Zoie Wittenberg is one of the few orthodox teenage girls in her community in Atlanta, Georgia. She is firm in her beliefs and continues her growth on Euro ICE. Here are a few of her thoughts regarding her experience on tisha b’av and about her growth on this program:

Yesterday, being Tisha Ba’Av, we spent the day talking about the main reason behind the destruction of the Second Temple: sinat chinam or baseless hatred. People shared personal stories and opinions on the subject of hatred. I came away from the night feeling both incredibly inspired and unbelievably angry, angry that sinat chinam is still a problem. Angry that my Ohana, my brothers and sisters on this program, has to put up with constant hate. When it was my turn to speak, I told a story that pained me to recollect, then I retold what my mother told me: These are opportunities to educate the world on the truth, to advocate for G-d, and to support each other. It is our job to set an example of a hate-less nation. It is our honor to show the world the truth.

I was born in the last year of the twentieth century.
I have two Jewish parents.
I practice my religious beliefs, all my beliefs for that matter.
I love G-d and serving Him.
I am supposedly lucky to have been born when I was.
I live in “an accepting world,” one “full of lovers,” “the twenty-first century.”

Yet
I leave my town to find judgmental hateful people.
I encounter hatred towards me because I am Jewish.
I must hide who I am.
I hide my Hebrew necklace.
I pocket my siddur.
I cover my father’s kippah with a hat.
I hide myself.

Now
I am traveling Europe with a Jewish group.
I hear the boys getting snapped at to put on a hat.
I witness chaos unfold every time we practice Judaism in public.
I am a victim of baseless hatred.

Yesterday
I told my tale of being victimized by baseless, anti-Semetic hatred.
I listened to countless others tell their tales.
I was told that it was my fault for not giving back to end this.
I feel that it is quite difficult to be a savior while I am crumpled on the floor.
I was implored not to hate back.
I find it hard when they hated me first.

Although
I was told that at the end of days
I along with all of my brothers and sisters will teach G-d’s ways.
I will bring an end to baseless hatred against me, you, and every other creation made in the image of G-d.
I know that we lost G-d’s home away from home to countless acts of baseless hatred.
I also know that the only way to bring it back it to abolish it from Earth.

So
I may live in the twenty-first century.
I may be free.
I may live in an open neighborhood.
I still cannot be me.
I wait for the day to come for the day to come when I can teach the world to love.
I want to live by example.
I want to be an educator of G-d’s ways.
I want to wear my necklace proudly.
I want to hold my siddur out and pray.
I want to see my father’s kippah worn proudly.
I want to show myself.
I want an end to baseless hatred.

As a group, we have been working on defeating baseless hatred within ourselves. Between “DMC’s” including two or three people discussing our backgrounds and life stories, Rabbi Lashak’s shirim about the tikkun and purpose of each individual on this Earth, and studying various sefarim that educate about the tzelem Elokim with each of us with a chavruta we have learned to better appreciate the power and importance within every single human being. I, for one, know that I have grown drastically in the character trait of hakarat hatov, appreciation for the good, not only for the things in life, but also the people. Our focus as a group has been to discover the good within everyone to remove any baseless hatred that may have existed. We expect more of each other now, more love, more appreciation; we are each planning to bring these valuable life lessons with us back home to work to create a hate free world to hasten the coming of Mashiach.

In Canada I go to a public high school, and while there’s a couple Jews here and there, the majority of my friends don’t have a clue about anything Jewish except how good latkas are.
Euro ice has really pushed me to reach for more, whether our bus ride departs at 4 am or I want to learn after curfew, the advisors are always there, books in hand, ready to start a discussion.
I do a lot of ncsy and I’ve had run ins with a lot of advisors, but to say the least this group is incredible, they are so open and inspirational; each chaburah, shiur and story is better than the last.
I was able to go to a Jewish private school for elementary and middle school, and while it taught me all the concepts of judaism, euro ice has opened my eyes to how it all interconnects (people say they like to watch me during rabbi’s shiurim because my jaw drops every time).
Not only are there options for learning, but im amazed by how many people jump at those offers and go out of their way to learn an extra mishna or another chapter.
When advisors aren’t available, we often learn by ourselves in small groups; Ice has given us all the material, equipment but most importantly the drive to inquire and dig deeper.
While I learned a lot in my 8 years of private education, I can confidently say that euro ice has taught me so much more about Judaism and my Jewish identity in the span of 4 weeks, this has been the #bestsummerever!

Miriam Maes, Toronto, CA

I am on a 7 1\2 ferry from Croatia to Italy and finally have a chance to reflect on the past 3 weeks of the trip. Euro Ice has truly been an enjoyable and educational experience for me. Throughout the trip, I have taken more pictures on my phone than I have during the past year and a half. I had previously never slept a night in Europe before and have now made unforgettable memories with my 40 new brothers and sisters in Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. In Greece we divided ourselves onto two big boats and sailed out in to the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. We then jumped off the boats and had a blast snorkeling in the blue waters, looking at the surrounding green mountains above. Touring Venice, Italy we sang proudly in the rain and even danced around some random little Italian boy for his birthday. The little boy could not hide his smile and his parents showed their gratitude. In Slovenia I went white water rafting for the first time, and in Croatia I experienced a meaningful תשעה באב with all of Euro Ice. But what makes Euro Ice such a special program, is not the exciting traveling and once in a lifetime activities that we do. It is that Euro Ice allows us to love our Judaism and wear it proud. On this program religion is not forced, it is encouraged in a positive light so you want to learn and connect. Slowly but surely people began to become more enthusiastic about their learning and campers often learn with advisors and friends voluntarily on bus rides. The learning is also mainly based on what the campers are interested in. During Rabbi Lashak’s Shoot The Rabbi sessions, we ask questions that trouble us and he often gives meaningful analogies and stories so we can relate to his answers. His powerful voice often sends chills throughout my body. Rabbi Lashak also treats us as adults and is willing to discuss any heavy topic, including Kabbalistic ideas dealing with gematria, free will, jealousy, reincarnation, and the coming of the messiah. Shabass is always an amazing experience where we all daven together and sing out hearts out. I have had so much fun on this trip and feel that I’ve learned a lot about myself, Judaism, and European cultures. I am sad that the trip is coming to an end, but am still hopeful for the exciting last week that awaits me.

Joey Trubnick, Chicago, IL

This past week, Euro Ice spent Shabbos and Tisha b’Av in the beautiful country of Croatia. Although we were not able to spend Tisha b’Av with our brothers and sisters in Israel, I was able to partake in the most meaningful Tisha b’Av experience of my life with the 40 brothers and sisters that I have made this summer.

In our hotel, we had a kumzits that was incredibly spiritually uplifting, especially when every single person is singing their hearts with their last remaining energy that had been depleted due to the fast. Hearing everyone sing in unison strengthened my belief that we are all family, and that every single person in that room is my brother and sister. Something that hits home, is the repeated phrase and reason for the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash: baseless hatred.

People hating other people for no reason was why the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed. Every time we do good for another person, or fight baseless hatred, we put another brick in the wall towards the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, and one step closer to salvation from our exile.

My overall spiritual experience on this trip has been amazing. In 3 weeks, I have been more inspired than 15 years of schooling. It’s unbelievable how much 3 weeks can affect you. As the program gets closer to ending, due to Rabbi Lashak and all the amazing advisors, I feel confident that I can take all the inspiration that I have gained and everything that I have learned and apply it to my daily life when I get back home. When I come home, I want to share the message that as a Jewish nation, we are all family, and that baseless hatred amongst ourselves is only prolonging our exile. By doing what I can to fight baseless hatred, I am helping to rebuild the Beis Hamikdash one brick by one brick.

Euro ICE is an experience that I struggle to even describe. I could tell you all about the amazing friendships I have made, all the people I have met and all the stories I have heard. Or I could tell you about the amazing learning that goes on here- it doesn’t matter the time or place. On a bus ride back to the hotel after a long day, there will still be learning going on. I could even tell you about the nature I have seen. מה רבו מעשך ה׳ – Our G-d, Hashem, has created a world so beautiful and intricate that it is difficult to comprehend.
After being inspired by these people and my surroundings, I personally decided to take on the challenge of trying to say Modeh Ani every morning. It can be very hard to remember to say it first thing in the morning but at the same time it is so easy. If you think about it, your body does not have any chargers! The human body is by far the “coolest” thing to ever exist. The fact that we go to bed at night and our soul leaves our body and then Hashem allows us to wake up the next morning is amazing. Wow! He is letting us live another day and He is giving us the opportunity to fulfill our purpose in the world. So, if Hashem allows me to live another day the least I can do is say Modeh Ani.
Last night we all agreed that, as a family, we will each take on something to improve. I can tell you honestly that I have grown so much on this trip that I can’t wait to grow more. The hard thing to imagine is that in a week from now we will be back home, we won’t have the support of our siblings, advisors and Rabbi or Wifey to push us- it will be up to us. I hope that no matter what the future has in store for us that me and my other 40 ICE Siblings stay strong בני תורה. “Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind.”

Pirkei Avot says, “Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.” Here I am, in Slovenia, a place I have never heard of. I’ve been inspired by the words of my campers, the Torah of my director and the hand of G-d in the creations around me. Never did I think that I would be inspired by a native in Bled, Slovenia.

Today was a day when campers could choose to be a “Golani”, to go and hike in the rain, or to do “spa” and stay back, do some facials, and relax. I managed to get one of the few available spots for a massage, and I’m so glad I did.

I met a wonderful woman named Lesna. Lesna was my masseuse for the day. I figured I would have some quiet relaxation time; little did I know I was about to have one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Yes, the massage was good, but it wasn’t the massage that got me. It wasn’t her hands that impacted me, but rather her words and her soul that were internalized and changed me.

Lesna seemed like the classic female masseuse, except her countenance was more cheerful and welcoming than other masseuses I’ve previously encountered.

She asked me about Israel and if I lived there. At first I was a bit frightened, since I didn’t know her feelings toward the Jewish people and the Holy Land. I told her we were from America and that we had a change in itinerary and we weren’t going to Israel, but that one day I do wish to live there. She said that she was disappointed for us that we couldn’t go, but she was glad that we could explore European countries like Slovenia. Her sincere and genuine reply showed me that she was someone special and I was determined to find out why.

She began telling me about her tolerance for other religions, how the people in Slovenia don’t have blatant hatred and how no one should. A devout Catholic, she always makes sure that when she sees Jewish people in her hotels on Shabbat, she lights a candle on Friday night to show them they are safe and welcome.

I wondered why she felt this close to the Jewish people. She told me that she always felt sympathetic to Jews and she never understood why they were picked on out of all of the other religions and sects. Later on in life she discovered that she came from a Jewish family in Austria, but her grandfather intermarried. He then assisted the partisans during WWII and as a punishment, he and his family were sent to Auschwitz. Her father was the only member of his family to survive. Once he returned, he told no one of his heritage and since he looked Aryan, he was able to blend into society.

She told me how important my job on this program is. She emphasized the need to pass on one’s heritage. She explained to me that she would never want to take up new rituals instead of old ones. “Why take up something 100 years old if I have a couch that old” she stated.

She asked me questions about different concepts in Judaism and with every response I gave her, she replied with “that makes sense” or ” that’s not so crazy, once you get used to it it’s probably fine”.

I’ve had so many rabbis enlighten me with words of inspiration-insights to enable me to be proud of my heritage-but it was her who has inspired me more. Lesna, the Catholic Slovenian masseuse, taught me more about Jewish pride than anyone else had before.

I am privileged to be a member of the Euro ICE staff. I am able to witness the growth of teens who are inundated with tests and temptations I have never dreamed of. These teens have chosen a program that enables them to explore their roots, understand the customs of our people and create lasting connections with their brothers and sisters.

Here on Euro ICE, we are doing exactly what Lesna preached; we are not trading in our heritage for customs “as old as couches”. We are strengthening our beliefs and our pride and I am honored to be a part of that mission.

I have seen how much Euro ICE has impacted others and continues to impact them, but now I see how Euro ICE has truly impacted me.

Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbat,

Bari Fuchs

Bari has been involved in NCSY for over 7 years. She has been an advisor on two summer programs and is employed by YACHAD during the year.

Today, Euro Ice 2014 woke up in the spectacular city of Venice, Italy. As we gathered for breakfast, we bid farewell to one of the most culturally rich places in the world. Although we would be saying goodbye for the near future, no one was too upset.

When we boarded the bus everyone was eager and anxious to greet Slovenia. The transition views from northern Italy to Slovenia were nothing short of incredible. As soon as we exited the bus we suited up for (world famous) water rafting in the Sochio river. The water was pretty chilly, but amazingly pure and blue. It tasted fresher than bottled water, I kid you not. Everyone had a blast.

While on the way to the hotel, (although not on the itinerary) we had to stop on the side of the road- not because of car trouble, because the view was so breathtaking that a short drive-by wouldn’t suffice. Everywhere we looked we saw something outrageously stunning. From waterfalls to snowcapped mountains to rock faces covered in thousands of trees, I heard more than a few kids say (including myself) that this was the most beautiful thing they had EVER seen. Trust me, I’ve traveled and seen nothing that even comes close to the beauty we witnessed today. When we arrived at the hotel, we finished with a bang- laundry! Good thing too, most of us were running out of underwear. I can’t wait to spend my second day in this magnificent country.

– Chana Kaufman
Orange County, California

Hi! My name is Chana and I am a rising junior. I love traveling, trying new foods, meeting cool people and snowboarding. I’m having the summer of my life with NCSY.

Hey ya’ll! My name is Zoie Wittenberg, I am 14–but my birthday is in less than a week– and I am from Atlanta, Georgia. This is my first summer on an NCSY summer program; so far, I am having the Best. Summer. Ever. Each beach that we visit is more stunning than the previous, and every historical site is awe inspiring; to think that a couple thousand years ago enemies of the Jewish nation–my forefathers–roamed the same squares that are now filled with a group of aspiring Jewish teenagers is purely mind boggling.

While in Santorini last week, Rabbi Lashak gave a dvar Torah in which he mentioned that Greece merited nine tenths of the world’s portions a beauty after Yefet covered his father Noach’s drunk, passed out, naked body. However, unlike Yefet’s older brother Shem, Yefet covered Noach’s body because he felt that the magnificence of the human body should not be exposed at such a low point. Yefet deserved a reward fit for his desires and beliefs, therefore, Hashem rewarded Yefet with the beauty the he praised; his descendants, the Greeks, merited nine tenths in the world. After seeing even one city in Greece, that is apparent.

Sunday morning we boarded a ferry to the Cycladic Island of Milos. The breathtaking beauty was visible even through the seawater splattered, fogged windows of our ferry as we docked at the port. The air smelled fresh and clear especially after breathing in the city air of Athens all of Shabbat followed by the cramped boat air. I looked around, no stared around. Milos was easily the most magnificent, awe striking place that I have ever been. The beaches are either covered in multicolored smooth pebbles or silky, fine sand. Mountains splattered in greenery line the sky as far as the eye can see in one direction and crystal clear blueish green water spotted in small white capped waves in the other. A picture of Milos should most definitely be next to the definition of perfect in the dictionary. We spent the afternoon hanging out at the beach, riding tubes at 200 kilometers per hour (I am American; I don’t even know what that means, but it sounds fast), and driving peddle boats a little bit too far out into the sea. But the best time on the island was yet to come.

Monday morning we drove to a more remote beach with soft, smooth sand and, in shifts, were shuttled on small motor boats to two big, open air sail boats. Just sitting there, with the boat anchored 100 yards from the shores not even moving, we could see miles of clear water and rocky layers of cliff on the island behind us. Then we pulled out, Music blasting and wind howling, into the open sea. Wow! The beauty was so breath taking, so stunning I couldn’t figure out where to look. All I could say was, “Guys, are you looking at this? No, for real, look!”

Bari and a small group of girls including myself took the opportunity to meditate. We sat in the shade with our eyes closed and breathed picturing our exact location with the only difference being that in our heads, we were the only soul in miles. When we opened our eyes, everything was clearer, brighter, more beautiful. We sat and spoke about Judaism and remaining calm until the boat stopped.

We were informed that if we wanted to swim, we could grab a snorkel or just jump. I spent the next ten or so minutes cracking up at my friends doing flips of the side of the anchored boat and taking videos and pictures. Then it was my turn. I jumped. My body felt a rush of cool, clear sea water. Not only was it a thrill, but I had an epiphany. Only The Master of the Universe could create such wonder.

We swam on through a tunnel into an open cove full of schools of small fish, crabs, and endless boulders covered in seaweed. We swam back around through another tunnel, this time, every one was more dispersed swimming at different paces and taking time to look at different things. I found myself with only a couple of other people swimming through the short tunnel. I slowed down to look at the rocks. There were little crabs crawling about and water trickled from the walls. I pulled my snorkel over my eyes and peered into the water. “Guys, do you mind giving me a minute alone?” I hung back while they swam towards to boat. The water was so crystalline, and the rock that was eroded into the tunnel that I swam through was so diverse. The layers of rock were each such a different color; some were white while others were chocolaty brown and more still made up every shade in between. The rock had to have been millions of years old. I looked back into the water as a school of little sparkly blue fish swam by. The boulders beneath me must have been infested with sea life. Everything was in its Gd given place. It was perfect. I took a deep breath above water and dunked back under. It was time for me to talk to my Creator, the universe’s Creator. Little bubbles flowed from my mouth as I thanked Gd for giving me the opportunity to see such natural beauty. It isn’t every day that you see something that confirms your belief in Heaven. Monday was that day for me. Seeing the fish and crabs in their natural habitat, no doubt surrounded by their predators, but still managing to survive throughout the years healthfully and happily; the hundreds of thousands of years worth of rock buildup formation cascading downward in a majestic manner; and water fresher, clearer, and cleaner than any other salt water body that I have ever seen inspired me to believe in Gd, Melech Malchei HaMalachim. Never in my life have I ever been so certain about anything, let alone my belief in The One Above. As I thanked and praised Gd for perfecting His creations and bringing me to this unbelievable place, I also asked Him for something. I asked Him to allow everyone in this world to find a place like that little nook off the shore of Milos to rediscover Him, to be inspired, to confirm their alliance with Him.

The irony only hit me later: I am in one of the most anti-Semetic countries in the world, a country that has prosecuted Jews countless times over the centuries, the most physically beautiful place in the world feeling inspired to do more of the very things that past generations of Jews were punished for doing. I am in Greece. The land blessed with solely physically beauty seeing Yad Hashem. I guess everyone has to have that one place–whether it be in their head, their bedroom, a forest, or off the shore of Milos–that convinces them to appreciate the One Above. I guess that for me it is here in Milos. I see that Gd fulfilled His promise to Yefet: He gave his children the beauty that Yefet admired. It is up to us to see that everything, even the most unspiritual seeming places in the world, come from Gd.

With each day that passes we come closer to the end of our trip in Greece, but the fun is here and the memories will live on. As we prepared for Shabbat on Friday night we reflected back on the amazing week we left behind us and continued to learn about Ancient Greek in relation to Jewish history. We arrived at shul and were amazed by the unique customs and styles of the Roman Sephard people. Through this, we learned how over 2500 years, many of the customs of the Greek Jewish people have adapted to the surrounding society of the native Greek culture. Although, we looked and sounded different, our Jewish identities united as one.
On Saturday, the skies opened up and the water flowed down the main street in Athens like the Jordan River. Nonetheless, we hiked four miles to the Acropolis, where we all saw the Parthenon. Finally, the sun came out from behind the clouds and we were able to learn about the Ancient Greek people and their beliefs, from our wonderful tour guide, Rania.
The weekend finished off with a boat ride to Milos where we were able to enjoy sports and swimming in both beautiful Greek beaches and an infinity pool.
There have been many opportunities to bond with all the incredible people on this program and I am so excited to spend time in Israel with them this upcoming week and make memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to the many adventures and the shawarma that is just around the corner.

Jayson Kreidstein was inspired on TJJ to spend a second summer on an NCSY program. He loves baseball, works part time as a super model, has 6 pet snakes, and lives in Toronto. His nickname on the trip is Jayson. After Euro ICE he is going to spend his days wondering the wonderful streets of Toronto.*

*Based on true facts