2001 - United Synagogue Youth

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ShalhevetJust Be A Jewby David CormanWe have not changed over the years. As much as we think we have, we are still Jewish and westill possess that same longing to be together in our homeland, the land of Israel. While we do not livein Israel, this does not mean that we are able to neglect the fact that, just an ocean away, lies theunbelievable result of centuries and generations of previously unfulfilled dreams, hopes, and tears.Abraham Joshua Heschel once wrote that, “Living is not a private affair of the individual. Livingis what man does with God’s time, what man does with God’s world.” For us, this means taking anactive role in the Jewishcommunity, performingand observing the mitzvotof the Torah, and as of thelast 53 years, supportingthe land of Israel.No other gen-eration can say that theylived in such a timewhere any Jews, regardlessof his or her background,could find shelter in a Jewishstate. Although weare not the creators of thisdream, it continues to beour responsibility and obligationto perpetuate theamazing gift that we havebeen so fortunate to re-ceive.The creation of aJewish state is not a recentphenomena. In fact, onlya little while after the FirstTemple was destroyedand the Jews were exiledto Babylon, we weregiven the right of returnand rebuild our devas-tated land. After much destructionand persecu-tion, we were finally ableto come home. It is allstarting to sound quite familiar.So now we finallyhave our own state, yetthese past 53 years havein no means been quiet orpeaceful for the Jewishpeople. What can the averageJew who just wantssafety and tranquility do?Do what we have always done as Jews: Be of strong faith, have hope, remain strong, and never give up.Throughout my years spent at a Jewish day school and in USY, I have come to realize that aboveeverything I have learned, not being afraid is the most important thing I have come away with. Indeed,one of the most popular songs in any USY region is “Kol Ha’Olam Kulu,” the famous saying of RabbiNachman of Bratzlav: “The entire world is a narrow bridge. The main thing is not to fear.” Being ofgreat courage is one of the hardest things, yet if accomplished, anything else in life will come that mucheasier.We live in a time when learning is important. Indeed, education is the foundation for anyperson’s life. Yet we have come to a point in the history of the world where the extent of what youknow cannot compare to what you do and what you feel.32
ShalhevetContinued from previous page:For me, being a Jew means having the “Hatikvah” (literally “The Hope”) as my national anthem.It means pursuing what you feel is right in life. It means looking evil in the eye and saying: “This canchange. I know it can. I can’t live my life like this. No one can. There must be some spark of light inall of this darkness. I must keep going. I must survive and live.”“The Exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year, and even inevery day,” says Rabbi Nachman. It is our obligation, as Jews and as human beings, to become anew, tofree ourselves from our previous “oppressors of evil,” and bring light and goodness to this world. Wemust be the messengers of peace and the harbingers of courage if we are to survive. So let yourself befree. Let yourself live. Let yourself be a Jew, and live this truly meaningful Jewish life.Keep Your Eyes Openby Elissa SteckerKeep your eyes openWhen the world goes blindFor what they cannot see you canBe aware of the problems in the worldSpread your knowledge to every manKeep your ears openAnd hear the criesWhich you once ignored beforeIf you listen closelyYou may find those criesBelong to someone you once adoredKeep your lips unsealedWhile others remain silentHelp to spread the wordTake action against societies’ wrongsLet your voice be heardKeep your arm extendedFor others to reachWe all need a helping handAssist in every way you canHelp people reach the goal they plannedKeep your heart beatingWhen heat turns coldHave extra love to shareGuide one person and change their lifeJust by promising you’ll be thereUse the natural powers you possessAnd help the world to healAll it takes is your willingnessOne person to make it real.33
Page 1 and 2: ShalhevetShalhevetzadlyThe Creative
Page 3 and 4: ShalhevetTable Of ContentsCOVER:Pho
Page 5 and 6: ShalhevetIsrael“Though I stood st
Page 7 and 8: ShalhevetDespite popular belief, US
Page 9: ShalhevetContinued from previous pa
Page 12 and 13: ShalhevetExchange - And Changeby Ja
Page 14 and 15: PilgrimageShalhevet14“I havea spe
Page 16 and 17: ShalhevetWhat A Dayby Gayle Abraham
Page 18 and 19: ShalhevetThis summer I went with th
Page 20 and 21: ShalhevetHavdalah on the Beachby Ar
Page 22 and 23: ShalhevetWheelsby Rachael KaplanA v
Page 24 and 25: ShalhevetI was unableto cry atAusch
Page 26 and 27: ShalhevetYou in Meby Tali KwellerTh
Page 28 and 29: ShalhevetMy Poland Experienceby Mel
Page 30 and 31: ShalhevetJewish Identity“It is ou
Page 34 and 35: ShalhevetMore Pressing Concernsby J
Page 36 and 37: ShalhevetThe Mitzvah of Happinessby
Page 38 and 39: ShalhevetJewish Identityby Melissa
Page 40 and 41: ShalhevetBeing Jewish in Pleasantvi
Page 42 and 43: Shalhevet1st Place: Jewish Eyesby R
Page 44: ShalhevetIn memory of all thosewho

2001 - United Synagogue Youth

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