By Yael Egnal, Special to JTNews
It’s 2:30 on a Monday afternoon. The bell rings. Most kids pack up and go home to do homework or head off to sports practice. There is one other option that makes Monday worth waking up for: Jewish Student Union. At 2:33, about 15 kids are sitting on the desks in room 503. Our advisor Ari Hoffman walks in with three fresh Island Crust Pizzas. This is the beginning of my favorite hour spent at school. And I’m not just talking about the pizzas.
At the Bellevue High School JSU some of our favorite discussion topics are “Glee,” movies, current Jewish events and Ari’s stories from his youth. Every week there is something new to discuss, something new to learn, and something new to enjoy.
After graduating from the Jewish Day School in 2009, I have severely missed being surrounded by Judaism. I attend Camp Solomon Schechter and BBYO, and love them with all of my heart. But having a chance to learn and be Jewish at school is remarkable.
I still remember the high school club fair my freshman year. At the beginning of every school year, each club gets its own table to promote itself. When I got to the main hallway, I was surprised that the Jewish Student Union table had a huge line. When I got to the front, I realized there was a popcorn and a cotton candy machine.
I think that JSU is so amazing because not every Jewish kid is lucky enough to go to summer camp or youth group like I am able to. JSU gives Jewish kids — and non-Jewish kids — a chance to explore Judaism cost-free, while still having fun. I mention non-Jewish kids because recently we have opened up our meetings to everyone. At Bellevue some of our frequent “clubbers” aren’t Jewish, they just enjoy the pizza and discussions.
Last year, JSU held a Seattle Jewish youth group dodgeball tournament. When you add Sky High and Jewish friends together, it becomes one great event. I thought this event was so great because it allowed USYers to meet NCSYers and BBYOers to meet JSUers.
It really upsets me when kids think if you are in one Jewish youth group you can’t be in another. And it seems like there is an unspoken rule that states each youth group is rivals with the others. Okay, so they may all have to compete for new members, but in reality they serve the same purpose: Making lifelong Jewish friends, learning and exploring Judaism, and last but not least, having a great time.
JSU is a big part of my high school experience and I hope the clubs will increasingly have a positive effect on the schools and the community. As I said before, JSU leaves me something new to think about and to discuss, whether it is a profound current event or the musical numbers from “Glee.”
Yael Egnal is the JSU city president. She’s a sophomore at Bellevue High School.