By Rena Genauer, Special to JTNews
Mark Twain once wrote an article in Harper’s Magazine in which he described the Jews. He depicted a nation of strength and valor that overcame the largest of obstacles while maintaining a strong faith. Oftentimes it’s hard to believe we are the people Mr. Twain described. We are the illustrious Jews.
However, with society the way it is today, there is much concern over our failure to maintain this identity. As teenagers become increasingly careless about their heritage, anxiety over becoming lost among the nations becomes more and more realistic.
This is where NCSY comes in. Teenagers of course like to do fun things that involve their friends. NCSY provides the opportunity to combine social interaction with religion. Teens from across the region gather to take part in any one of the fun activities. Last year we had a plethora of events, from a mock Jewish wedding, to our annual Seattle Shabbaton with 215 teens, to Basar Fest, our meat cook-off event.
Coming from an Orthodox background in a community like Seattle, as I entered high school I was suddenly exposed to a wide array of students. With NCSY, I was able to find teens with whom I shared common values. People I would never have even met were suddenly, to coin a Facebook term, popping up on my news feed. The best part was, they all had one common thread: Judaism. Whether they came from a Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox background, every one of my new friends excitedly jumped up and down, singing their hearts out, during Havdallah on the Shabbatons. There truly is nothing comparable.
Not only was I able to enjoy the events myself, but I also was able to take part in an extraordinary part of being a Jew. The concept of bringing other Jews into the circle is known as kiruv. NCSY provided me with the opportunity to solidify my religious beliefs while simultaneously helping others discover theirs, and for this I am forever grateful. Although I am a senior now, and this is my seventh and final year in NCSY, I will never forget the lessons I have learned from my experiences. With God’s help maybe one day my children will attend an event, or join chapter board, and ensure the continuation of the Jewish people Mark Twain described.