The B'nai Tzedek Memphis Bus Tour

By Jack Shanker

Nov 23rd, 2024

On Sunday November 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M., teens in Memphis’s B'nai Tzedek Philanthropy program traveled around the city on their yearly bus tour. We went to visit Temple Israel and learned about the history of Jewish Memphis and the many synagogues there have been. We also went to the newly renovated Hillel of University of Memphis, that was partially funded by B'nai Tzedek, to learn about the importance of Jewish life on a college campus. Finally, we went to the Jewish Community Center to participate in the adult inclusion art class that was also partially funded by B'nai Tzedek...Read more

Living Through Past and Present

NCSY’S EURO-ISRAEL PROGRAM

By Akiva Levine

September 27th, 2024

Visiting countries such as the U.K. and the Netherlands allowed me not only to explore vibrant European Jewish history, but also to experience current European Jewish communities. When I visited a synagogue in Birmingham, U.K, I was awed by the building’s magnificence, a testament to the endurance of Birmingham’s Jewish history and current Jewish community. Speaking with two Jewish teens in that synagogue and emotionally connecting with them made me proud to relate to other Jewish individuals across the globe— sharing heritage, history and aspirations...Read more

Barbecuing with BBYO

AN

INSIDE LOOK AT MEMPHIS’ JEWISH

YOUTH GROUP

By Mia Katz

September 27th, 2024

BBYO is a great place for teens to organize, be involved, and be independent while still being engaged in Jewish activities. BBYO has two leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) and the B’nai Brith Girls (BBG). One of the most important and special things about BBYO is its inclusivity. Any Jewish teen is welcome...Read more

UNWRA and Israel

How A Humanitarian Aid Organization Only Aided Conflict in the Middle East

By Ilan Lennon

May 7, 2024

How is an internationally endorsed agency whose charter professes values of “peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance and solidarity” complicit in terror activities? This contradiction reveals the concerning nature of UNRWA’s operations in the region. While the agency claims to provide essential care and services to millions of Palestinian refugees, its presence in conflict zones and interactions with extremist groups and terrorist organizations raise serious concerns about its impartiality and potential complicity in stimulating and nurturing a hostile environment...Read more

Jewish Youth Climate Movement

New Teen Program in Memphis

By Elijah Schaffzin

May 10, 2024

Early into my high school career I felt powerless to correct the issues I saw as most prevalent in society. I had always been vocal about what I cared about, but I wished for a force to translate those words into actions. Chief of these issues was the brutal anxiety I felt over the climate crisis, and worry over our collective future. In the summer of my 9th grade year, I attended a six week Jewish program called ETGAR 36, in which I and tens of other teens traveled around the country to learn more about political issues from both sides of the spectrum, growing as activists to solve those issues. During this program, I made a close friend who serves on the National Leadership Board of the Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM), and they felt that this movement would be helpful to change my climate worries into more concrete work in my community. This is why I am working to establish a Jewish Youth Climate Movement Kvutzah (chapter) in Memphis...Read more

Day 1

By Sarah Kahane

The first day of my trip to Israel was packed to the brim and set the tone for the entire trip. Stepping off the plane and driving straight to Shoham, Memphis’ sister city, was an experience unlike any other. As we met with the teenagers who lived in Shoham, we had discussions ranging from the profound impacts of conflict on their lives to the simplicity of shared interests and aspirations. Despite the weight of their experiences, meeting with the kids reminded me that despite our differences, we truly are the same and share the same goals for Klal Yisrael. However, it was the visit to the rehab hospital for wounded soldiers that truly resonated with me...Read more

Day 2

By Becky Schubert

    Day 2 of our trip began with a light volunteer opportunity, but quickly escalated as the day went on. Pantry Packers was our first stop; here we split into groups to pack up food for families in need. We had fun working together to pack as quickly as possible and even made it into a competition between the groups (my group won of course). After we packed the bags they showed us a video which explained how their organization works and how our work impacted so many families in need in Israel. They then showed us another video which was more specific towards life after October 7th, in which we learned about a kibbutz that was terribly affected by October 7th and how Pantry Packers have been able to help them since. Pantry Packers was fun, educational, and set the stage for the serious nature of the day...Read more

Day 3

By Atara Segal

 On Friday morning we set out for Har Herzl, the most well known cemetery for Israeli soldiers throughout the country. There we met the Selters’ friend Mr. Eliot Young, and he led us to his brother’s grave, a Golani Brigade soldier named Natanel Young. Natanel was the fourth soldier to be buried on Har Herzl after October 7th. We listened to his story, learning who he was as a person and connected to him and his family. We learned that many of the surrounding buried soldiers were also fighting in Golani and had connections to Natanel. After putting stones on his grave, we walked around to visit other graves, and said tehillim. We then went to visit Rose Lubin’s grave, which was especially meaningful and necessary because of her deep Memphis connections. Her grave truly reflected her personality, with lively pictures of her and personal items covering her kvar (grave)...Read more

Day 4

By Dahlia Siegel

Last month, through my synagogue Baron Hirsch, I went on a life changing trip to Israel. Through touring, volunteering, and learning, I found value in every activity. Every day was filled with opportunities to assist the country, but the final day of our trip was especially meaningful. On that last day, we heard from Hadas Lowenstern, who gave us words of Chizuk, or strength. Hadas’ husband, Elisha, was a reservist in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) who fought in Gaza. He was fatally shot by Hamas on the seventh night of Chanukah. Though Hadas is now in a horrible situation, she has extreme faith in Hashem, G-d, and makes the best of the situation for her family. She is a woman full of joy and pride and ensures that her six children, including a baby, live a fulfilling life...Read more

Living Through Past and Present

NCSY’S EURO-ISRAEL PROGRAM

By Akiva Levine

September 27th, 2024

Visiting countries such as the U.K. and the Netherlands allowed me not only to explore vibrant European Jewish history, but also to experience current European Jewish communities. When I visited a synagogue in Birmingham, U.K, I was awed by the building’s magnificence, a testament to the endurance of Birmingham’s Jewish history and current Jewish community. Speaking with two Jewish teens in that synagogue and emotionally connecting with them made me proud to relate to other Jewish individuals across the globe— sharing heritage, history and aspirations...Read more