to read this years annual report.

OREGON
NCSY
ANNUAL
REPORT
2014-2015
OUR MISSION IS:
TO INSPIRE THE JEWISH FUTURE
NCSY is the premier organization dedicated to connecting, inspiring and empowering Jewish teens.
NCSY has been engaging Jewish teens and reconnecting them with their heritage since its founding
in 1954. Through the decades, NCSY has evolved and developed new ways to make Judaism relevant
to the next generation. In 2002, Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs were created as a forum for public
and private school students to meet other Jewish teens while learning about their Jewish heritage in
a fun and relaxed environment.
NCSY reaches over 16,000 teens from more than 200 cities across six countries each year. NCSY
connects with Jewish youth through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs.
NCSY inspires Jewish teens through informal Jewish education, retreats and summer programs. With
leadership development and guidance, NCSY empowers teens to become passionate committed
leaders of the Jewish community.
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TO OUR DEAR
FRIENDS
Thank you — for making a difference and inspiring Oregon Jewish teens!
This summer, nearly a dozen teenagers are connecting to their Jewish roots
in Israel on The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), NCSY’s premier
summer program for public school teens.
Your support enables NCSY to strengthen Jewish pride throughout
Oregon. The following pages highlight some of what makes Jr. NCSY, NCSY
and Akiva on Campus so special and critically important. Whether it's a
Shabbaton, a Jewish Student Union (JSU) club in a public or private high
school, or even a Jewish Drivers' Ed program, NCSY offers something for
every Jewish teen.
Meira Spivak
Director, Oregon NCSY
Thank you for being our partner in building a vibrant Jewish future in
Oregon. Because of you, we are reaching more students than ever before.
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JR.
NCSY
Jr. NCSY unites 6-8th graders across the state and offers
social and educational programs throughout the year,
as well as Shabbaton weekends. Jr. NCSY enables these
teens to enter high school with a group of supportive
Jewish friends.
“What I love about Jr. NCSY is that it helps me
connect with other Jewish kids… In public school, it’s
hard to feel Jewish. Jr. NCSY also helped me attend
Camp Nageela Midwest — an NCSY affiliated Jewish
sleep-away camp — where I was able to meet other
Jewish kids who I had a lot in common with.”
Elianna Spilman
Robert Gray Middle School
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IGNITE THE FLAME:
THE SHABBATON
Shabbaton weekends inspire and educate teens in an
atmosphere of Jewish pride and growth. They provide
an opportunity for public school and private school
students to interact together in a traditional Shabbat
environment. Over the weekend, participants study
Jewish topics that speak directly to the high school
mind. For many teens, Shabbaton weekends are their
first Shabbat experience.
“Shabbatons have given me the opportunity to experience
Judaism in a fun and accessible way. I've met so many
amazing people that I could never have gotten to know so
deeply in another setting. Shabbatons provide an amazing
opportunity to study and connect with peers and advisors.”
Daniel Hurwitz
Wilson High School
“Shabbatons allow me to meet other Jewish teens, and create
memories and everlasting friendships. I leave Shabbatons
feeling inspired and more connected to my Judaism!”
Emilia Wolf
Lake Oswego High School
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EMPOWERING
THE FUTURE:
AN NCSY ADVISOR
NCSY advisors are college students and young professionals — often NCSY
alumni — who volunteer their time to serve as Jewish role models. While
advisors connect with teens during NCSY programming, their relationships
really flourish outside of NCSY. Throughout the year, advisors listen and
provide mentorship to the NCSYers in a fun, safe and supportive way.
"Being an advisor for two years for Portland NCSY opened my eyes
to its incredible community and the programming that NCSY offers!
From the Friday night Shabbat Shebang dinners to the Saturday
night activities, no matter what was on the agenda, I always felt right
at home! The directors catered each program to the NCSYers needs
and had a gracious open-door policy!”
Devorah Adler
Queens College, NY
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ON THE FRONT LINES OF INSPIRATION:
JEWISH STUDENT UNION (JSU) CLUBS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS
With virtually all of Greater Oregon teens enrolled in public or non-Jewish
private high schools, classrooms have become the battleground for Jewish
identity. JSU clubs provide Jewish teens with innovative programs that
strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to Judaism. The clubs also
serve as an entry point for teens to discover Jewish opportunities within the
local Jewish community and college campuses.
NCSY educators provide educational programming through interactive
discussions, guest speakers and video presentations. Topics covered
include (but are not limited to) Jewish holidays, Israel education, current
events, leadership and anti-Semitism. By coming directly to where students
spend most of their day, JSU clubs successfully reach hundreds of teens.
JSU CLUBS:
Grant High School
Lake Oswego High School
Lincoln High School
Riverdale High School
Sheldon High School
South Eugene High School
St. Mary’s Academy
Wilson High School
“Getting to be a JSU President was the highlight of high school for me. JSU taught me leadership skills that will transfer to every situation I face
in life and I am extremely thankful for that. It also provided a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions that I had practiced growing up, but
never fully understood. Additionally, JSU gave the students at my school a chance to learn about Judaism and how wonderful it is. It unified my
school and it was the club that everyone looked forward to.”
Talia Sherman
Riverdale High School
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SUMMER
PROGRAMS
BILT
Boys Israel Leadership Training (BILT)
is a leadership program for boys looking
to challenge themselves and have an
incredible adventure through the land
of Israel.
CAMP SPORTS
Camp Sports, located in Baltimore,
MD, focuses on recreational and highly
competitive sports leagues.
EURO ICE
Euro ICE brings Jewish history to life
by exploring Europe, a land full of rich
Jewish culture and history. The trip
culminates in Israel by visiting all the
popular sites on this coed trip.
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NCSY Summer is more than just a few weeks away from
home. It is one of the most meaningful and memorable
experiences of a teenager’s life. NCSY runs 12 unique
summer programs in the US, Israel and Europe that cater
to teens with different interests and backgrounds.
GIVE
Girls Israel Volunteer Experience (GIVE)
is for exceptional high school girls
looking to experience Judaism through
the art of giving back in Israel.
GIVE WEST
GIVE West provides a select group of
girls a fun and meaningful summer by
giving back to communities across the
West Coast.
ICE ISRAEL
ICE Israel takes boys and girls on an
inspirational and exhilarating journey
through the land of Israel.
JOLT
Jewish Overseas Leadership Training
(JOLT) is for teens who want to become
leaders. Past participants have described
their JOLT experience in Poland, Austria
and Israel as having a transformational
impact on their Jewish identity.
KOLLEL
NCSY Kollel is an unforgettable summer
for boys with interactive learning, intense
sports and great trips in Israel.
MICHLELET
Michlelet is an extraordinary program
for teenage girls looking to spend their
summer in a productive way by learning
Torah and touring Israel.
TJJ - THE ANNE SAMSON
JERUSALEM JOURNEY
The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey
(TJJ) is the most affordable Israel trip for
public school teens. Teens tour Israel and
develop an appreciation for its history.
THE ANNE SAMSON TJJ
AMBASSADORS
The Anne Samson TJJ Ambassadors
combines the best of touring with social
action, political advocacy and Torah
study in Israel for public school teens.
THE ANNE SAMSON
TJJ AMBASSADORS POLAND
On The Anne Samson TJJ Ambassadors
Poland (TJJ AP), public school teens
spend a week in Poland before traveling
to Israel and touring the land through
the lens of Jewish thought, history and
leadership.
INSPIRED FOR A LIFETIME
THE ANNE SAMSON JERUSALEM JOURNEY (TJJ)
The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey
(TJJ) is NCSY’s premier Israel summer
experience for public school and
unaffiliated teens. The four-week trip
to Israel prides itself on its educational
programming, quality of staff and
individual attention towards each
participant. The trip is highly subsidized
by generous donors ensuring every
Jewish teen the opportunity to
experience Israel firsthand.
TJJ VITAL STATS
94% attended a Passover seder last year
92% identified as being emotionally attached to Israel
88% fasted on Yom Kippur
61% participated in Jewish learning at least once a week
“On TJJ, I gained an immense appreciation and connection to my new found
homeland, Israel. Words can’t describe the gratitude I have to this program for
the everlasting memories created here.”
Isabelle Dreyfus
St. Mary’s Academy
“This trip made me want to move to Israel! I find Judaism and spirituality so
easily accessible and attainable here.”
Ezra Bloom
Ashland High School
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CRISIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
A teen is inspired. She’s attended several Latte & Learning sessions, Shabbat Shebangs, Shabbatons and NCSY
summer programs. By the end of her junior year, she is interested in attending a gap-year program in Israel or
studying in a Jewish university. She wants to continue her Jewish journey by devoting more time towards the
study of her Jewish heritage. But an obstacle stands in her way. Money.
NCSY staff spend hundreds of hours working with schools, parents, teens and scholarship funds to ensure that
teens who want to spend a year in Israel or attend a Jewish college are able to do so. With the backing from
our locally established Crisis Scholarship Fund (CSF) and allocations from National NCSY, scholarship money is
distributed to those teens who need it most.
I am currently attending Lander [Touro] College for Women, where I
have been able to take the inspiration I got from NCSY and apply it to
my school work and every day life. I never would have considered a
Jewish college before NCSY and a Ben Zakkai scholarship is helping me
attend. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am, nor who I
am, if it weren’t for NCSY. Thank you NCSY.
Moriya Barber
Touro College
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AKIVA
ON CAMPUS
Akiva on Campus makes Judaism relevant to college
students today. Directed by Rabbi Jack and Shira Melul,
Akiva on Campus offers the highest quality educational
and social programming in a relaxed, non-judgmental
and welcoming environment. Their signature program,
The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship Program, is an
eight-week course that empowers students with the
knowledge, wisdom and understanding of their rich
heritage. Participants gain the tools to become effective
leaders both on campus and in their professional lives.
Upon completion of the program, students earn an
unforgettable trip to New York City over spring break
focusing on exploring their Jewish heritage or are given
a $300 stipen.
Akiva on Campus students by the numbers
40 participated in the Maimonides Leaders Fellowship
Program
13 studied abroad in collegiate level programs in Israel
11 attended the Akiva NYC Trip
7 traveled to LA for a unique Mentor Mission
4 attended the Israel Free Spirit Birthright trip
“The classes were so educational and entertaining… Rabbi Jack and Shira
Melul really made Judaism come to life. When I went to the Maimonides
classes, I felt like I was actually at a TED talk.”
Maia Salomon
Akiva Alumnus
“Through Akiva, I have gained a renewed sense of Jewish identity that I
had lost. It was great to reconnect with my Jewish education and form a
community. [The highlight was] when I went on the Akiva NYC trip. It was
better than I could have imagined and is an experience that I will always
remember.”
Charlotte Rheingold
Akiva Alumnus
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MEASURING SUCCESS
AND MAXIMIZING YOUR INVESTMENT
A large part of NCSY’s success is due to an emphasis
on data collection. The data allows us to keep track of
where we are successful and where improvements need
to be made in ensuring that teens continue their Jewish
journey.
NCSY tours more than 30 Israel gap-year programs
to research how teens are enjoying their experience.
This knowledge enables NCSY staff to guide high
school seniors to find the best program for them upon
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graduation. Additionally, it allows the staff to observe
and recruit the best advisors.
NCSY also maintains a database of Jewish opportunities
on college campuses. NCSY connects teens to these
resources to help them advance in the next stage of their
lives. Not only does this enable NCSY to measure its
long-term goals and successes, but it also ensures that
the investment made in a teenager translates into Jewish
involvement throughout a lifetime.
OREGON NCSY BY THE NUMBERS
450+ events
300+ unique teens attend JSU clubs
33 teens attended Regional Shabbaton weekends in Los Angeles
11 teens continued their Jewish education after high school
either on a gap-year program in Israel or in a Jewish university in America
8 public high schools ran JSU programming
3 full-time staff, 4-part time staff, plus active volunteer advisors make up Oregon NCSY’s
dynamic team
EXPENSES
REVENUE
$221,000 OREGON NCSY’S OPERATING BUDGET
$75,600* Locally allocated salaries
$56,000 Akiva on Campus
$49,900 Shabbatons, Shabbat Shebangs, events and scholarships
$21,800 Fundraisers
$10,700 JSU clubs and Latte & Learning
$7,000 Office
*$16,300 was paid towards salaries from the 2013-2014 fiscal year
Participant Fees
Private
Donations/Grants
$37,700
$60,500
Fundraising Events
$84,000
TOTAL REVENUE
$220,200
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GENEROUS SPONSORS
$60,000+
Wolfson Foundation
$17,000-$59,999
Arlene Schnitzer Trust and the Harold
and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation
$9,000-$16,999
CashCo Services, Michael & Rachel
Rosenberg*
Century Catering*
Michael & Allison Sherman*
$3,000-$8,999
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland
Kroger
Isaac & Susan Rabinowicz
Erik Richmond & Annette Demsey
$2,000-$2,999
Adam & Robin Greenman
Richard & Judi Matza
Edward Sherman & Martha Rich
Eve Stern & Les Gutfreund
Victor Winkler*
$1,000-$1,999
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Keith & Rosalie Berne
Paul & Julie Candau
Milton G. and Sandra Gordon Fund
Michael Allen Harrison*
Markowitz Herbold
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Howard & Lee Lazarus
Hugo & Adriana Leibovich
Irving Levin
MJCC*
Oregon Medical Weightloss
Harold & Jane Pollin*
Steve Rosenberg & Ellen Lippman
Sharon Stern & Steve Rallison
Jay & Diane Zidell
OJCYF
$500-$999
Craig & Jan Berne
Ben Falk
Renee Ferrera*
Yonatan & Michal Frankel
Garfinkle Orthodontics
Harry & Carole Glauber
Renee Holzman
Howard & Sandy Katz
Benjamin & Elisheva Langstein
Malka Diamonds*
Marshal Spector & Shari Levinson
Shirley Stern
$300-$499
Scott Alpert
Sheldon Aronson & Adele Epstein
Barry & Karla Benson
Patrick Cox
Michael Friend*
Golden Haven Hot Springs*
Richard Hurwitz & Brenda Katz
Scot & Naomi Leavitt
James & Lora Meyer*
One Click Studio*
Jon and Susanna Perrin*
Eli & Chantal Rosenthal
Ron & Pam Sidis*
Sam Sirkin & Erin Farrar
Brad & Lara Stern
Wells Fargo*
Brian & Laurie Yablon
$200-$299
Thomas Baertlein & Marcia
Stocks-Baertlein
Evan & Hailey Bernstein
Bob Carey
Barry & Diane Davis
Jeff & Jennifer Edelson
Steve and Michelle Gradow
Rick Haselton & Sura Rubenstein
Leatrice Kaplan
Mark Lawson
Allen & Louise Levin
Lewis River Golf Course*
Rina Olivestone
OJCF
Jeff Pellissier
Marti Policar
Merrill Richmond & Mary Brazell
Ariel Shattan and Phil Jansen
Tonkon Torp
Touro College*
US Bank
$100-$199
45th Ave Cleaners
Affordable Kosher*
Anastasia Salon*
Jeremy Babener
Alan Bacharach
Anne Bardacke and David Wolf
Leonard Berman
Harold & Lynore Berzow
David & Shira Birnbaum
Marc & Sarah Blattner
Aaron Bloom
Aaron Bloom
Melissa Bloom
Scott & Amy Bloom
Murray Bresler*
Dana Braner
Rabbi Ken & Aviel Brodkin
Dave & Karin Butts
Cedar Sinai Park
City Liquidators*
Jonathan & Sallie Cohen
Jordan Cohen
Chaim & Aviva Cohen
Columbia Bank
Joseph & Rebecca Cox
Nechama Cox Katan
Lee Davidson*
Peggy Dorf & Sean Murphy
Jeffrey Druckman & Erica Goldman
Miles Ellenby & Robyn Tenenbaum
Howard Tzvi & Bonnie Epstein
John & Sarah Evans
Solomon & Mimi Ezra
James & Robin Felton
Edward & Cheryl Feuerstein
Isaac & Sylvia Frankel
Rabbi Yossi & Sara Goldblatt
Michael Gorriaran
Joel & Mara Greenblum
Bob & Dorice Horenstein
Carol Jacobs
Mike Jaffe
Daniel & Alla Kaplan
David & Shannon Katz
Craig Kaudell
Erik & Anna Kodesch
Lee Davidson*
Eric & Robin Kornblit
Roseanne Lurie
Mark & Bel Ami Margoles
Laura Martin
Tom & Lisa Mitchell
Adam & Sandy Nemer
Oregon Shakespeare Festival*
Jordan & Debbie Plawner
Yair & Devorah Reiner
Joshua Remick
Jean Riendeau & Jyl Klein
David, a”h & Kim Rosenberg
Ari & Caron Rothstein
Arie & Amy Salomon
Paul Seal & Lara Greenberg
Rabbi Nate Segal
Robert & Mara Shlachter
Mort Simon*
Neil Simon & Jodi Garber-Simon
Jonathan Singer
Adam Steckel
The Place to Shoot*
Steven Urman
Jeffrey & Mahri Weitz
Bill & Teressa Wenzel
Whole Foods*
Solomon & Margarita Wolf
Yeshiva University
$50-$99
Karen Abrams
Moshe Agam & Sami Oberlander
Glendoveer Golf and Tennis*
David Aiken
Steve Albert & Janie Goldenberg
Michael Alter
Sammy Aronson
Jonathan Barker
Jodi Berris
Tuvia & Rebecca Berzow
John Blatt
Ruth Bromley
Terri Brown
Rabbi Dov & Rebecca Chastain
Jon & Sallie Cohen
Evan Cohn
Martin & Stacy Cullen
Darren & Leanne Dall
Gary Darling
Gavin Denyse
Hugh Donnely & Denise Treadway
William Enyart
Rabbi Tzvi & Esther Fischer
Scot Gelfand
Moshe Genauer
Robert Gitelson
Jonathan & Sarah Glass
Bonni Goldberg & Geo Kendall
Mark & Lauren Goldstein
Jacob & Jaime Harper
Shaun Hassel
Harrison Hess
Michael Horenstein
Jathan & Marjorie Janove
Rod Jarvela
Jerry’s Rouge Jets*
Anne Johnston
Susan Joshua
Hank Kaplan
Rabbi Michael & Mira Kaplan
Yosef & Leah Katz
Noah Kaye
Troy & Suzanne Kent
Naomi Kohn
Stuart & Jeanne Korn
Miriam Lambert
Laurie Fendel Art*
Paul & Linda Leasure
Akiva & Amanda Leeder
Lubliner Florist*
Yossi and Judy Malka
Marine Discovery Tours*
Joy Marshall
Tim Martin
Ryann & Morgan McCarley
John McKenzie
Steven & Lynne Meyerowitz
Perry & Pamela Miles
Golan Minyan
Danette Neil
Newport Tradewinds*
Brian & Eva Novick
Paloma Clothing*
Pearl Health Center*
David Policar
Reese Policar
Rachel Pollin
Jeanne Robin
Jeff & Julia Robinson
Jeremy Rogers
Asheara Rogson
Thomas Roholt
Rabbi Joshua & Chana Rose
Samantha Salenger
Marvin & Doreen Schnitzer
Kelly Scott
Dennis Siegman
Jonathan Singer
Benjamin Singer
Peter Singer
Ian Slavin
Shannon Smith
John Spilman
Jacob & Devorah Spilman
Rabbi Chanan & Meira Spivak
Ruth Steckel
Sunny’s Legendary Frozen Yogurt*
Ilan Swartz Brownstein
Phil & Patricia Tobin
Fufkin Vollmayer
Garry Weiner
Michael Weingrad
Jennifer Weprin
Widmer Brothers Brewing*
Ben & Miriam Yablon
Ehud & Ronit Zusman
*May include in-kind donations
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Oregon NCSY
6688 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, OR 97219
portland.ncsy.org
503-757-3037
NCSY is the international youth
movement of the OU. NCSY is open
to teens of all backgrounds and
affiliations.
Akiva on Campus
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
Akivaoncampus.com
541-221-2073