Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the summer vacation approaches I wanted to share some wonderful moments we have enjoyed together over the school year with Junior NCSY, NCSY and Torah High which has served an huge 230 of you this year!
It has really been an action packed year, I hope you enjoy seeing some of the highlights below and feel free to click through to the Facebook links to see more.
We are already working hard on ensuring that next year's calendar will include more of the fun and inspirational programs that you are used to.
A special thank you to last years NCSY leadership board and in particular the co-presidents: Michelle Nifco, Talya Belson and Leeor Burton, and vice president Julia Switzer who gave their all and made great achievements, always pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible! Each and every Shabbaton was maxed out, and with record numbers, 56 flying to Edmonton, 61 going on spring regional in Indian Arm, and 75 attending the Vancouver Shabbaton. Impact and board meetings had high energy and were well attended, live2give was launched successfully, and is already making an impact in the community.
Thanks to our superstar advisor team consisting of Deborah Heffes, Vivian Grinfeld, Olga Nahmad, Tamar Sandler, Nechama Feuerstein, Tali Kluk, Milka Beker, Daniella Lieberman, Rivka Greenberg, Yonati Haymov, David Rosengarten, Azi Fein, Yehoshua Szafranski, and a big thank you to head advisor Efraim Benscher.
This was the year Vancouver NCSY was acclaimed on live radio as THE chapter in North America that inspires our International Director!
Capping it all off no less than 8 teens are taking the amazing step of committing to a gap year in Israel this upcoming year.
All of this led to us needing to pull off the largest fundraiser in Vancouver NCSY's history, raising funds above and beyond that which is committed annually by our generous donors. Thankfully due to your generosity we surpassed our aim ! Thanks to our lead matchers, Samuel & Frances Belzberg, Syd & Joanne Belzberg and Gordon & Leslie Diamond, and to matchers for our bonus round Arnold & Anita Silber. Your kindness and generosity will make such a tremendous difference to so many lives!
It's been a great year in Torah High too, a number of wonderful interactive courses, and a few guest speakers too. Thanks to our excellent teaching staff, Rabbi Stephen Berger, Morah Devorah Brody and Mrs Gila Ross.
17 Vancouver teens head off on NCSY summer programs, a big thank you to our valued partners in our summer programs department that lead those inspirational programs. Our teens will be joining 1,500 teens on NCSY summer programs!!! Thank you to Elliot Tanzman for continuing to visit Vancouver each year, and to Mr David Cutler, Director of NCSY summer programs for always being there to support our teens with what they need.
A number of Vancouver teens have just concluded their gap year programs. In many of these cases they are returning to Israel for a shana beit or shana gimel! Thanks to those that head the institutions that have taken such great care of our students during their life changing year in Israel, in particular thanks to Derech Ohr Sameach and Neve-Meorot Institute. We are excited to continue these relationships into next year and to work again with Israel XP at Bar Ilan.
A big welcome to the incoming board and their new leaders, co-president's: Daniel Teperson and Ophir Greif, and vice co president's Ya'el Kastiel and Maytar Fadida.
Finally, a thank you to those that mentor and continue to inspire me to always reach for more, NCSY International Director Rabbi Micah Greenland, NCSY Associate International Director Mr Keevy Freed, and CEO of NCSY Canada Rabbi Glenn Black.
