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Toronto Maple Leafs’ star rookie, Auston Matthews at the 2017 JYN Match-A-Thon.

For the second consecutive year, the Jewish Youth Network’s Match-A-Thon fundraiser has turned sports lovers’ dreams into reality, while providing support to youth and families within the Jewish community. Last year Toronto Raptors fans were presented with a unique meet-and-greet with NBA superstar Terrence Ross, leaving people excited for this year’s event. To no surprise, the Jewish Youth Network delivered on a large scale yet again with an exclusive appearance from Toronto Maple Leafs’ star rookie, Auston Matthews at the 2017 JYN Match-A-Thon.

The Match-A-Thon is a Jewish education fundraising initiative, providing scholarships for JYN classes, programs and retreats for underprivileged Jewish youth. Participants register as fundraisers and every donation is matched by an anonymous sponsor. After setting a goal of $36,000 in donations, the final result netted over $45,000, all of which goes towards youth scholarships.

The Jewish Youth Network is an organization committed to supporting and empowering the youth of our community, and the event also served as a platform for honouring some of the teen leaders involved in the organization and showcasing some of the work they have done throughout the community. This included shining the spotlight on the hard work of the JYN Ambassadors and members of the Jewish Youth Network’s Teens For the Community group (TFC).

As roughly 250 eager Leafs fans filled the building, you could feel the excitement of youth and adults alike. As the anticipation mounted, phones and cameras were readied on every arriving vehicle, at the chance that the star rookie might arrive.

When Auston Matthews arrived, the energy in the room that was through the roof. People were standing in line with sticks, pucks, jerseys and kippahs, thrilled to be in the presence of a superstar athlete. Auston stayed for over an hour and ensured not one fan went without a signature or a picture.

Auston was nothing short of a mensch. He is not only someone to look up to on the ice, but someone who represents positive values off of the ice as well. As for the Jewish Youth Network, the Match-A-Thon committee members have something to be proud of. They generated an event that created memories, smiles and thrills for many leafs fans, but more importantly, an event that provided scholarships and opportunities for our youth, ensuring that a Jewish education is something within reach of all families in our community.

The Jewish Youth Network is already back at work on next year’s event, in order to provide fun, excitement, and support for the future of our community.

GO LEAFS GO, and Baruch Hashem!

Written by Cole Resnick President, Jewish Youth Network Full photo gallery here 

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JYN Academy

As the 2015/2016 school year comes to a conclusion we have been looking back at some of the awesome moments throughout the past 10 months with warm smiles, and were delighted to receive the following kind works from JYN Academy student Michelle Liberman regarding the 2016 NYC Shabbaton this past Feburary:

This year, as part of the grade 12 JYN Academy aka Torah for Teens Philosophy class, I had the opportunity to go with JYN on a thrilling experience to New York City for the CTeen International Shabbaton. Going into this, I didn’t really know what to expect and was very excited and open minded to learn/see new things and meet new people. I went on the trip with a few friends and other fellow classmates, and before I knew it, I came back closer than ever with a group of girls and guys that I didn’t even interact with prior to this trip, along with new friends from other countries. Not only did I come back with these amazing new bonds, but to go along with that, the memories that we shared on this trip.  

The experience I had was like none other. I learned that there really are Jewish people everywhere in the world, and by everywhere I really mean everywhere. There were people from Kazakhstan who were Jewish! Never thought we would see them in Times Square, but we did. Coming together on a Saturday night in the middle of Times Square to have a Havdallah Ceremony with all these teenagers from around the world was a truly spectacular moment. I found it to be so fascinating and memorable. Hebrew music was blasting; the screens of Times Square were filled with live pictures of us along with “CTeen” posters. I still have videos of the event and watch them from time to time when this trip is brought up. This night was definitely one to remember.

Besides having the incredible experience of meeting many new people and being in the big city with the group, we went touring around the Jewish Neighborhood of Crown heights. We had the opportunity of going to the Lubavitch Headquarters. Experiencing this was incredible, being able to see so many people in this small synagogue praying together. It was crowded beyond crowded but felt so special. I was really looking forward to going to the headquarters as I felt a certain connection to the Rebbe. The Rebbe, when he was living, gave out a blessing and a dollar bill to people who came to see him. My mom was one of those people 27 years go, and for some reason he gave her two blessings, one for health and one for her to find love.  Whenever my mom would tell me this story, I would always try and imagine where this was and how it happened because it truly is special and for some reason always stayed with me. Being able to go to the synagogue where the Rebbe was and gave out his blessings, gave me the opportunity to put myself in my moms shoes and thinking about her was miraculous at that very moment. Another heart-felt moment that I enjoyed to see was the Rebbe’s Ohel. I thought it was exceptional to see the way they set it up, and I found it interesting that we had to read aloud our letters that we wrote and then rip them up. I think that this was the cherry on top for me with the connection that I had gained from my mother with the Rebbe.

For one of the lunches, we were split up into groups and were hosted by families for Shabbat lunch. I thought that this was one of the highlights of the trip, since we were able to interact and get to know other people who were also there for CTeen.  We were hosted by a loving young couple and their family. Along came a group just like ours, although all guys, who were from New York. It was a great afternoon getting to know them and what their lives were like. One thing that I love about meeting new people who are Jewish- and I find this to be a pattern as I travel and meet Jews worldwide- is that we all have some common ground. Whether it be food, language, mannerisms, or even something we can’t event describe but is just there. There is that evident connection present because we are Jewish. As a whole, both our group and the guy’s group, we thought that meeting each other would be awkward or weird. It turns out, it really wasn’t and in fact we stayed in touch with each other over social media, even months after the trip. Whenever they come here or we go there, we know that either side has a friend there waiting for us with open arms.

This trip has truly taught me that being a Jew is something to be proud of. As Jewish people we must value our lives and do what we can to make the world a better place. G-d put us on the earth with a purpose. It is our duty to be good people and do the right things with the morality from G-d that we encounter over the years. It is essential to continue being part of trips, organizations and groups as such since it brings us together. Being in Times Square with hundreds of Jewish people, many would say it’s a terrorist attack waiting to happen. But no, I think otherwise. I believe that by showing up and being active in an event as such, shows that we are here, we aren’t going anywhere and we are proud of who we are. Overall, I thought that this trip was a meaningful experience and I am beyond happy that I went on it. I learned new things, met new people and connected to Judaism on a higher level.

Beyond the trip, being apart of JYN has to be one of my favourite high school experiences. My class took place only once a week but going to class was definitely a great time. You would show up, listen and interact in the lesson but also hangout with your friends/make new ones. Rabbi Shmuli was the one teaching us, as he made the classroom a comfortable place to be in. He is the number one person you can have a conversation with, no matter what the topic is- a tough day at school, what’s you should have for dinner or if you don’t understand a certain discussion- anything and everything Shmuli is there for you.

As promised by the Rabbi himself, a class Shabbat dinner must take its place at the Nachlas household hosted by his loving family. Being part of the class, my friends and I attended Shabbat dinner and I can honestly say that his wife Chani makes the best challah you will ever try. Besides the food being amazing, we had the opportunity to get to know each other a little better, talk about our week, do the blessings and rituals of Shabbat and overall have a nice evening together. I think that having a class Shabbat dinner is one of the many clever events that have occurred while in JYN. The reason being it brings everyone together outside of the classroom and makes the program feel more than just a course you’re taking outside of school. Instead it gives a push on us students to come together more often along with a sense of feel that you have extended your Jewish community throughout the year, knowing that these people you met are now in it. In brief, this night was not only filled with the traditional Shabbat rituals, but it was an enjoyable time of great togetherness with our class, Rabbi Shmuli, and his family.

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Jewish Youth Network x Toronto Raptors’ Terrance Ross

Celebrating the end of the year the Jewish Youth Network had a special guest at their annual end of the year party, none other than Terrance Ross of the Toronto Raptors. Ross proved to be a positive role model off of the court as his positive energy was well received as he joined the teens of JYN in celebrating a year of hard work and community service. For more on the event, see the full article here

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Sukka Party Recap

This past Thursday night (Oct, 9 2014) was a JYN favourite, the annual Sukkah Party.

Just as a quick refresher for everyone Sukkot is a holiday that falls on the 15th of Tishrei, usually late September - early October, it is traditionally a harvest festival that corresponded to the gathering of the harvest, as well it is a holiday that serves the purpose of reminding us of the period in which the children of Israel wandered the desert for forty years living in temporary shelters.

On Sukkot it is a custom to build a Sukkah, a shelter similar to the huts built by the ancient Jews, as a way to connect with our past.

It is also a tradition to invite guests to come visit, dine and drink in your Sukkah, so in traditional fashion, JYN alumni were invited to partake in a Farbregen or a celebratory gathering in the Sukkah of Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas (Director of JYN).

Over some salad, wine and fan favourite Shmaltz Herring, the JYN friends and Alumni had a feast with a side order of laughter, wisdom, and some great stories, all while the stars peaked through the open ceiling of the Sukkah.

Now I'm never one to complain about a party for the sake of a party, however, the Sukkah party and Farbrengens in general seem to be a different kind of party, the party is more of a vessel for introspection and appreciation of life and Jewish values.

JYN friend and alumni Josh Rebboh affirms this as he says "He [Rabbi Nachlas] inspired me with his knowledge and inspired me to follow my tradition more and to make people more aware of our traditions because if I don't who will?" 

In addition to kind sentiments and appreciations of tradition, the Sukkah party has provided many with opportunities to affirm their connection with Judaism. For example, Bevlyn Hetz, another alumni and JYN chaperone, has decided that she will try to keep Shabbat during the World Shabbat Project, creating a domino effect in which everyone in the in the Sukkah agreed to either follow Bevlyn's lead or find a similar way to add more Jewishness to their own days. Over 30 people decided in the Sukkah that night that they would keep at least one Shabbat completely!

Of the evening Bevlyn had this to say: 'It was great to be in the Sukkah with everyone. The alumni are all like a little family and it's so nice to see everyone and spend time together. The many l'Chaims are always accompanied with some great advice, stories or life lessons.

While it may get a little chilly on October nights, there was enough fire burning in the Sukkah to have kept people into the wee hours of the morning. It also doesn't hurt that at about 2am those who stuck around were treated to hot kugel and bourekas. 

Recent JYN grad Elana Dulberg says that "being in the Sukkah was a fun time, being able to hang out with the rabbi and my friends while learning about Jewish culture. I suggest everyone attend next year it is an event that cannot be missed."

From this writer's perspective spending all night celebrating and chanting in the Sukkah slowly starts to become an extremely surreal experience, one that transcends the every day monotony of work, television and commuting, it truly takes one out of their routine and connects them with something ancient, something communal. If you have never (or even have) spent a night having a party in a Sukkah, it is a truly unique experience.

-Elie

http://www.jewishyouth.ca

Contact or contribute at elie@jewishyouth.ca

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Real Advice: Starting University

As the summer winds down and the school year approaches, many young adults are busy packing their bags up and heading back to university, and for some teens this means moving away, or commuting to college or university for the first time. While this is an extremely exciting time for many it can also be the cause of anxiety and apprehension. We recently reached out to Rabbi Moshe Goldman, the chaplain at the University of Waterloo and Laurier to see if he could provide some insights on university life in order to ease some of the nerves teens may have with the approaching semester.

  KosherPickle: Hi Rabbi Moshe, thanks for joining us today, for starters can you tell us what exactly you do at the University of Waterloo and Laurier?

  Rabbi Moshe: Sure, well I am the Chaplain for both Waterloo and Laurier, so in addition to servicing the Jewish student body’s religious needs; leading services, Shabbat dinners etc., I also have a lot of students come in to talk about issues regarding university and life in general.

  KP: That’s exactly what we wanted to discuss today! So are there any common concerns you seem to be confronted with from new university students?

  RM: Well students will sometimes discuss their studies with me, but the universities often have processes to aid in academic issues, I find students often come to me to talk about growing up and relationships. It is not uncommon for a student to come to me to discuss relationships with their roommates, their boyfriends or girlfriends and a lot of time discussions about how to relate to their parents. University students are at an age where they are semi-full grown if that makes sense. They are adults and children at the same time.

  KP: I guess for some teens it is their first opportunity to make some real decisions on their own.

  RM: Yes, and with that comes a lot of pressure, some students are confused about what they want, and who they want to be. It is no longer a fantasy question, they have the next few years left to figure out what kind of career and lifestyle they want, and what kind of person they want to be.

  KP: So what kind of advice do you give?

  RM: Well I think students come to me because I am a rabbi and they see me as a gatekeeper of sorts, and even if it is not an explicitly religious issue that the individual is dealing with, there is a lot of guidance that can be found in the Torah, and I do my best to share what I know with them, and give them a place to start learning things on their own terms.

  KP: That’s very interesting, can you provide an example of a seemingly non-religious issue that you would address with Torah?

RM: Absolutely, well as I mentioned earlier, a lot of students will come to me to discuss conflicts that they are having with their parents. And while it may be contentious Torah provides a definitive answer to address conflicts one may have with their parents. Basically the Torah teaches that we are to respect our parents regardless. It does not say that we aren’t allowed to be disappointed but at the end of the day we must respect our parents wishes.

  KP: Well that is definitely a clear answer, but it doesn’t seem like it is that easy.

  RM: Of course it is not easy, but university is a time of transition, and any transition is disturbing to the status quo, it is a period of drastic life changes.

  KP: So what would you tell a student who is approaching their first semester at university, or living on their own for the first time, it can be a very nerve-wracking experience.

RM: Definitely it can be, but I like to tell students to try to imagine other transition points in their lives, to recognize the nerves they maybe had going into grade 9 and then looking back at how they handled it, how they lived through it. I also like to remind students that starting at a new school or when moving to new place, most people don't know who you are, the path you took in the past is in the past, you can start with a whole new group of people, and I would stress that students think for themselves, find their own voices and really trust themselves.

  KP: I guess university is really a time of opportunity.

  RM: Yes for sure. There is a story I’d like to share actually. A couple years ago I was leading services for Yom Kippur and a girl came late, and many of the seats were taken, so I motioned to the folding chairs in the back and before she could do anything she turned to her friends and had to ask for their approval. I would encourage against this kind of behavior. Not just with regards to Judaism, but with making decisions in general, learning to stand on your own two feet is such an important skill, and at this age if people don’t figure it out, they can be stuck for a long time.

  KP: I definitely see that too, sometimes we care so much about what other people think, even with such mundane things, like folding chairs. So Rabbi Moshe, do you have any advice for parents of teens starting university and potentially moving out for the first time?

  RM: Yes, well I said before that teens are to respect their parents’ wishes regardless of the situation, but I don’t recommend that parents use this as a license to control every aspect of their child’s life. Obviously the level of involvement will be dependent on the individuals, but I would encourage parents to give their teens some space. Generally speaking at this point parents have spent 17 or 18 odd years raising their children and now it is the time to see if it paid off. Now is the time to let go (a little) and trust their decisions. Additionally I would say don’t force your child to choose between their Judaism and their independence. At this age in particular people consider their independence to be very important.

  KP: Thanks so much for your insights Rabbi Moshe, I think this is some honest and valuable advice for people in university or at any age for that matter.

  In addition to speaking with Rabbi Moshe, we reached out to a handful of JYN alumni to hear if they had any words of wisdom regarding their experiences at University.

    Orlee Benson, 25. Nursing Student at Humber

“Time management may not seem exciting, but it is a balancing act that can save you a lot of stress, and can also save you from a lot of all-nighters.”

  Justin Green, 27. Dalhousie Alumni. Client Marketing Specialist at LoyaltyOne

“Take courses that you enjoy. It will make you study harder. Also don’t be satisfied with your grades. Go to your professors and TA’s and find out what you did wrong and ask them how you can improve your grade. Not only will you learn your mistakes, but the initiative will be appreciated.”

  Dylan Itzakovitz, 18. Finished 2nd year at University of Western Ontario

“Don’t avoid interesting courses in favour of easy ones. Also try to meet new people if you stay in rez. It is a once in a lifetime chance, everyone is there to meet you too. If you get involved in clubs and committees early it will pay off in the future.”

  Natalie Birk, 23. Masters of Social Work University of Toronto

“If you think you are going to want to do a Masters at any point try to look ahead of time and see what kind of courses you will need, it can save you a year of studies. Also it can help to speak to school counselors to make sure you are in the right courses and meeting your degree requirements. Another thing, make time for your friends and social life, and take care of yourself. Don’t make school your everything.”

  Justin Mayers, 27. UWO Alumni. Cancer Research at University of Toronto

“Go to class. Sleeping in is tempting, but class is where it’s at.”

  Elie Landesberg, 26. York U & Ryerson Alumni. Kosher Pickle Editor

“Make yourself known in every class you are in, don’t just hide behind your laptop. Try to have something to say in every class. This is easier when you know what you are talking about, so read a page or two. This will make you a force to be reckoned with.”

  Dillon Nusca, 19. OCAD

“Take full advantage of your school’s support system. And try to get to know your professors, use their office hours. It will show that you really care, and if it comes a time that you need their help, they will be more than willing to point you in the right direction.”

www.Jewishyouth.ca

to contribute contact elie@jewishyouth.ca

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Jonah Babins has the magic touch

After our first month of interviewing Jewish youth, here at KosherPickle, we are beginning to realize something; there’s no shortage of characters in our community. One of those characters is none other than JYN alumni Jonah Babins whose passion brings a little bit of magic into the monotony of city living.

              Jonah is a 19 year old math student at Queens University, a former Torah 4 Teens student and among other things, an incredible magician. We sat down with Jonah to learn a little bit more about himself and his craft.

  Kosher Pickle: Hey Jonah so nice of you to sit down and chat with us.

Jonah Babins: Pleasure.

KP: So let’s get down to the brass tax, you are a magician? What does that entail? Are you going to pull a rabbit out of your hat or make me disappear or something?

JB: Haha, not exactly. I practice what’s called close up magic, so that involves a lot of card magic, stuff with rubber bands, basically anything that can be done right in front of you. It’s different from stage magic, like something you might see in Vegas. Those shows are great, but it is the same evening to evening. What appeals to me about close up magic is the level of interaction with your audience and the fact that it is never the same. Keeps things exciting.

KP: Yeah, I guess it is cool when you can look your audience directly in the eyes and see their reaction. So how is it that you became a magician? Did you just one day wake up and decide that you want to do magic?

JB: Well I think my interest in magic started when I was very young, maybe three or four years old, my uncle Syd Hazan really influenced me. He wasn’t really a magician but he knew just enough to fool my cousins and I. You know pulling coins out of our ears stuff like that.

KP: Classic uncle stuff, huh?

JB: Yeah, he was such an UNCLE. So he was probably the catalyst, and growing up I started getting magic sets, for the rest of my birthdays, that is what I got. Also I began meeting magicians, more and more. KP: So is there some sort of underground magic society?

JB: Well the magic community is really big, and it is also really secretive, and it is the kind of place where the more you know, the more you get access to. I have read tons on magic, watched more than you can imagine, and have had chats with world class magicians.

KP: Woah, cool. So do you have a favourite magician?

JB: Most of my favourite magicians are those who perform for other magicians, but in terms of those famous in the mainstream, one of my influences would have to be David Copperfield. Actually a funny story. I am naturally right-handed, but I perform card magic left handed. I had been wondering why I do this, then I realized, I used to watch this David Copperfield tape over and over, and I would mirror what he does, left handed, following what was happening on screen, just mimicking his motions and I think I just wanted magic to happen in my hands like his and it is through this, that I formed his habit.

KP: So you learned from the best I guess. So how about your work as a career magician? I have seen you perform once before at the JYN gala, how did that all start.

JB: Well, really I have been performing for a long time, everywhere. It was a natural progression. I perform at a lot of bar mitzvahs and events in the city and random places. Recently I decided to get into the camp market, so I started a  Summer tour for 2014, visiting a number of camps in Ontario. Basically because I love camp so much, it thought it would be a great connection. I booked off my summer completely and travel to different overnight camps to teach magic and show kids some illusions first hand, in real time and have some of their questions answered, but not all of them. But it is not just about magic. Its about inspiring people to get out there and be more confident and have fun.

KP: Well it definitely sounds as though there is more to your magic than just tricks, it seems more like an art.

JB: Precisely! I think magic is cool because you can achieve impossible things. The fist step in magic is, let’s do something impossible. The rest is just the nitty gritty. It is like any other art. All art is a mode of communication, a good painting or good song should make you think. A good magic trick is not just amazing, but should make you think and leave you wondering. One of the reasons why I love magic is the relationship with the impossible. Everything we are involved in now, with regards to science and innovation is an approach to the impossible. Wifi? That’s magic, cell phones? Magic. Back in time twenty – thirty odd years that would be magic.

KP: Wow, I never really considered that.

JB: In a world now where someone asks you something you don’t know, you can say to your phone, who won the Nobel prize in 2001? And the phone tells you. Information is so abundant. Magic brings mystery back into our lives, it is something where people get to experience the feeling of not knowing. It gives us the feeling of being a kid again.

KP: Dude, you are absolutely right. I think I love magic now.

JB: Haha thanks

KP: So just an aside, what has your involvement with JYN been like?

JB: So I did TFC (Teens for the Community) since the first year it began until I graduated. It was awesome, it changed the ��let’s get our 40-hours of mandatory community service into something awesome.’ It also helped me with management skills and learning how to make things happen. I also went to T4T (Torah for Teens) in grade 11 and 12, which was great. I went to Associated Hebrew School for elementary school so this was another opportunity to explore Judaism. I think it was similar to some of the discussion in Associated but at a higher and more person level. It made me question what I think and feel about the big questions, and what the Jewish religious perspective is regarding those questions.

KP: Another approach to addressing the mystery in our lives I guess.

JB: Definitely.

KP: Your passion is absolutely infectious. Before we wrap is there anything else you’d like to share about magic for anyone who may be intrigued?

JB: Sure. The best part about magic, or any art for that matter is that you share not only your hard skills, but your personality and your own messages. If I was to paint all day and have zero life outside of painting, I would be a skilled painter, but the content would not be very interesting.  My magic is good because of my hours of practice, what makes it exciting is the rest of my life that comes shining through.

KP: Beautiful.

 Here's a video clip of Jonah in action!

For more on Jonah check out:

http://jonahbabinsmagic.com

www.facebook.com/jonahbabinsmagic

  For more on JYN head to: Jewishyouth.ca

  To contribute a story contact elie@jewishyouth.ca

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JYN Over the Top Shows Teens Jewish Life on the Road

Last week marked the conclusion of the inaugural JYN summer road trip ‘Over the Top.’ With the trip just behind us and fresh in our minds we thought we would recap some of the feelings left from the adventure.

Over the Top began in Boulder, Colorado and hit cities and parks along the southwest all the way to Los Angeles California.

            Some elements of the trip are not too foreign to those familiar with traditional summer camp; cookouts, bonfires, camping in tents, group bonding and a healthy dose of nonsense and joking around. There are some aspects of this trip however that made it entirely unique, for one the pacing of this trip was unprecedented, it was literally one adventure to the next, one moment we were horseback riding at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the very next we were rappelling across the arid plateaus of Moab, Utah’s surreal desert landscape. 

            While adventure and the great outdoors seemed to standout and fill our days on the road, what drove us from place to place was something entirely more powerful. I am not speaking of our fifteen-passenger Chevy, for that matter. Each day began with campers and staff davening together, some learning to put their own teffilin on for the first time, and a discussion of a Jewish theme, such as love or tzedaka, themes that seemed to reverberate throughout the days spanning thousands of miles of open road.  The messages were not lost on the campers as we learned through many of the daily trip recaps written by the campers. After a day of off-roading, trekking in the desert and swimming in a remote lake, camper Effie Mincer had this to say, “we davened outside this morning and we learned about how tefilah means connection, and the fact that we could look around us and see G-d’s miracles made it much more meaningful and helped us be much more connected.” Another camper’s mother reflected a similar sentiment, “…white water rafting in Colorado, cycling around the Grand Canyon and surfing in Malibu! Jamie loved every activity but most importantly, he was able to see some of G-d’s most beautiful creations and realized every morning when he put on his teffilin that he was connecting with the beauty and awe of the natural landscapes he visited. This is not just a camping trip. It’s a life experience.”

            Having most campers on the trip from Toronto or the GTA another important realization on the trip was of the realities faced by some Jews living outside of major Jewish communities, such as the lengths taken to get kosher food in Boulder, Colorado or as distant as Page, Utah. Campers also had the opportunity to interact with Jews from varying communities as well, from the Weiss family, who out of the spirit of ahava hosted us for Shabbat in Los Angeles, Rabbi Dovi, who is building the Jewish community of Flagstaff, Arizona, and even a chance encounter with Ranger Goldberg at the Grand Canyon.

            On the success of this summer’s trip JYN director Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas had this to say, ‘ The goal of Over the Top was the intersection of Jewish life and camping. The goal was to provide teens with life experience, to step out of the city and unplug from technology for a bit and experience life itself. And I do feel that it propelled all participants to see life in a different light and to get more out of their lives. The goal from here is for the participants to use their experiences to be more active. More active in volunteerism, Jewish activities, extracurricular and take greater roles beyond the typical student obligations. I think there is really something special here, as we have already had people inquiring about summer 2015. We are planning on opening up to a larger, but still moderately sized group with new activities and surprises. Stay posted on our social media for photos and updates, as plan to have early-bird registration beginning late 2014.”  

For more info on Over the Top and other JYN programs visit Jewishyouth.ca

To contribute to Kosher Pickle, email elie@jewishyouth.ca

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JYN Alumni Mitch Debora, Changing the landscape of 3D-Printing

Mitch Debora is a 22-year old graduate of Queens’ materials engineering program, as well as an alumni of Torah 4 Teens and the recipient of JYN’s Youth Leadership Award. In addition to being an all around good guy and generally pleasant person, Mitch has become increasingly involved in the rapidly expanding territory of 3D-printing, and has had ample room to flex his entrepreneurial muscles.

We sat down with Mitch briefly to learn about what 3D-printing really is, dispel any myths, and chat about his brand new start-up, Mosaic Manufacturing.

Kosher Pickle: Hey Mitch, it’s so cool of you to come sit down and talk today, first things first, I was hoping you could describe what exactly 3D-Printing is, because many, myself included only have a vague idea of what it actually entails.

Mitch: Sure, no problem. To describe 3D-printing I would say picture a unit a little bit larger than your standard computer printer, but rather than printing text documents on paper, the printer produces three-dimensional plastic models that you can hold in your hands.

KP: Woah… wait, so you are saying I can print out my own plastic toy or something like that?

Mitch: Exactly. The printer takes rolls of plastic and melts it into whatever shapes that you want. Say you want to make yourself an iPhone case, or a doorknob, whatever you find useful, you can find a template or have it designed and then print out an actual tangible object.

KP: I could use a new phone case, I’m always dropping mine. But yeah, that is seriously awesome, it is hard to believe.

Mitch gave us an awesome demonstration 

Mitch: It really is incredible. And from the perspective of a designer or materials engineer like myself to come up with an idea, design it on a computer and hold it in your hands at a rate that is entirely unprecedented, the potential is boundless.

KP: A real game-changer as they say. So I guess there is a pretty clear connection between your line of study and 3D-printing, but I’ve been meaning to ask, how exactly did you get started with all of this?

Mitch: Well, I guess I have always been the kind of person who likes to build and invent things, that is a quality I have always had. And while I was in university I realized that there weren’t really any facilities available to do 3D-printing, so I invested in my own 3D-printer. Not long after, I realized there were other students on campus with similar needs, so I founded Tricolour 3D, a service offering 3D-printing as well as design services to students and faculty.

KP: That is awesome. So what kind of things would people come to you for?

Mitch: Well there would be all sorts of different projects, but I guess they could be broken down into three categories, novelty items like personalized phone cases or wallets, prototypes and models for designers and artists, and then we also started to take on some industrial clients, producing specified components, that were ambiguous, but still very cool. We ended up producing some work for GM and some medical companies.

KP: And what if I just had an idea but didn’t necessarily know how to design it or produce it?

Mitch: That is something we encountered a lot as well, so we also offered 3D design services.

KP: Very cool. So I understand that this lead to the really exciting project you are now working on. Do you mind telling us a bit about what you are up to right now?

Mitch: It would be a pleasure.  So I believe that every great invention starts with identifying a problem, an obstacle or a perceived need.

KP: Like getting out of bed, and clap-on lights?

Mitch: Uh yeah sure. So with the work I was doing at Tricolour, I saw a flaw with 3D-printers. 99% of 3D-printers can use only a single colour roll of plastic at a time and the few that can print with a second colour are incredibly expensive.

KP: So how exactly are you addressing this flaw?

Mitch: Well through Queens’ I have actually come into an amazing opportunity. It is called the Queens Summer Innovation Initiative (QSII). Basically the QSII is like an incubator for emerging businesses, they provide for us an office space, mentorship, a salary. So I am now working with a team of five people, commercializing a product that addresses the one-colour flaw we were just talking about.

KP: Ok so this is how your new company Mosaic Manufacturing came to be?

Mitch: Yes. So with Mosaic Manufacturing we are working on a product that can be retrofitted to 3D-printers essentially turning them from a single colour printer to having multi-colour capabilities of up to ten colours, basically at the same cost of upgrading to a two-colour printer. It is a technology that can totally disrupt the current landscape of 3D-printing.

KP: That sounds unreal. How far along are you in the project?

Mitch: We have been working 12-hour days to be able to bring this product to market. Right now we have a working prototype, we have just launched our online and social platforms, and we are currently looking for investors and completing product refinement in order to get the product on the market this summer.

KP: So this is a reality now.

Mitch: Absolutely and I couldn’t be more excited.

KP: So you spoke about how Mosaic’s products will be ‘disruptive’ to 3D printing, how do you think 3D printing in general will change our society?

Mitch: It already has. I mean there are endless applications, everything from guitars to prosthetic limbs. What really interests me is the prototyping process though. What used to take thousands of dollars and months can be achieved in a single day for ten bucks worth of plastic. Now in the time that it would take an innovator to finish one prototype, that person could be 20 versions down the road. What is really awesome, is that Mosaic is using 3D-printers to design the next generation of 3D-printing hardware.

KP: Woah. You just pulled an Inception on me.

Mitch. I know. It is mind blowing.

KP: Before we wrap-up I was wondering if you could comment on your involvement with JYN, and how it has had an effect on your life.

Mitch: Well I went to T4T every single year of high-school, and I found that it was so much more than just going to class. Some classes just felt like I was going for credit or grades, but T4T felt like it had deeper rewards than just course credit.  If it’s any testament to its’ influence on my life, I still regularly meet with my instructors and find myself taking advantage of the network. And Just an interesting side note, we may continue in the future in with a business-starter in Israel, a land full of innovation.

KP: Sounds great Mitch! Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us!

Check out the video below!

For more on Mosaic Manufacturing and 3D printing visit:

www.mosaicmanufacturing.com

(#MosaicMfg)

For Tricolour3D visit:

 www.tricolour3d.com

Got a story? want to contribute?

Get in touch elie@jewishyouth.ca

[kosherpickleblog]

Talking With Teens and Parents About Torah 4 Teens

Torah 4 Teens is a ministry approved High School class based on the Bible, commentaries, Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah. With the 2013/2014 school year just finished, we thought we would connect with some students and parents to hear what they really think about the program.

    Cole Resnick. Grade 9, Westmount.

Kosher Pickle: Hey Cole, we hear you just finished your first year with Torah 4 Teens, can you tell us what T4T is?

Cole: Yes of course. Torah for Teens is just a time to learn the Torah and be with your friends. Shmuli and Levi [Cole’s teachers] are both awesome. I learn things there that I wouldn't be able to learn anywhere. But, the way we learn is through having fun. I highly recommend it to everyone who can be a part of it. There's nothing like spending your time at Torah for Teens!

KP: Thanks Cole, you are awesome.

Spencer Himelfarb. Grade 12, Westmount.

KP: How did you find out about T4T?

Spencer: My sister took it, so yeah, my sister.

KP: What kinds of things did you learn about at T4T?

Spencer: Well I learned about my Judaism, lots of stories from the Torah, what the Torah is and a lot about perception. I was surprised at how interesting it actually was.

KP: How did T4T differ from other high school classes?

Spencer: Well I didn’t take Jewish studies in my regular classes… but, I’d say the atmosphere.

KP: How so?

Spencer: Well it was a relaxing environment, with a big class full of a lot of my friends, and I just didn’t dread going to be quite honest.

KP: I hear you dude. What about the actual content?

Spencer: Well, the discussions and debates, they were really deep, never had anything like that in any of my other classes. Really talking about life, you know?

KP: I think I get what you mean. So Spencer do you think that taking T4T has had any impact on how you feel as a Jew? Don’t be afraid to be honest.

Spencer: I would say definitely. When I was younger the extent of my understanding of being Jewish was just going to shul, and some of the holidays. But it has more to do with life, it’s definitely made me think about that stuff, and it’s interesting to learn.

KP: Definitely. Thanks Spencer. Later bud.

Spencer: Later dude.

  Sharon Adler, Mother of Grade 9 T4T Student.

KP: Hey Sharon, how did you first learn about the program?

Sharon: My friend told us about T4T

KP: What kinds of things did your son learn at T4T?

Sharon: I think it was not so much about what he learned but about how the material was presented. He liked that it was done via a discussion and not taught the way that school is usually taught.

KP: How has T4T differed from other classes your son has taken? Is it different?

Sharon: Different in a sense that since our son is older they can use discussion and conversation as a way to learn

KP: Okay, cool. So did your son discuss any of the things he learned with you or the rest of your family?

Sharon: Yes, the segment where they discussed anti-Semitism and related it to the movie ‘School Ties’ he found very interesting, and we discussed the Holocaust and modern anti-Semitism.

    Abby Gold. Grade 12, Westmount.

KP: Hey Abby, how’s it going?

Abby: I’m doing good, how are you doing?

KP: Me? I’m doing pretty good. So kind of you to ask. So let’s get to it. How did you find out about T4T?

Abby: I guess I just kinda knew about it? Through friends? I mean I was part of another JYN program Teens for the Community, where we plan events to get our community service hours, and a bunch of my friends took the class in grade 10 and 11 so I figured I would sign up for grade 12.

KP: Cool. So what kind of things did you learn about in T4T?

Abby: Umm. I don’t know?

KP: You can be totally honest.

Abby: Haha. No, I actually did learn a lot. I learned how to differentiate world philosophies to Jewish philosophies, What the Torah is, and how Torah relates to daily life and can structure your life if you believe in it. Before the class I wasn’t really sure about what my opinion was with relation to G-d, I mean I wasn’t an atheist but I just didn’t give it very much thought. But with discussing these issues and proofs, I’m not totally sure about what I believe but I know there must be some sort of higher power, something above us.

KP: That is definitely an interesting personal growth. Did you find that any of the class came up in conversation with family or your friends?

Abby: It actually did. I mean my friends never really spoke about anything like that but we found ourselves talking about the Matrix a lot.

KP: Like the movie with Keanu Reeves?

Abby: Yeah, well we watched it in class and related it to philosophy.

KP: The Matrix was a really cool movie. So would you say that T4T was different to other classes you have taken? Jewish or otherwise?

Abby: I actually took Jewish studies at Westmount. It had some of the same basic things that we learned about the holocaust and tradition. but it’s [T4T] much more philosophy based, gets us to think with metaphors, it’s hard to explain. But the teachers make the difference, having a fantastic teacher is an asset.  Someone who knows how to speak to us and make us get philosophies in our head and make us fight back, argue and prove points, that’s what was different.

KP: Yeah Abby, I would not want to get into an argument with you. So do you think taking T4T has contributed anything to your Jewish identity or sense of being Jewish?

Abby: I don’t really think it has changed my Jewish identity at all, I was Jewish before. I have been surrounded by Jewish people all of my life but we have never really sat together and discussed what that means. It was nice to be surrounded by a group of people who understand. You know?

KP: I think I get what you mean. It was nice talking to you Abby.

Abby: You too.

      Jackie Berkovits. Mother of Grade 9 & 12 Students.

  KP: Hi Jackie, thanks for getting back to me, so how do you know about T4T?

Jackie: Well my son Ryan just graduated from the program and my daughter Samantha just finished her first year.

KP: How did you initially find out about it?

Jackie: Well Ryan's friends' older siblings took the program and they really enjoyed it and when Ryan reached high school, him and his friends wanted to sign up.

KP: Do you know about the kinds of things the students learn at T4T?

Jackie: Not in great detail, every different year has had a different focus from what I know. Ryan this year has been learning a lot about philosophy. I am not exactly sure about the curriculum for Samantha, but she really looks forward to going and it seems to be a really positive supportive atmosphere for her to be involved with.

KP: So they seem to enjoy it? How do you think it differs from the classes they take in public school?

Jackie: They love the environment, from what I gather it is very relaxed. And it seems different because it is never a chore to get them to go there, they seem self-motivated, it is there choice to be there. In other high school classes they may be there because the have to and they might not necessarily feel as though they are a part of the group or part of the class but when it is time to go to Torah it never seems like a struggle, I think it is because they feel accepted. And they seem very attached to the instructors. I know there was a basketball night where the students went to go see the Raptors play and Samantha was very excited and was welcome to bring a friend who was not part of the class and she was very excited to introduce her to the class and teachers.

KP: Do you discuss the program with your children at all?

Jackie: A little here and there, but I know they are having a Jewish experience, they get to be with their friends, make new friends, and it is a really nice group of people, so I am happy.

KP: Is a Jewish education something that is important to you?

Jackie: Yes, but not enough to send them to a separate school, it's [T4T] is a good thing though, they are doing a good job there and I am really happy that we found it. I think combined with their public school education it is a good mix for me.

KP: Before we wrap up, was there anything else you wanted to add? thoughts about the program or being a Jewish parent in general?

Jackie: Yeah, well the trips were really impactful, my son was really moved by the Holocaust museum on the Washington DC trip. I am the daughter of a survivor, so that is something that is really important to me and my family and I am glad that he got the opportunity to learn and be moved by that.

KP: Thank you so much for chatting Jackie.

  Torah 4 Teens resumes again in September 2014.

To learn more about the program visit www.torah4teens.com jewishyouth.ca/

To contribute to Kosher Pickle email here

[kosherpickleblog]

Friends’ Star Lisa Kudrow Discusses Her Son’s Bar Mitzvah

Check out this hilarious interview with Friends star Lisa Kudrow from CONAN, where she describes her son’s impromptu Bar Mitzvah. Kudrow describes the event as a ‘Drive-By Bar Mitzvah’ complete with Tefillin and prayer.

have a story? want to contribute? contact us here

Jewishyouth.ca

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Thornhill Student Shira Weiss, Photography Exhibited at the UN

18 year old Westmount Collegiate and Jewish Youth Network student Shira Weiss began practicing photography for fun and recently saw her hobby take her places she never could have imagined.

After receiving her first dSLR camera for her birthday Shira had an increasing interest in photography and began to put more energy into her craft. Shira largely shoots nature and wildlife, as well as anything she finds interesting on her travels. 

After travelling on the March of the Living in 2013 Shira accumulated numerous photos that for the most part sat on her computer, that is until she was given an assignment for her grade 12 photography class to create a composite image that reflected her identity. 

In a photo titled 'Eye Witness' Weiss compiled an image of her own eye with photographs she had taken in Poland and Israel claiming "they fit together like a puzzle."

On a whim Shira decided to send the image into the March of the Living offices and was taken by surprise when she received an email back from the national director of the March of the Living saying they would like to display the photo in an exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

Shira Weiss with Israeli UN representative Ron Prosor,

pictured at the UN in front of Weiss' 'Eye Witness'

In January of this year Shira along with her parents were received at the UN where they were able to

view Shira's work alongside other works of visual art and poetry in an exhibition entitled 'When you listen to a witness, you become a witness.' Of the experience Shira says "I was honoured, it was crazy." If that wasn't enough participants on this year's March of the Living were given a viewing of 'Eye Witness' during the program's opening ceremony in Poland.

On her work and what she has taken from this turn of events, Shira has to say '...being Jewish is part of my identity, it is special to me and it is important that every Jewish person carries on these stories, just take into consideration the name of the exhibition, now I am a witness of what happened, and I am going to take what I have heard and seen in Poland and share that with everyone else."

To see more of Shira's stunning photography head to http://photography.weiss.ca/

Have any stories like this? Want to contribute? Contact us here

Jewishyouth.ca

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CJN announces Jewish Youth Network's New Centre

The announcement of JYN's first of a kind Jewish Youth Centre was just covered in the CJN. Check out the full story here

Have an interesting story from home or around the globe? Interested in contributing? Connect with us here

[kosherpickleblog]

Top 10 Jewish Films of Hollywood

Jews have a long and interesting history in cinema, and over the decades there have been a number of Hollywood films tackling Jewish subjects. Here is a list of our top 10 favourite Hollywood movies dealing with Jewish themes or characters. 10. Defiance (2008) image: http://www.joblo.com Starting at number 10 on our list is the 2008 film Defiance starring Daniel Craig (aka James bond) and Liev Schreiber in the true life story of the Bielski brothers, two Belarussian Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe who formed a resistance protecting the lives of over 1000 European Jews. The film depicts the hardships faced by Jewish people during the Second World War, but is ultimately a story of maintaining community and tradition in the face of adversity. It is interesting to note that the film was shot on location 100 miles from the Bielski brothers actual camp in the forests of Lithuania. 9. The Prince of Egypt (1998) image: www.bangitout.com The Prince of Egypt is an animated Hollywood film and one of many movies to cover the story of the Exodus of the Jewish people. In it a young moses discovers his true identity as a Hebrew and that he was born as a slave. Moses receives his higher calling as the leader of his people and is forced to confront his 'former brother' and free his people with the hands of G-d. The Prince of Egypt features the work of the late Israeli actress and singer Ofra Haza as Yocheved. 8. School Ties (1992) image: wikimedia.org Prior to starring in the Mummy movies, actor Brendan Frasier played David Green, a Jewish prep-school student in 1992's School Ties. The setting for the film is 1950's private school and Green is faced with fierce competition and feels the threatening anti-Semitic sentiments of his classmates require him to conceal his identity. While School Ties deals with the realities of a different era, it's messages serve as a reminder and lesson still relevant to students and young people today. 7. Annie Hall (1977) image: girlinmenswear.com While Annie Hall isn't specifically about Jewish themes or subject matter, Woody Allen's humour is undeniably Jewish and he incorporates Jewish characters into the vast majority of his films. In Annie Hall, arguably his most famous film, Allen plays a caricature of himself, a neurotic, obsessive Jewish stand up comedian, and the film follows his relationship with the flaky Annie hall played by Diane Keaton. A classic scene from this film compares the differences between Jewish and non-Jewish table manners.  6. Spaceballs (1987)

Speaking of Jewish comedians, no list of Jewish film would be complete without a mention of the great Mel Brooks, one of the kings of Jewish comedy. It's hard to choose a favourite Mel Brooks film, but one of our favourites is the hilarious 1987 spoof Spaceballs. We'll watch it over Star Wars any day! 5. The Chosen (1981)

The Chosen is the 1981 film adaptation of Chaim Potok's novel of the same name. The film follows friends Reuven and Danny in the Jewish community of 1940's Brooklyn. Amidst WWII, the Holocaust, the creation of the State of Israel, The two friends struggle to relate to their different upbringings while maintaining their traditions and identity during a time when the world was undergoing drastic change.  4. Eight Crazy Nights (2002) image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com Adam Sandler's musical animation Eight Crazy Nights takes nonsense to new levels, all around the Hanukkah season. While the film is light on Jewish content, it is one of few Hollywood films made to celebrate and poke fun at the winter holiday season all centred around Hanukkah. The film features Adam Sandler's infamous 'Hanukkah Song!' 3. Life is Beautiful (1997)

Life is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian film set during the Holocaust. Part comedy, part drama, the film stars Roberto Benigni as an Italian shop owner who separated from his wife in the concentration camps, creates an imaginary game to protect his son's innocence in the face of the horrific realities of the camp. The film is definitely a mix of emotions (*box of tissues needed!). Roberto Benigni partially based the story on that of his own family's history and received the Academy Award for best actor for his work in the movie. 2. Yentl (1983) image: dvdbeaver.com Yentl is a musical-drama starring Barbara Streisand as a young woman who poses as a man to study Talmudic Law at a Yeshiva after her father dies. Yentl features many of Streisand's most well know songs such as 'Papa Can You Hear Me?' and picked up the Academy Award for best soundtrack. 1. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

... and finally the number one film on our list, possibly the quintessential Jewish musical; 'Fiddler on the Roof.' Based on the story Tevye and his Daughter's by famed Yiddish playwright and author Sholem Alecheim, 'Fiddler' is a romantic look back at Shtetl life during a time of change in Tsarist Russia.  The theme of this film can be summed up by it's popular sing along opener... Tradition! Have a favourite Jewish film? want to add to this list? comment below! Looking to contribute or get involved? get in touch with us here Jewishyouth.ca

[kosherpickleblog]

Design - Sagmeister and Walsh Rebrand NYC Jewish Museum

Those interested in graphic design are probably already familiar with popular American design firm Sagmeister and Walsh. The firm has recently released their redesign for the New York Jewish Museum in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

The goal of the redesign is to make a connection between historic and contemporary Jewish culture. Beginning with the Star of David as their inspiration the design team explored 'sacred geometry' and the numerical systems used in the formation of the Star of David.

The full website and interactive multimedia are due for June, but be sure to check out the museum if you find yourself in Manhattan.

images courtesy of

http://www.sagmeisterwalsh.com/work/project/jewish-museum-identity/

Want to contribute? have a story idea? send suggestions here

jewishyouth.ca