During the traditional standing prayer, the Amidah, we insert a very important and extremely relevant line in the High Holiday services all of us should remember every day: “And they should become one community, so that they can do Your will wholeheartedly.” How do we become one community? By following the example of leadership and compassion modeled by United Synagogue Youth (USY) as demonstrated in this article of staying together through the difficult times and supporting all who need comfort and assistance. USY at Congregation B’nai Shalom have taken this line from the Amidah to heart this year by planning all inclusive programs that not only uplift the spirit, but also socially motivate our members to do “Your will wholeheartedly.” We do this by taking responsibility for friends in our community who need our help. USY took the notion of community service to the next level on October 10th, when the group participated in the “Light the Night” walk and fundraiser. The “Light The Night” walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s nationwide evening walk to raise both awareness of blood cancers and financial backing for cures. USY supported “Light the Night” both financially and in our hearts.

USY has raised a total of $2,500 so far and we still have more checks coming in. The USY connection to “Light the Night” was through USY Freshman Stacy Judson and Jordana Katzki. Stacy and Jordana share a common beloved friend, Simone Weinstein, who unfortunately is fighting the most difficult battle of Leukemia, may she continue to stay in good health. Participants in the walk carried red illuminated balloons to celebrate and remember the many lives touched by cancer. Funds raised for the walk support the Society’s mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The walkers in the event, and everyone supporting them, help save and sustain life in so many ways and are truly coming from a place that is heartfelt.

Jordana and Stacy also organized a car wash at CBS and raised $300 that helped contribute to our total. CBS President, Rayna Arnold, attended the walk with her family. She said, “It was wonderful seeing the USYer’s pull together for such a meaningful cause. They were fighting for a friend, they were joining together to do a mitzvah, and they were involved in something that one of us alone couldn’t accomplish. I think their example represents the lessons we all want to teach our children.”

Jordana added, “I met Simone at sleep away camp and then we started going to the same school. It was so devastating to me that someone so close to all of our friends had this terrible disease. I’m happy so many people participated from our Temple and it made me really proud to be part of this community. I was interested in this because it was a great opportunity for our youth group to help people. I’m inspired by Simone’s life, because she’s so strong and confident. “Light the Night” was fun and interesting in a very meaningful way and I felt like I was giving something back to the community when I raised money for this cause.” Parents Dan and Lisa Katzki commented, “We’re both very proud of Jordana. She has the heart of an angel. She did this fundraiser for the love of her friend.”

Stacy further remarked on the walk by saying, “Light the Night” was fun because you’re with your friends and you’re there for a good cause, and you know you’re helping people. Simone told me she was so happy that she knew her friends cared about her and wanted to help her. I know it meant a lot to her and she really appreciated all the support. Our actions did make a difference. This money will help others in the future who have this disease because with these funds the Society hopefully will find a cure in years to come. During the walk, I saw blocks and blocks of red balloons blinking and people walking together. It made me really proud of USY and CBS because so many people showed up to support and participate in this important event.” Parents Jill and Craig Judson said, “It was absolutely fantastic to see the students support Simone the way they did.”

Stacy and Jordana wanted to add a special Todah Rabah, Thank You, to everyone who contributed to the event. “We want to especially thank USY members for helping and arranging all of these details for this successful fundraiser. It’s not too late to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. All you have to do is go to their website at www.lightthenight.org.”

When asked about “Light the Night,” Co-President of USY Scott Judson commented, “I really liked seeing all the USYer’s come out and walk in support of Simone. Seeing the support of our chapter in a social action cause made me feel very proud. I know our chapter is going to do great social action events and programs this year. In the four years I’ve been in USY, this has been the best start yet. Michael and I are really excited to have the membership up to 30 students after one event and the possibilities are boundless. I know our successes will fit together nicely in our end-of-the-year scrapbook.”

USY also had a sleepover in the Sukkah last month. On October 2nd, 28 USYer’s had a program called Sleepin N’ da Sukkah. The memories will last a lifetime as USYer’s prayed Havdallah in the CBS Sukkah, sang songs around the campfire, and discussed important and relevant issues regarding our support and relationship with Israel by having a real time, live conversation with Ori Danieli who lives in Tel Aviv. When considering the USY overnight, Co-President of USY Michael Needel added, “We had a great turn out at this event and it was a very wonderful program. I know this year we have a group that will become close-knit friends and we’re off to a great beginning.”

USY members are looking forward to their next event at Q-zar Laser Tag on November 7 from 12:00-4:30. The fee for this program is $18, which includes lunch, 2 games of laser tag, and 12 tokens for games. For more information about USY and to register for the laser tag program, contact Eliyahu Krigel at eliyahu@bshalom.org.

November 2004