The Jewish calendar is filled with holidays that inspire us to grow and become the best version of ourselves.  Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot—the holidays that we have just left behind compel us to look inside ourselves as we become more cognizant of our mission as Jews.

We are now in the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, otherwise known as “Mar Cheshvan.” Translated as “bitter Cheshvan,” the epithet invokes the descent that many of us go through—emotionally and spiritually—as we leave the holidays behind.

But at NCSY, there is no “mar.” The spirit of the holidays continues to inspire us as we launch a myriad of NCSY and Torah High programs for another year.  For us, this month retains the sweetness of the holidays past as we continue to reach out to a growing number of NCSYers—returnees and new faces, who begin a journey of discovery with us.

This year, there are already hundreds more teens that have joined our programs. More moms and dads have joined our JFX program; forty student leaders have joined one of four leadership boards; and a Shabbaton that will take place next month attracted 200 participants, selling out in a matter of days!  JSU, Live2Give for girls and boys, Learn n’ Earn for teens and alumni, and a Juniors kickoff event were launched. There is no “mar” (bitterness) that is slowing us down. Things only get sweeter and sweeter!

As teens discover that place within themselves that calls them to connect with something deeper and more meaningful, as they find new- found joy and fulfillment in exploring their Jewish identities, NCSY will be there carrying out our mission to ensure a proud Jewish future is secured by the next generation of Jewish leaders.