Midwest NCSY’s 2012 Shavuot all-night learning craze, hosted by Skokie’s ever-gracious Kehilat Chovevei Tzion, carried an incredible amount of both communal and Judaic inspiration. The learning attracted a total of nearly a hundred participants, and drove powerfully until the literal sun rose, never losing its momentum, never wavering from that enthusiasm so signature to NCSY.
The secret to the magic that the guys (and gals) giving the sessions use to keep the kids not only interested but absorbed, even fascinated, isn’t really magical at all—they just think like kids. No one’s getting up on a pedestal and giving some overly detailed speech to hear his own voice—these speakers genuinely care for the kids, and beyond just their education for the night. They want the NCSYers to leave with a sense of appreciation for their heritage and intention for their future, to emerge from the holiday with a sense of self-worth and self-definition, and undoubtedly that’s been accomplished. The speeches blend the perfect amount of source in Jewish literature with Mussar, the general Jewish philosophy that makes a unique impact on each individual.
Speakers covered a wide array of topics that struck pretty much every possible chord—Rabbi Shaanan Gelman, Chovevei Tzion’s rabbi, spoke on our right (or lack thereof) to criticize biblical personalities from a Halakhic perspective, and in the classic NCSY fashion, finished with the way that right provides us with role models and a path to follow through life. Jon Korman spoke about the basic nature of man as both a communal being and an individual, beginning with some learning straight out of a Tanakh and concluding with a heartening, practical statement about where we lie as Jewish members of society. Ethan Katz spoke at first on the general psychology of choices and morality, really impressing upon the NCSYers their ability, and transformed it into a Judaic statement personal to everyone listening. Other speakers engaged in a similar fashion, providing intellectually stimulating introductions and tying it together with a sincere and passionate personal connection.
Shavuot epitomized every quality NCSY stands for over an honest, passionate night. The organization has always appealed to kids across all ends of the spectrum, whether it be intellectual stimulation, spiritually uplifting experience, or social scenario that they need to grow in their character and in their Judaism. Each of these qualities present in the learning lasted long after dark, and the mood upheld by them lasted long in the holiday. Another fantastic success of NCSY at the graciousness of the Skokie community!
Gavi Kutliroff is a sophomore at ICJA and an active member of the Skokie NCSY Chapter