A Message From Rabbi Mark Rose:
Of Community and Consequence
Southern NCSY has launched a program and campaign to help strengthen day school communities. Is that support needed? What does it look like and how do we help ensure success in partnership with Jewish homes, schools and shuls?
A lesson from my Rebbi (teacher) Yisroel Miller comes to mind. About one hundred and fifty years ago, Jewish elementary schools in Poland taught no secular subjects. If Jewish parents wanted their children to have a general education, they had to send them to government-run public schools which included having classes on Shabbat.
By the 1880’s in Cracow alone, there were over three thousand Jewish children in these schools, who were being lost to Judaism. Rabbi Meir Tzvi Jung came up with a solution and opened the first Jewish day school in Cracow, combining Torah learning with secular studies. It was a completely religious school and had the potential to save thousands of Jewish children
Surprisingly though, there was a public protest led by some of the community ’s Jewish leadership and a special delegation was sent to the government which appealed to have the school shut down! For what reason?
Between Australia and Antarctica, there is a place called Macquarie Island. It is extremely remote, in fact nobody knew of its existence until 1810. At that time it was mainly inhabited by seals and species of rare birds. Once discovered, the presence of so many seals soon attracted hunters, however, their ships brought stowaway rats. It was decided to introduce cats to the Island to keep the rat numbers in check. Additionally, rabbits were added to the Island so there would be an easily available source of food should it be needed. It didn’t take long to upset the island’s delicate ecosystem, with the cats especially eating their way through the island’s bird population to the point that a campaign was started to eradicate them.
It took until the year 2000 for Macquarie Island to be cat free, however with their only predator gone, the island’s rabbits were free to breed and eat, eventually consuming an overwhelming amount of the island’s vegetation. The subsequent campaign to repair the damage and eradicate the island’s rabbits has cost millions of dollars.
Similarly, the likelihood of unintended consequences to the ecosystem of Jewish communities compels us to ask, before making changes to the structure of synagogues, schools, or Jewish homes, are we able to correctly weigh the costs and benefits of that change?
19th century Cracow had developed a strong Hasidic, Jewish community, but three thousand Jewish children attending non-Jewish schools pointed to an instability in the structure. An American style day school that we’re familiar with, offering both Torah and secular education, would be an obvious solution. Nevertheless, many community leaders opposed its creation, because a “modern” school in that place and time could be such a shock to the social system, it could ruin the entire structure.
Was the concern valid enough to prevent the school’s creation? My teachers cautioned me about judging a situation in a time and place that is not our own, so I’m not qualified to say. In general we can learn the importance of looking beyond the immediate benefit of a policy and ask what are the long term effects likely to be?
In a different community, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch became a leader in Frankfurt Germany in 1851, where Jewish religious observance had virtually disappeared. Although he led his community and synagogue according to mitzvah observance (Jewish law), he also modified a number of customs and practices in order to attract young people and build a vibrant community. He was immensely successful. The difference between his approach compared to the situation in Cracow stemmed from the reality that in Frankfurt there was no longer a system or ecosystem in place to preserve.
In the same way, Jewish day schools in the United States with secular studies became the norm because old Cracow was gone and the building of Jewish communities depended on dealing with the situation as it was. Unlike Cracow, sending a child to these day schools rather than a public school with no Jewish education became the goal. Inevitably, we will face new challenges or new versions of old challenges. Today, smart phones, social media, polarizing political views and shifting values all impact Jewish communities and Jewish youth are facing more struggles with anxiety, self-esteem and are in need of inspiration.
NCSY is addressing these concerns in partnership with communities to support parents, schools and shuls by meeting Jewish teens where they are; geographically, spiritually, and emotionally. We provide cutting edge programs, inspirational trips, informal education and more in order to ensure a bright and vibrant Jewish future.
Would your community benefit from NCSY’s skill, experience and resources? Reach out to Southerns Chief Executive, Rabbi Mark Rose, roseM@ncsy.org
News From the South:
Danielle Pinto of Stand With Us joined the Hollywood chapter at Cooper City High School’s JSU club to discuss Israel advocacy and combatting antisemitism with the teens. It was extremely well attended and the teens took away a tremendous amount of knowledge in handling these challenges. The Impact Shabbaton took place in Hollywood on January 17th. Led by Rabbi Avi Warman, it was completely sold out and the participants had an amazingly inspiring and impactful experience! Orlando’s Edgewater HS JSU board member Adam Mendelsohn, along with Orlando Director Daniel Nabatian, were instrumental in helping to bring a replica cattle car to his school to help teach students, teachers and community members the importance of Holocaust remembrance and tolerance.
Regional Spotlight: Greater South Chapter
Featured Event of the Month: Savannah NCSY, JSU, and BBYO joint Shabbaton
On December 17th, the Savannah chapter hosted the Global Unity Shabbaton, a groundbreaking event organized by NCSY, JSU, and BBYO. This Shabbaton brought together the largest teen turnout for a local Shabbaton in Savannah in years, creating a vibrant and united Jewish community. Teens from across the area gathered for a weekend of meaningful Shabbat experiences, inspiring programs, and powerful connections, leaving with lasting memories and a renewed sense of Jewish identity. It was a historic moment for Savannah’s Jewish youth and a shining example of collaboration and community.
Greater South By the Numbers:
- Over the past 5–7 years, Southern NCSY’s Greater South Region has experienced remarkable growth, evolving into a hub of dynamic Jewish engagement for teens across the area.
- Teens Engaged: The number of teens engaged has seen a remarkable rise, growing from 500 in 2017 to 2,200 in 2023.
- JSU Clubs: The number of JSU clubs has steadily increased from 10 in 2017 to 50 in 2023, reflecting the expanding reach of NCSY in schools across the region.
- Chapters: The number of chapters has grown from 2 in 2017 to 12 in 2023, showcasing the organization’s efforts to build strong, localized communities.
Advisor of the Month: Malky Slatus
Hi, I’m Malky Slatus! I was born and raised in New Jersey with my large, loving family. I spent her summers in Savannah visiting family there. After finally making the move to Savannah a year ago, I joined NCSY as an advisor. I have since become the JSU private school coordinator and local event programmer. I’m studying nursing and work with the elderly in an assisted living facility. I’ve been told that I bring energy and excitement to the private school classrooms and I am looking forward to growing the JSU presence in Savannah!
Southern Star: Mikey Stoltzman
Hi Southern region! My name is Mikey Stolzman. I live in Savannah, Georgia, and I’m a Senior in high school. This is my 4th year apart of Ncsy and JSU with southern region. I am so honored to be this month’s Southern Star!
1. Whats an interesting fact most people dont know about you? An interesting fact about me that most people don’t know is that I’ve chugged a 2 liter bottle of seltzer without burping!
2. What has been your favorite experience in the Savannah Chapter? My favorites times were back in my sophomore year, sitting around the Shabbaton ending campfire with everybody.
3. What does NCSY/JSU mean to you? NCSY and JSU are like a second family too me, a place I can always feel comfortable and know I have good people around me.
4. What’s something you wish people knew about NCSY/JSU that they may not? To me I feel many people sometimes don’t think there is a spot for some in NCSY for various reasons, but throughout my years in NCSY I feel confident saying there is a perfect place for everyone to feel comfortable and good about where they are.
Meet Our Greater South Staff: Rabbi Eli Lob
Rabbi Lob grew up in Chicago, spent many years studying in Israel, and moved to Savannah in 2010. He oversees NCSY and JSU programming in Savannah, Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and other cities across the Greater South. He gives a daily Daf Yomi class at BBJ Synagogue and is also a mental health licensed professional counselor, clinical director, and certified supervisor. He launched a group practice, Green Oasis Counseling, in 2023, servicing the broader Savannah community and beyond.
Community Heroes: Dr. Richard Bodziner of the Savannah Jewish Federation