Message from Olivia Benzaquen (NRE) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/28/2011 @ 05:00 PM
When you hear everyone who has been to CLTC say that it is the most wonderful experience they are 100% correct. I never believed anyone before I came here because I did not understand how twelve days at a campus in the middle of nowhere could be life changing. I was definitely wrong. Not only did I learn more about being a leader; but I learned about myself, how to work with others, and how to make amazing friends that I know I will keep for the rest of my life. Dan and Orli, my coordinators, are two of the most amazing people. Their love for BBYO is inspiring. I came thinking that Dan and Orli would just be staffers but they are also best friends that I will keep for a lifetime. Since I came without knowing one person, I think that helped me. It helped me come out of my comfort zone and be open and friendly to everyone I met. There is nothing I would change about my experience at CLTC 2011; coming was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. -Olivia Benzaquen
Message from Sari Misek (No. Florida) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/28/2011 @ 04:40 PM
Hi! My name is Sari Misek and I am here at CLTC 6! It is now day 9 and so far the program has been an amazing experience that I will remember forever, and I have learned so much information that I just can't wait to bring back to my chapter at home. One highlight of my time at CLTC has been the mock-chapter led programs. My chapter, Shirat Devorah BBG #216 (which translates to "Song of Deborah," inspired by Debbie Friedman), led a program involving the BBG folds of social action and community service. Our chapter programming committee organized a program on the topic of bullying, verbal abuse, and self esteem. We informed the CLTC community on definitions and statistics related to verbal abuse. They were all mind blowing! The highlight of the program was when all of the teens had a piece of paper taped to each of their backs and everybody wrote compliments and positive comments anonymously on the paper. The end result was that everyone looked at their papers and read over what was written. It put a smile on everyones face and had a great affect on people. All of the other chapters here put on amazing programs as well. Zecher AZA did invisible sports with the folds of athletic, judaism, and education. D'vash BBG put on a hide and seek program on globalization including BBG folds of recreation and sisterhood, and Kesher BBG held a 7 days of creation finger painting program with the folds of creativity and jewish heritage. Lastly, Marcus Ehrenpreis AZA held a program on people and their differences. All of the programs were well planned and were enjoyed by all! I now am going home with even more programs to put on for my chapter and region. CLTC is awesome, and I advise every BBG and AZA to try to come. It is a 12 day program you will never forget and you will leave with much education and great friendships!
The holy city of Safed
Posted on 07/27/2011 @ 05:17 PM
Today we experienced the beautiful views and spirituality of the Jewish holy city of Safed. Safed is one of the “four holy cities” of Israel. The others are Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias. In Safed, we learned about the tradition of Jewish mysticism that developed amongst a remarkable group of Jewish scholars and mystics that congregated there in the late Middle Ages.
Amongst the sites that we visited were the home of the Jewish sage Yosef Caro and the synagogue of the famed kabbalist, Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal). Strolling the ancient lanes of the Old City – perched on the peak of a mountain – one can understand how Safed has been the source of Jewish inspiration for centuries.
We also had the opportunity to meet some of the modern residents of Safed. These included American – Israeli artist Sheva Chaya – whose watercolors and glasswork are inspired by Jewish themes. We also met with the spiritual leader of the Breslov Chassidic Community in Safed.
We finished off our day in Safed by going to the outskirts of the Old City near a ruined crusader fortress. We all entered into a cave near the fortress and listened to traditional Jewish music in the cool environs. There we discussed Jewish mysticism and the important role that Safed has played in Jewish history and prayer. All in all, we had a wonderful day encountering the natural beauty, history, and tradition that are part of the heritage of the city of Safed.
Ben Kozberg
Greetings from CLTC 7
Posted on 07/27/2011 @ 02:53 PM
Greetings from Beber Camp! My name is Emily McCready, and I am proud to serve as the BBG Coordinator for CLTC 7, 2011. Together with my AZA co, Josh Meliker, I have had the pleasure of beginning to get to know each of our incredibly enthusiastic participants.
Today, we were lucky to see teens from all over the country arrive at the airport with huge smiles and open minds. Participants took advantage of the opportunity to begin making friends through games of UNO, arranging plans for lunch, and of course, realizing connections through many questions of Jewish geography.
After a few hours of airport and bus relaxation time, we finally set out on a short bus ride to Beber camp. Teens found their rooms, met their roommates, and began to settle in. Tours and orientations helped the participants begin to find their way and set the standard for this session.
Teens then experienced their first leadership session, a lesson on starting a new chapter. Sessions were orchestrated by our leadership staff (predominately regional or council directors) and participants were broken into their “mock chapters” for the first time.
We ended the night with a song lyric competition and a group friendship circle, where we were overjoyed to see connections forming between the teens. Can’t wait to see what our first full day will bring!
B’shalom, Emily
Message from Lindsey Rubin (NRE-NoVA) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/26/2011 @ 04:40 PM
For months my chapter told me "CLTC will be the best 12 days of your life"and I honestly didn't believe them. Today is day 7 and none of their comments were exaggerated. I have made friends form Canada, California, Michigan and everywhere in between, meeting some of the most amazing people ever! I remember walking through the airport last Tuesday and it feels like it's been weeks instead of barely seven days. All of the programing has been phenomenal but my favorite was Stand-Up which we had a few days ago. Stand-Up gave everyone in my chapter the opportunity to express what causes matter to them and many of us found common ground. We realized we all felt strongly about a few causes that had personally touched our own lives whether through friends or family. On the first day we took a tour of Bethany and everyone one was complaining about the massive hills but every day the walk doesn't seem as bad as the day before (not that I recommend it). Shira (singing/song session) is my favorite part of every day. While I am enjoying the opportunity to learn so much about BBYO and myself, the connection you can feel when we all sing together is amazing. Personally I believe whenever you put almost 100 people together singing the same song the meaning goes even deeper. After how amazing the first 7 days have been I know the next 5 ( I can't believe there's only 5 left) will be even more amazing. With undying love for Shirat Devorah BBG #216, Lahat BBG #0339, Nemo, CLTC 6, Song Sessions everyday and fabulous fresh baked cookies, I forever remain, Lindsey Rubin
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