President
Hagesher Regional President 2010-2011: Miriam Smerling
Email: president@hagesher.org
2010 Presidential Acceptance Speech:
ACHSHAV ZEH HAZMAN.
Good morning Hagesher. Last year, I spent a semester in Israel on Tichon Ramah Yerushaliyim or TRY. It was an eye-opening experience. It was one in which I had the ability to live on my own, and make many life decisions. One weekend while visiting the beautiful city of Tel-Aviv, I entered a small shop. In it, there wasn’t much, but I was determined to find something that I could take home with me. Then suddenly, I saw it! Right before my eyes lay a table piled with Hebrew stickers of all kinds. I had wanted one to add to my siddur, and finally the opportunity had arrived. After about fifteen minutes of scavenging, I found the perfect one. It read “Achshav Ze HaZman” –in English this means “Now is the Time.” At that moment in my life, it signified my desire to try new things, and never let anything come in the way of my aspirations. Every time I see this sticker, it reminds me of this moment, and gives me the inner strength to work hard to accomplish every task that I face.
Two years from now isn’t the time, three years from now isn’t the time- but NOW IS TRULY THE TIME. We are at a stage in Hagesher USY history that cannot be taken lightly. A time when an increase in membership, and a revitalization of leadership and programming are an absolute must.
Achshav zeh hazman, now is the time to strengthen our chapters. To determine what are the weakest points, and how we can fix them. For some chapters, it may mean that instead of expensive outings, a simple hang-out or movie night will attract the masses. For others, it may mean more social action, because let’s be honest, some members may feel awkward delving into events that require them to introduce themselves on their own. Also, I would strongly suggest that each chapter plan a few Shabbat dinners together for the upcoming year. Shabbat is a wonderful time to relax, eat, and simply talk and discuss. It will allow the chapter members to take a break from their busy school weeks and take in the calm, comfortable atmosphere of Shabbat. Lastly, in order to really understand what will bring the new members and keep the current ones, we must simply ask what our members are looking for in USY. Ask what kinds of events they would come to, and allow them to take active roles in the planning and executing of the events they suggest. Give the younger members areas to assist, so they will know how great of a contribution they are to your chapters. Find events this year that will spark interest with us, the teens of today, whether it means watching an Eagles game, a guitar hero competition, or tie-dieing t-shirts…whatever will get to our level and encourage member interaction and friendship.
Achshav zeh hazman, this is the time to increase USY membership. This year, I know that we can improve in this area. Most of it has to do with the face that Hagesher shows to the Philadelphia community. As USYers, we must be represented at as many Jewish community events as possible. The Philadelphia Israel Celebration is a great example of one such event. The Israel Celebration is full of Jewish teens, many of whom may not be involved in a youth group. We can utilize this opportunity by having our USYers interact with these teens and give them the information about USY and why they love it so much! And remember—word of mouth is always the best. You remember all of the incredible events you have been to, so why not express this to the Jewish teens you know. During September and October, the new mem/kad (who ever that will be) and I, will be providing each chapter with an informational session designed for 7th and 8th graders and their parents. Instead of new members entering USY with no idea of what to expect, they will have a better understanding of the organization, and their parents will be informed as well as to what their child could be a part of. The parent support is extremely important to encourage over-all synagogue support as well. If the synagogue puts the youth programs as a priority, then the members will be more prone to push their children to be involved.
Achshav ze HaZman, this is the time, to put all other difficulties behind, and start with a new slate. It is time to bring optimism and fun to a whole new level; to sing ruach like we just sang it on Friday night with passion and energy, or be the first one dancing on the dance floor. Spread your optimism to those around you, and help us ensure that the members who attend conventions and other regional events, see how USY will change their lives like it has ours.
There are a few people that have helped me to reach this position today. First I would like to thank the members of AJUSY. It is through AJ that I grew as a leader and had the opportunity to meet the most amazing people and attend so many awesome events. I feel blessed to have grown up in such a wonderful synagogue community, and a chapter that for the past four years has had three AJ USYers on Regional board, two of which were Presidents as well. Ami and Manya, thank you for your continual guidance and support. I know that you will always be there for me whenever I need help, and I am so thankful to have you in my life. Next, I would like to thank the one and only Tyler Dratch. You have been such a great role model for me in the last year. It comforts me to know that you will be close by this year, and that you will still be a great active member of our region. I feel honored to have worked on your RGB, and have you as a friend for such a long time.
I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for all the support they have always given me. They have always pushed me to reach my goals, and I am proud to have parents that care so much about the continuation of USY. My dad was a member of CRUSY as a teen, and his love of USY even from then is still present through his involvement in all synagogue and community events. His love of the synagogue and Regional Youth Commisions are truly inspiring.
Next I would like to thank my siblings, Abby and Aaron. If they had not joined USY in the first place, I would definitely not be here today. They made me love it even as a small Kadimanick. I would like to thank Andrea Golden, Ira Pogachevsky, Matan Silberstein, Jacob Beck, Louis Sacks, and Ron Shapiro for their guidance. Each and every one of you has an incredible love for USY and Judaism, and I have learned so much from you through all the times we have talked. And lastly, I would like to thank all you, the Hagesher members, without you…I would not have a purpose. You all have given me the most amazing experiences of my life. With out you there would be no USY.
This year Hagesher, we can reach our goals, but we MUST act now. As Tyler spoke about yesterday in his address, it is the work of us as individuals. That each of us, by spreading our love for USY and our passion for Judaism…we can make a difference. Aval Achshav Ze HaZman. But Now Is the Time.