Shnat Netzer - Update 3

Dear parents, shnattim and snifim shalom,

Rosh Hashana took place last weekend, and added another day to our weekend here in Israel- Sunday. For the majority reading this email, it is obvious that Sunday is a part of the weekend- in Israel, the week starts on Sunday. Not this week though. Majority of shnattim spent their Rosh Hashana eve with family, friends or host families. One obvious thing that repeated in most of the shnattim's report to us was- they had a really good meal!! Thank god for Jewish holy days!

The Machoniks went on their Northern Tiyul, and are having a great time. Sophie sprained her ankle on the hike, but is doing fine. Everybody went on several hikes in the Golan Heights, went ice- skating and really enjoyed their time.

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Shnat Netzer - Update 2

Dear parents, snifim and shnattim shalom,

A good week just ended, and things are going really well here. The weather is cooling down a little bit, and it might even rain soon. We finally had a full week of "normality"- lessons, lectures, activities. Don't get used to it yet… the holidays are here!!!

This week, the Etgarniks went to a great Siyur day (day trip) to Massadah- for some it was the first time. On Tuesday, Machon and Etgar came together for Yom Tnua, where we had some games first, and then had a creative prayer- each shnatti received a part of the Arvit prayer, and had to go to the library, add more ideas to it, find replacements to their reading if they did not agree or like it etc. The outcome was truly interesting and meaningful. Yom Tnua finished with a potluck dinner which was organized by the shnattim and the tzevet and was lovely.

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RSY-Netzer Subsidies Appeal 2009

Despite the credit crunch, more young people than ever enjoy RSY-Netzer summer experiences. A summer of success for RSY-Netzer has had its most successful summer to date, with more than 700 10-18 year olds participating in activities, including Shemesh camps and Israel Tour.
Please click here if you would like to donate to the Financial Assistance fund.

RSY-Netzer Mazkir, Daniel Lichman commented: "It has been an amazing summer of activities. We are delighted that we have been able to involve so many young people in a Jewish experience which will stay with them forever. People have made friends for life and learned more about what it means to be Jewish."

Parents and chanichim (participants) have all benefited from the recently upgraded RSY-Netzer website where they have been able to read regular reports from Shemesh and daily updates from Israel Tour.

Due to the difficult financial climate, more applications for bursaries for summer camps and Israel Tour were received than ever before, a rise of 45% on last year, with parents also applying for larger subsidies.

To meet this demand, as well as to contribute to the ongoing cost of running programmes for youth and young adults, a special appeal was launched.

Reform Movement Chair, Stephen Moss, commented: "The Reform Movement, together with Reform synagogues and the UJIA, have been able to give a contribution to every applicant, to ensure that no child missed out on the opportunity of going on Shemesh or Israel Tour due to lack of funds. We consider these experiences to be a key part of strengthening our children's Jewish identity and Jewish education. This is our next generation of youth leaders and our community leaders of the future. We must invest in them now."

Massuot: Your Chance to Nominate

Nominations can be made online by clicking here.

Over 250 young people, parents, community leaders and rabbis from across the Reform Movement attended the Community Youth Awards reception last year. With your help, this year could be an even greater success.

Information and nomination forms for the Massuot Community Youth Awards have now been sent to Reform Movement communities. This is your chance to identify the young people who have shone in your community as well as those who have really put themselves out to make youth activities happen and give them a pat on the back, celebrating their achievements and hard work.

Massuot means 'beacons' in Hebrew. The Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the enormous amount of work and achievements of young people, their adult helpers and Reform communities. In addition, this year each award has been generously sponsored so that each winner will receive a £200 prize for their synagogue or youth project.

There are two categories of award:

1. 'Awards for Young People' - six ‘Tikkun Olam’ Awards for ages 8-18; individuals and groups can be nominated, although two are for specific age groups.
2. 'Awards for Contribution to Reform Jewish Youth' - three awards for adult volunteers and leaders and one for innovative youth provision.

Everyone is encouraged to make a nomination. Every nominee will receive a certificate in recognition of their achievement and be invited to the reception. Nominations can be made online by clicking here.

The closing date for nominations is Monday 2nd November 2009. The winners will be announced at the Community Youth Awards Reception on Sunday 6th December 2009, at Edgware and District Reform Synagogue.

The Youth and Community Worker at the Movement said: "We believe that if a person, group, adult or youth project is nominated, that this is enough cause for celebration, whether they win or not. So get ready to break out the kiddush wine and make a fuss over all your youth and helpers!"

For information about the Awards do not hesitate to call 020 8349 5670 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Awards are generously sponsored by the Alan Senitt Memorial Trust, the Assembly of Reform Rabbis UK, Jeneration, the Jewish Volunteer Network, the New Israel Fund, PRO-Zion, RSY-Netzer, the Movement for Reform Judaism and Streetwise.