YArchei Kallah
Emma summers | January 9, 2023
Every year during December break when many schools are not in session, NCSY creates an amazing experience for Jewish teens all over the world called Yarchei Kallah. It's a week of programming and learning where teens can come and grow in their Jewish identities. This year specifically, a leadership program was added. Leaders were brought in from different Jewish day schools in collaboration with Yarchei Kallah. I was given the opportunity to be a part of this. We got to hear from countless Jewish role models and learned to build our leadership skills. Even after hearing from the best of the best Rebbeim, I found I learned the most from girls just like me. Just off the bat, seeing hundreds of Jewish teens choose to come and learn during their break was inspiring in itself. On top of that, there was a panel of 5 girls who go to public schools and are the JSU (Jewish Student Union) club presidents within their respective schools. These are girls who aren’t surrounded by a Jewish community like I am, but despite all the obstacles they face, they still have extremely strong Jewish identities. They are making a Kiddush Hashem in all their public schools and are always available to help other teens strengthen their love for Judaism. Watching the way they spoke about their connection with Hashem, the Jewish people, and even Israel was so inspiring. Not just from these 5 girls, but just from sitting in a room filled with Jews my age from all over the globe singing “Am Yisrael Chai” together taught me a lesson no one else could have. We always hear “every jew is your brother” and at that exact moment, I actually felt it. I realized that we really are all one family. South American, North American, modern orthodox, conservative, public school or private school, we all share one common factor: we're all Jews. In the end, that's all that matters. When we are in need, we'll always have each other. That's the ultimate principle of Judaism and this program proved that to me.
Procrastination
Elishesha schechter | June 8, 2021
As work piles up and due dates approach, many students find themselves thinking “I’ll do the assignment tomorrow night, it’s not due for another few days.” Eventually those days go by and they find themselves on the night before that test, project, or assignment is due. All students are guilty of procrastinating. The question is, why do we do it? How do we break out of that habit?
According to the New York Times, procrastination stems from emotions such as boredom, anxiety, and self doubt. Procrastination is not necessarily tied to laziness but instead about feeling incapable of completing tasks especially when they are stressful. Many people also procrastinate because they fear failure. Procrastination sometimes ties into perfectionism, ADHD, and even depression.
If you’re a procrastinator don’t give up! There are several ways to help yourself improve. First, every student should know that you won’t always be on top of every single assignment and test. It’s ok to procrastinate sometimes if you had a rough day, need a break or if you’re drowning in work. Secondly, know what you’re capable of. By working in smaller increments over a longer period of time your work will pay off and you will see a drastic difference. Be confident and face your work. Even though it may be rough at first, slowly but surely you will get into the habit of being a dedicated, hard worker.
According to the New York Times, procrastination stems from emotions such as boredom, anxiety, and self doubt. Procrastination is not necessarily tied to laziness but instead about feeling incapable of completing tasks especially when they are stressful. Many people also procrastinate because they fear failure. Procrastination sometimes ties into perfectionism, ADHD, and even depression.
If you’re a procrastinator don’t give up! There are several ways to help yourself improve. First, every student should know that you won’t always be on top of every single assignment and test. It’s ok to procrastinate sometimes if you had a rough day, need a break or if you’re drowning in work. Secondly, know what you’re capable of. By working in smaller increments over a longer period of time your work will pay off and you will see a drastic difference. Be confident and face your work. Even though it may be rough at first, slowly but surely you will get into the habit of being a dedicated, hard worker.
SKA Looking Glass 2021