From the Desk of the Director

Dear TT Reader,

Parshat Vayigash opens with the longest oration recorded in the Book of Bereishit in which Yehudah offers an impassioned plea on behalf of his brother Binyamin. The word “father” appears in his outburst no less than 14 times, undoubtedly to arouse the Egyptian viceroy’s compassion. Yehudah tried to point out the injustice being done to the brothers. For not only did Yosef single them out from other foreigners, he also particularly ignored Yehudah’s plea that their father would die if separated from his “only” son.
Why then, knowing Ya’akov’s situation, did Yosef reveal himself with the declaration: “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?” R. Mordechai Miller has explained that Yosef intended to embarrass the brothers, based on their total lack of response, which the Midrash describes as proof of their overwhelming shame. Why did they not show pity for their father when they sold Yosef 22 years ago? Why only now did they realize the bitter injustice of their act?
R. Miller explains that Yosef’s rebuke teaches us the universal imperative to examine our long-standing rationalizations and to be our own judge. For only by acting righteously can we ensure that on the day of reckoning we will be able to overcome all our petty excuses. 
Sincerely yours,
Menachem Persoff, Director, Israel Center


Last Sunday, the Youth Center was rocking to the tunes of HaTav HaPnimi until way into the night. This was our second in an ongoing series of concerts, transforming the SJA-OU Jerusalem World Center into the place to be on cold winter nights.
In the spirit of enlightening, NCSY celebrated Chanuka in different places, bringing with it OHR and SIMCHA. 
In Ra'anana, our kids went out to a home for seniors to light candles. 
Beit Kharkov got together some 40 members for lighting, d'vrei torah, and great fun. 
Makom Balev Netanya enjoyed themselves with a chagiga, 
and our madrichim were treated to a tiyul to Ein Gedi. 
Through the programming of Nitzotz, 15 girls from Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY) held a Chanuka party in ALEH, a home for handicapped children, complete with candle lighting and dancing, and bringing simcha to the less fortunate. 
Also through Nitzotz, 11 Midreshet Moriah girls visited kids from Kav L’Chaim at Shaaray Tzedek Hospital, hosting a Chanuka party for them. 
Kol hakovod!


NCSY B'YISRAEL

FINALLY... your chance to get on stage! 
MAKOM BALEV Jerusalem is opening a drama chug for the creative-minded
Call:Harel: 053-942365 

HOMEWORK HELPERS 
Tutoring and homework help available for all 4th-7th graders, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00- 6:00, at the Center. Call Sarah for more info: 5667787 (whether you are a kid, parent, or potential volunteer) 
Rabbi Michael Fredman, Director 
Daniella Levine, Bat Sherut 
22 Keren Ha'Yesod, POB 37015, Jerusalem 
(02) 566-7787 ext. 242 • fax: (02) 566-0156 
ncsy_isr@netvision.net 

NESTO
Fiddlin'&Food met this past Tuesday night to tackle the topic of Shabbat. After viewing the sequence of the movie where Tevye and Golde bless their children around a Shabbat table honored with Sabbath guests, NESTOers had the opportunity to discuss openly their views about Shabbat observances. Within the construct of trying to understand the rationale behind the Torah dictates for shmirat Shabbat, the students were able to express the joys and frustrations that they felt toward Shabbat day. The program ended with their writing a prayer that they would recite to their parents at the Shabbat table, after their parents’ “bentched” them. 

Next Tuesday... Rabbi Yehoshua Rubin, Talmud Rebbe, musician, poet, and all around neat guy will be leading an evening of music and discussion on the topic of Jewish identity.
The program will begin at 7:30pm in the Teichman Youth Center.

NESTO is the Israel Center's youth program for Anglo-Israelis tel. 566-7787 ext. 245 • fax: 561-7432 silvera@mail.biu.ac.il • www.zyworld.com/nesto Rabbi Avi Silverman, dir. • Ilana Milo, Bat Sherut 

NESTO welcomes on board Daniel Stambler as Assistant Director of NESTO. Daniel brings to NESTO a rich background in youth programming, teaching, and philosophy. His certificate in Shiatsu massage may prove to be a welcome perk! With another pair of active hands working in the office, NESTO will be able to expand both the amount and the variety of program offerings. Both Daniel and I are receptive to hearing feedback on new programs that kids would like to see implemented. Please call either of us at the office to let us know your thoughts. I’ll let Daniel tell us more about himself in his words. 

I am really happy to start working for the NESTO program — being a young oleh myself, I feel I'll have a lot to share with the teens. The kids I've met so far have been warm and motivated, and I look forward to working with them, Avi and Ilana, in developing new programs aimed at growing together here in a new or not so new home. This year will surely be one of exciting challenges and growth for NESTO and the Israel Center, to which I am eager to contribute. Shabbat shalom, Daniel Stambler 
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Silverman, Daniel, Ilana