Chanukah was a busy time for NJCD/Yachad, who celebrated the chag with four schools in the New York area: Yeshivah of Flatbush, HANC, SAR and NYU. Programs included pizza, dancing, candle lighting, games and lots of fun. Additionally, about 100 people attended the first-ever Yachad Carnival in Miami, FL. For many, this was their first exposure to Yachad and the terrific work they do promoting inclusion for all. This event represents the first step in the continuing growth of the South Florida Chapter of Yachad.
I thank Nicole Bodner, Program Director for Rayim and Senior Yachad, for organizing the Chanukah events, and Esther Anton and Tzippi Rosen, Chapter Coordinators of Miami and Boynton Beach/Boca Raton Yachad, respectively, for arranging the Carnival.
Incidental to this, I’d like to acknowledge the 800 teens who attended four NCSYShabbatonim across the country this past Shabbos. The New York Region held their Shabbaton in Stamford, CT; Atlantic Seaboard Region in Piscataway, NJ; New Jersey Region in Kerhonkson, NY; and Central East Jr. NCSY in Columbus, OH. Yasher koach to the hardworking advisors and staff of these four successful kiruv events.