Hey TUMBLR!
Would you or anyone you know like to:
- Build a tight-knit community with other teens who care about justice?
- Learn and build leadership skills?
- Explore the connections between Judaism and activism?
Then JYCA (Jewish Youth for Community Action) is a great fit for you!!
Come to our: YOUTH-LED Member INFOSESSION
- JUNE 9th 11:00am -12:00pm
- Congregation Beth El | 1301 Oxford St. | Berkeley, CA
- **event is FREE and ADA Accessible**
Come learn more, eat snacks, experience JYCA, and get information on how to become a member!!!
If you can’t make it to infosession but are interested in joining, feel free to email Alex Tan: jyca.alex@gmail.com for more information about JYCA and on how to join!
- by Dori Goldberg, JYCA Participant, Media Committee”
This last weekend the returning group headed off on our final retreat. We hopped in carpools and headed down to Montara. The hostel was welcoming to us once again, and the views of the never-ending Pacific ocean were stunning. Once we called dibs on our beds and set down our luggage we were given the basic rules for the hostel and welcomed in Shabbat. After dinner and clean we discussed our own values and how it affects the decisions we make. Check-in followed, and after that a short game. We were then assigned a buddy that we were encouraged to check in with throughout the retreat. As we headed into the night, some made the wise decision of getting their 8-9 hours, however some decided to stay up.
The next morning, Talia led a beautiful Saturday morning service near the ocean, full of song and ruach (spirit) and a Tai-Chi lesson from Alex. After breakfast we began with the Purpose Workshop. The Purpose Workshop opened up discussions for why we do the things we do, and what our motivation is. We also discussed what are purpose in life is. The workshop definitely opened the eyes of many JYCAns, including myself. We then enjoyed a calm lunch, followed by free time at the beach.
In the afternoon, Talia and Alex led the Healthy Relationships Workshop, with the support of the Organizing Group. We talked about the importance of respect and communication in all types of relationships. We then prepared for dinner and played an enthralling game of lap-tag, a retreat favorite.
After dinner the senior were allowed some “senior time” while the sophomores and juniors discussed the upcoming JYCA graduation in June. After Havdallah and a group singing session the JYCA talent show was ready to begin. We had several fabulous performances from several talented JYCAns. As the night for many on the west coast was ending, ours was just starting.
Unfortunately, we were woken up on Sunday morning, knowing that we would be leaving shortly. We ate, packed and got into our last activities of the weekend. We started with some preliminary gala planning and looked over possible new logos. It was then time to put our luggage outside and say our goodbyes. We are all looking forward to the next LTS on Sunday May 19th.
Overall the weekend was a blast!
Hi everyone:
The annual JYCA Gala and silent auction is coming up on June 2! Every year we have a silent auction as part of the event that brings in money for scholarships and other JYCA needs. This is a particularly important year for JYCA to raise funds.
We are shouting out for donations - here are three easy ways how YOU each can help!
1. Do you have any service (cooking/sailing/juggling lesson for six, kid’s arts and crafts birthday party, musical performance) or objet d’art to donate?
2. Can we send you the solicitation letter for you to keep a few copies of in your backpack/purse - and give it to the proprietor/waiter/etc when you go out to your favorite local restaurant/movie/boutique? You’d be surprised that personal contact often results in a win win for all.
3. Donate a weekend or week at your weekend or summer home. There are wildly popular and we need more homes!
Please e-mail Steven Falk and Laura Mazel with your donations after completing the attached form. We welcome ideas to make the Silent Auction successful again this year!
Cheers,
Steven (shfalk@gmail.com) and Laura (ljmazel@lmi.net)
”
The Leadership Group in Training (LGiT)’s First Retreat! by Liana Thomasan
March 2013
When I left for this retreat, I barely knew any of the other LGIT members (LGIT-ers?), but by the end, they felt like family, and I felt like I was a part of the JYCA community. Somewhere between all the games and workshops, some real bonds developed.
I really liked the “Adultism/ Youth Empowerment Workshop.” I felt like it gave all of us some real tools we need to go out into the world and begin to change things. We talked about how our culture treats youth, and how youth deserve to be treated.
The Shabbat Service was beautiful and positive, a great way to start off the day. Havdalah was reminiscent of summer camp, especially when we started singing songs (including the best rendition of “Like a G-6” I’ve ever done).
The best, though, was the bonding dinner. It was really, um, bonding (I can’t say more because the rest is a secret- you’ll have to join JYCA to find out!)
The talent show comes in second, there are so many amazing and talented people in JYCA this year. In out spare time we loved to hang around, cuddle, play guitar, and talk about Shel Silverstein (long story).
When it came time to do appreciations at closing, I didn’t even know where to begin. I hope there are many more retreats to come.
RSVP for our #NotASeder Passover action/community art project! Talia@JYCA-Justice.org
Roots & Branches Passover #NotaSeder
Sunday March 24th 11am-1pm at Urban Adamah: 1050 Parker St Berkeley
Meet new friends! Envision an economically just world! Make art! Eat bread (not Passover yet)! Check out an urban farm! And learn more about ways to get involved in local Jewish activism for people of all ages.
Get inspired to take action on immigration reform at this time we traditionally reflect on the migration/liberation of the Jewish people from Egypt.
This intergenerational event will have you asking more than four questions about what you want the world look like and engage you in a collaborative art project.
No art, justice, or Jewish experience required.
Light snacks provided. To help clear you out before Passover: Bring the bread, we’ll bring the spread.
Co-sponsored & led by: Jewish Youth for Community Action and Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice
RSVP: Talia@JYCA-Justice.org
Why should you join JYCA??? watch this video and find out!
It Shouldn’t Take a Miracle: End the 2001 Tax Cuts
*Join JYCA: Call on Congress to end the 2001 Taxcuts
Action this Sunday 12/16 11am-1pm at Kehilla!*
By Talia Rossi & Talia Cooper- youth and staff of Jewish Youth for Community Action (JYCA)
JYCA is teaming up with Bend the Arc for another economic justice campaign! We are mobilizing the Jewish community to show our support for the expiration of the 2001 tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans. We think it is important to take action and to contact our congress members about this issue.
As you know, JYCA just celebrated our Prop 30 campaign victory! This was the first time that Californians voted in favor of a tax increase since 2004. Prop 30 taxes the wealthiest 3% of Californians to support public services such as education. Let’s keep this momentum and support for necessary services going! The wealthiest Californians are not being taxed their fair share.
As young Jews we have learned about the concept of Tzedakah. It is important to us that everyone contributes their fair share for the greater good. Though our congress people are already in support of ending the tax cuts, let’s call to make sure they are champions for the cause and to send a message that Jews have a political voice and can organize to make change.
Please join us!
You can support by:
1.Emailing Your Congressperson:https://secure3.convio.net/jfsj/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=187&JServSessionIdr004=g4ijef1k82.app334b
2.Coming to JYCA’s Chanukah brunch action: This Sunday December 16th 11am-1pm at Kehilla. Vegetarian potluck! RSVP.
3.Throwing your own house party action (contact for more info)
4.All of the above
Please contact Talia@JYCA-Justice.org
In Justice,
The Talias
On behalf of Jewish Youth for Community Action
Join JYCA! Application period is open!
The application period is now open! If you are interested in joining JYCA’s Leadership Group in Training starting in January 2013, please download the application:
Download the application here: LGiT application 2012.doc
*Email the completed application to: alex@jyca-justice.org*
Applications are due December 23rd and are open to all Bay Area high school-aged teens. Youth will be notified in mid-January.
You do not need to be Jewish to join, but open to learning with a Jewish perspective. JYCA is a safe space for youth of all backgrounds.
There is a fee for program participation (See FAQs). Please inquire about payment plans and scholarships. We make every effort possible so that JYCA is accessible to everyone.
