NCSY is built upon one of the greatest voids in the life of a Jewish teen in the 21st century: inspiration.
We live in a fast paced world of ubiquitous technology and constant connectivity. Our teens are struggling to develop their personal identities in a culture that is increasingly eroding any sense of personal space and individual reflection. There is no aspect of their lives suffering more than their embracement of Torah values and their commitment to its observance. Teens demand the instant gratification provided by their online lives – the impersonal communication of texting and Facebook – yet we are striving to instill within them an appreciation for the values of Shabbos, kashrus, and tefillah. NCSY is built upon one of the greatest voids in the life of a Jewish teen in the 21st century: inspiration.
What is inspiration? Inspiration is when an external experience manages to reach the latent reservoir of energy and passion that is buried within the soul of every Jew. Inspiration is when one’s environment and atmosphere awaken an individual’s desire and longing to grow. It is what precipitates the motivation necessary for teens to penetrate the challenges of their culture and to emerge as passionate and committed Jews. NCSY is renowned for our ability to light this fire within. Teens – who embrace apathy as a credo of life – are religiously invigorated through attending an NCSY Shabbaton, event, or Summer Program. The secret is in creating an environment of unconditional acceptance. Torah and mitzvos are portrayed as a pleasurable and happy way of life worthy of their choice, rather than a required set of rules and regulations. Teens explore the reasons and purpose for a Jewish lifestyle and emerge with a more fundamental commitment to its precepts and values.
For many, inspiration is associated with a “watered down” approach, devoid of the substance and rigor that characterize the academic pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Such individuals seek to simply further edify our teens’ knowledge base of Torah without addressing the fundamental rift that has emerged between their knowledge and their commitment. Inspiration is how we ensure that the foundation of information is inculcated into the heart and soul of a Jewish teen, thus ensuring an internally-motivated, enduring commitment to Torah that will outlast their years of high school.
In NCSY, motivation is rewarded as substantially as achievement.
