This week's parsha begins with the phrase kedoshim tihiyu - you, in the plural shall all be holy. Due to the plural phrasing of these two words, our rabbis traditionally assume that this Torah portion was uniquely recited with all of the Israelites gathered together. (Vayikra Rabbah 24:5)
We, similarly, are so proud of our USY chapter, and how they were publicly gathered and celebrated this past weekend. At CHUSY's (Chicago Region of United Synagogue Youth) regional convention, our teens were recognized as the Chicago area's chapter of the year!! We are so proud of all of you. Please see the moving letter from Rabbi D'ror Chankin-Gould by clicking here.
Dear Anshe Emet:
We are filled with overflowing pride as we share the incredible news that on Sunday, April 26 our USY Chapter was awarded the Chicago region's Chapter of the Year award! This is an incredible honor for Anshe Emet and we cannot stop smiling and kvelling.
Mazal tov to all our SHMUSY kids and their parents! An especially hearty Mazal Tov to SHMUSY President Aaron Kamel who led the chapter to such growth and success this year. Mazal Tov also to the SHMUSY board of 2014-2015: Emma Siegel, Emily Schwartz, Meredith Leon, Sydney Schwartz, Ryder Kamins, and Bryson Shelist. Our youth leadership is simply stellar!
In celebrating our youth, we ask the community to please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2. On May 2, we will celebrate Senior Shabbat by honoring all our 12th graders in the main sanctuary service. Rabbi Siegel will bless the seniors. Gabrielle Xilas, recipient of this year's Rabbi Seymour Cohen award, will deliver a D'var Torah on behalf of the senior class. Aaron Kamel, our outstanding USY president will be honored for his role in our youth programs and will lead the Prayer for the Country. SHMUSY members, Emily Schwartz, Meredith Leon, and Adina Cohen will read Torah. ALL our seniors will be celebrated. Don't miss out!
A private Shabbat lunch for high schoolers and their friends and family will serve as an Awards Ceremony for SHMUSY. The outgoing board will be celebrated. The incoming board will be honored. The basketball team will be lauded (winner of the Annual Sportsmanship Trophy!). All parents, siblings, special friends, and family of high schoolers are welcome. RSVP to Rabbi D'ror (dcgould@ansheemet.org)
Finally, May 2 will conclude with a SHMUSY v. Men's Club Basketball Game. All are welcome to cheer on your favorite team (or both!)
Rabbi D'ror Chankin-Gould
Youth Director, Anshe Emet Synagogue
