Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem!

After an incredible first week up North, this week marked the beginning of a new chapter: our move to Jerusalem and the launch of internships. On Saturday night, we arrived at Midreshet Lindenbaum. Teens settled into their dorm rooms, enjoyed a welcome pizza dinner, and were introduced to the campus that will be our base for the next three weeks, including this Shabbat.

On Sunday, the fast of 17 Tammuz, we began with internship orientation, a briefing on our daily transportation system, and a meaningful first day of internships. That evening, after breaking the fast and catching up on laundry, we gathered for a powerful talk by Moshe Shapiro, father of Aner Shapiro z”l, who heroically saved lives on October 7. We were joined by NCSY JOLT for this moving program. The day ended with our first visit to the Kotel together as a program, a meaningful and symbolic start to our time in Jerusalem.

From Monday through Thursday, the group settled into a productive and inspiring daily rhythm. Each morning began with tefillah and workshops, followed by shuttles to internship sites with pre-packed lunches. We also launched our “Lunch and Learn” initiative, where advisors visit teens at their work sites to check in, provide support, and reflect on their progress and experience.

Evenings this week featured a wide variety of activities that combined fun, meaning, and growth:
Monday night: Go-karting, a visit to Kever Rachel (Rachel’s Tomb), and late-night bowling.
Tuesday night: Volunteering at a local farm. The owner shared that, after losing his foreign workers and with his sons called to reserve duty on October 7, he nearly closed. Volunteer groups like ours have kept him going. We ended the evening with dinner in the park and a late-night learning mishmar.
Wednesday night: Focaccia bread baking, a visit to IDF soldiers to deliver snacks and thanks, and an early return to campus with optional recreation including running, dance, and basketball.
Thursday night: A talk from a Next Step alum (class of 2022), now in elite IDF training, who spoke about his decision to serve and shared advice with our teens. The group then returned to campus early to prepare for Friday’s hike.

Friday: A sunrise hike up Masada, breakfast at the base, a visit to the Dead Sea, and a refreshing water hike at Ein Bokek.

Shabbat this week will be our first one spent together on the Lindenbaum campus, a chance to rest, reflect, and continue strengthening the community that has grown so quickly and meaningfully.

We are especially proud of how our teens have taken initiative in their internships. A few highlights include:
Designing flight paths for drones to help clean up after large events.
Testing airplane wings in a wind tunnel for aerodynamic performance.
Two articles published with the Jerusalem Post
Supporting participants at Shalva through inclusive recreational activities.
Digitizing British Mandate archaeological records for preservation.
Conducting EKGs at Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
Disassembling an infrared laser camera to explore upgrades.
Splicing mouse brain tissue to map neurological pathways.
Analyzing ancient tablets from the time of Joshua using advanced light technology.

Tefilin Highlight: We also want to give a special shout-out to one of our incredible teens, a public-school student, who expressed interest in wearing tefillin for the first time. With support from another teen more familiar with daily prayers, he has been putting on tefillin each morning and learning how to pray more fluently. We are so proud of all our teens!

REMINDER: Free Weekend: July 24–27
Please make sure to complete the Free Weekend Form in your CampMinder account. If you are having any issues, feel free to email Andrea Weiss at weissa@ncsy.org.

Pick-Up Options on Thursday, July 24:
4:30 PM: Midreshet Lindenbaum (Jerusalem)
5:30 PM: Arlozorov Train Station (Tel Aviv, depending on traffic)

Drop-Off Options on Sunday, July 27:
6:30 AM: Arlozorov Train Station (Tel Aviv)
8:00 AM: Midreshet Lindenbaum (Jerusalem)

In Parshat Pinchas, we read about the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua. This is not just a change in position but a meaningful transition that highlights the importance of growth, responsibility, and preparing the next generation to lead. We also learn about the daughters of Tzlafchad, who spoke up respectfully to shape the future of the Jewish people with their integrity and courage.

This week, we saw our teens do the same. They stepped into new roles as interns, learners, and leaders. Whether volunteering on a farm, engaging with mentors, or showing up for each other, they are beginning to understand that leadership begins with initiative and values.

We are so proud of their accomplishments and excited for the growth still ahead.

Wishing you a peaceful and inspiring Shabbat,
RJB & The NCSY Next Step Team

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