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Lowenfeld Plaque Unveiled in Youth Lounge.........posted May 3, 2006

Melissa Apter, president of Tikvat Israel’s USY chapter, wrote a moving three-page thank you speech to recognize congregant Mort Lowenfeld for awarding her the Charlotte Lowenfeld scholarship last year. The annual scholarship award provides funds for a USY member at TI to attend an international convention.

Melissa’s mom, Susan, read the speech to the Youth Commission, in which Mort participates as a member, during a ceremony on Sunday, April 21 to unveil the Charlotte Lowenfeld plaque in the synagogue’s youth lounge. Rabbi Gorin and TI board member Ron Rabin were present, as were the parents of previous recipients of the scholarship.

The 2006 Charlotte Lowenfeld Memorial Scholarship winner is Jennifer Berger, daughter of Arlene and Warren Berger.

The text of Melissa’s speech follows:

"Good morning! Please let me extend my apologies for not being here in person as I am attending a Journalism Convention in San Francisco on behalf of my school newspaper the Rampage. However, I am certain that you all will be a marvelous audience for my mother, Susan Apter, who will be reading a few words on my behalf. Thank you.

"To be a Jewish teenager in a secular country is both challenging and rewarding. Challenging because it is so easy to fall off the Jewish bandwagon and temporarily forget our roots. The rewarding part comes when we not only respect and honor our traditions, but when we explore our place in Jewish society. As we all know, a major part of Jewish society is socializing.

"United Synagogue Youth, more commonly known as USY, is a fantastic organization headed by United Synagogue, intended for teenagers grades 9 through 12, with a grade 6 through 8 counterpart called Kadima. For seven years I have been involved with youth group activities, and by far the past four with USY have been the most positive.

"To be surrounded by Jewish teens similar to oneself is a special thing. To know that there is a safe place to hang out with people who have felt similar emotions, similar pressures, and who still feel a connectedness to their faith is empowering. On the chapter level you gain a special bond with a core group of approximately 22 members, on the regional level hundreds, and on the international level thousands.

"I had experienced the chapter level and regional level, but never had I experienced the international level of USY. Two years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, Illinois to USY’s international convention. The trip was made possible by the Charlotte Lowenfeld Scholarship fund, which we are gathered here to recognize today. So, what exactly did the scholarship afford me?

"First, I got to travel out of state with 80+ members of the Seaboard region. Second, I got to spend pre-convention in Deer Park with members of temple Beth El or "Beans" of Chicago and members of ECRUSY (Eastern Canadian Region USY). Third, and most important, I got to spend nearly a week with 1200 other Jewish teenagers. Can you imagine that? 12 HUNDRED Jewish teenagers in one hotel on Michigan Avenue. True, it was a bit chaotic but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time in USY.

"As Jewish youth we prayed together- all three services a day led entirely by Jewish youth. We broke bread together and sang Birkat Ha’mazon together. We attended study sessions together where we discussed our opinions and gained insight into Jewish thinking. We attended a Rick Recht concert. We hosted a carnival for underprivileged children from inner city schools. We raised our voices in song together. We elected our own body of representatives. We renewed our allegiance to MERCAZ, the Conservative movement’s voice in the Zionist Congress. But most importantly, we created bonds of friendship that renewed our desire to lead a Jewish life knowing that we are not alone.

"I got to experience International Convention 2004 because of the Charlotte Lowenfeld Scholarship. My experience combined with a little nudging from my parents led me to go on USY classic pilgrimage this past summer and to attend International Convention 2005 in my mother’s hometown of Philadelphia. You cannot find a stronger positive religious youth experience than with USY. I would encourage any teenager who wants to attend a USY convention whether it be Fall Kallah, Spring Convention, or International Conventions to apply for the Lowenfeld Scholarship.

"To the Lowenfeld family I once again say thank you. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to be with my Jewish peers and thank you for continuing to support the youth of Tikvat Israel."