Let Them Play!

By now most of you have heard -I hope- that the Robert M. Beren Academy High School Varsity Basketball team advanced for the first time to the State Championships. However, since the school is Orthodox and the semi-final and championship games are scheduled for this weekend on Shabbat the school cannot play and will be forced to forfeit. This story has been picked up by outlets throughout the country including the NY Times, ABC, Fox, ESPN and Forbes.

This is ridiculous! TAPPS who is in charge of the tournament has rescheduled games in the past because of religious reasons but have said they cannot do so now because doing so will interfere with other tournament games and that the gym is not available at other times. Really?! We all know that TAPPS can easily make the changes if they wanted. Changes have been made in other sports. This past weekend the Daytona 500 took place on Monday instead of Sunday because of rain and this was not the first and will not be the last change of this kind for a "major" sporting event. The opposing team has offered to play earlier to accommodate Beren but so far the game time has not been changed.

I called TAPPS today to tell them that I thought they should reconsider their decision and I encourage you to call them as well because this is not just.

The school, coach and players are to be commended for how they are handing this situation. It is clear that they have done a great deal for teaching people throughout the country and world about the significance and importance of Shabbat. I am not sure of how this will play out but know that the lessons learned will last far beyond the tournament and this story will be used as an example for many years.

High-Five the Guy Who Just Dunked on You

This article in the Wall Street Journal is an important read for anyone who works with teens, especially those that coaches them and who are involved in a sports related program.  Life is not about winning or losing and how you play the game makes a huge difference.  The proper way to conduct yourself is an important message for students to learn when they are young.  Tony Campbell is doing his players a huge service by teaching them sportsmanship and values.  These are things that can use well after their basketball careers are over.

Just Lin, Baby! 10 Lessons Jeremy Lin Can Teach Us Before We Go To Work Monday Morning

I am sure that we will all be hearing a lot more about Jeremy Lin in the days and weeks that follow and think this article from Forbes makes some excellent points and that many of them are important lessons for us, our students and children.

YouthCon Videos

If you missed the YouthCon conference this past August like me you can now watch, listen and gain from the sessions at your convenience at http://www.youthcon.org/videos.html. I want to publicly thank the Avi Chai Foundation for sponsoring this so that these sessions can be shared.

Areyvut (Former) Intern at Work

Aliza Chasan, Blogger

As many, if not all of you know, each year we run a six week Summer Internship Program.  We are always excited as the interview season starts and have such high hopes as the summer nears.  Additionally, we are happiest when our former interns check-in with us, let us know what they are up to share their recent news, good work and more.

Below you will find a link to a blog written by Aliza Chasan, Areyvut Intern 2010.  If we thought she was amazing then, we think she's even more amazing now!

Way to go Aliza...awesome blogging!

http://drawingnumberoneandtwo.tumblr.com/post/16843224349/my-name-is-the-hebrew-equivalent-of-the-name-joy

9 Ways Board Members Can Raise Money Without Fundraising

This blog post highlights nine ways for Board Members and presumably others involved in agencies like committee members to raise money without fundraising.  I cannot underestimate the importance of having an active Board and the impact that has on your agency, your vision and engaging people.  I encourage all of my Board Members and all those who are connected with and who care about Areyvut to implement these and other ideas so that we can increase our reach and impact.  

Ways to achieve happiness beginning with thank you

Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks shares more suggestions for finding happiness in hard times. I hope you enjoy this article and have a great day.