Lappin Foundation

Honors

Dr. Harold & Zelda Kaplan

Recipients of the 2013 Youth to Israel Adventure Award

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29 Congress Street • PO Box 986 • Salem, MA 01970 • 978.740.4431 • fax 978.744.1411 • www.lappinfoundation.org

Lappin FoundationEnhancing Jewish Identity across Generations

Established in 2011, the Lappin Foundation’sYouth to Israel Award is presented annually

to an outstanding Jewish leader, who leads byexample and who serves as a positive rolemodel, especially to our youth. The LappinFoundation is doubly honored to present the2013 Youth to Israel Award to Dr. Harold and Zelda Kaplan for their love of Israel, commitment to our youth, and support of ourJewish community. It is the quiet, unassumingway that Harold and Zellie honor others thatbrings honor to who they are.

The essence of this beautiful couple is manifested by their warm smiles, loving heartsand generous spirits. Active and involvedmembers of Temple B’nai Abraham in Beverly,Harold and Zellie spearheaded projects in theJewish community that benefited a countlessnumber of people, making life better andbrighter for everyone, including the CommunityDay of Learning program at Temple B’nai Abraham in memory of their beloved son, Alan z”l.

Harold and Zellie moved to Beverly in 1968,where Harold opened his dental practice, and where, together, they raised their threechildren Alan z”l, Dianne, and Marc. Beverly isstill “home” for the couple, where they enjoytheir beautiful family – Dianne and John Buccoand grandchildren Samantha, Bettina andFranklin, and Beth and Marc Kaplan and grandchildren Lila and Abby.

Harold’s illustrious career in orthodontics, during which he received awards for Excellence in Orthodontics, included a successful private practice and 43 years as a teacher at Tufts Orthodontic Department,where he also served as Chairman of the Admissions Committee. Additional professionalaffiliations included Secretary and Treasurer forTufts Association of Orthodontics, Chairman ofthe North Shore Dental Society, and foundingmember of the Beverly Dental Society.

Harold’s love of basketball and talent as a starbasketball player in high school and at ColumbiaCollege made him the perfect basketball coachat Cohen Hillel Academy, the Beverly YMCA,and for Temple B’nai Abraham teams. Whennot on the basketball court, Harold volunteeredhis time freely for the Jewish Federation of theNorth Shore and in organizing dental care for Russian immigrants. Harold is a dedicatedvolunteer for the Hospice of the North Shore,serving as fundraiser co-chair for the secondwing of the Kaplan House and as a member of the development committee.

Zellie is a devoted board member and volunteerat the Holocaust Center Boston North, whereshe initiated and chaired the Holocaust Testimonies Project in association with the Fortunoff Archive for Holocaust Testimonies atYale University. Zellie’s passion for communityis evident in her role as volunteer archivist andboard member of the Jewish Heritage Centerof the North Shore.

Zellie served as Vice President of Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of the NorthShore and was a founding member of Friendsof Cohen Hillel Library. Her active involvementat Temple B’nai Abraham included membershipon the school committee. As oral historian andproject manager, Zellie contributed to thepreservation of American Jewish history withoral histories and books, including The JewishCommunity of Cape Ann and Short Stories of a Long Journey: Russian Resettlement on the North Shore, documents from which aredeposited at the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati.

It is because of Harold and Zellie’s love of family, dedication to community, connection toIsrael, and responsibility for our Jewish Family,that the Foundation is privileged to recognizethem with the 2013 Youth to Israel Award.Thank you, Harold and Zellie, for giving us so much.

Dr. Harold and Zelda KaplanR E C I P I E N T S O F T H E 2 013 Y O U T H T O I S R A E L A D V E N T U R E AWA R D

Who is to be honored? One who honors others. Pirkei Avot, 4:1

Picture by Bettina Kaplan Bucco

A U G U S T 2 5 , 2 0 13

On behalf of the Lappin Foundation, I thank every donor for your ongoingsupport of the Lappin Foundation’s annual campaign, which funds more

than 130 programs, classes, services, and events every year, reaching morethan 2,500 Jewish children and their families, and countless others, who availthemselves of quality Jewish programs across the North Shore, throughout theyear. The Foundation’s comeback from ruins in December 2008, due to theMadoff fraud, to where the Foundation is today is truly a testament to the generosity of our North Shore Jewish community.

Our success is your success. Together we are building a prouder, stronger,and more welcoming North Shore Jewish community, one that is deeply connected to Israel, that is dedicated to enhancing Jewish identity across generations, and that values the participation of Jewish and interfaith familiesand individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, abilities, or faith. All who want to connect with the Jewish community of the North Shore are warmlywelcome to participate in programs of the Lappin Foundation.

More than four decades have passed since the creation of “Y2I” – Youth to Israel Adventure – which continues to be the most successful community teen Israel experience in North America. Our Jewish teens have what othercommunities dream about giving their teens, a life-changing Israel experience.To each of the 94 teens in Y2I 2013, thank you for making Y2I 2013 a success, one that we are proud to share with your families, with our community, and with others who seek to replicate what we do.

This year, the Lappin Foundation was the fortunate recipient of a generousgrant from the Ruderman Family Foundation, which made it possible to includeteens with disabilities in Y2I 2013. I extend a very special thank you to the Ruderman Family Foundation for making the Y2I dream a reality for teens with disabilities.

To our special and wonderful honorees, Dr. Harold and Zellie Kaplan, thankyou from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make this year’scampaign a success. You are a most gracious and generous couple, one thatdeserves the heartfelt thanks of our entire Jewish community. Your impact on others is immeasurable. Thank you for all you do and for what you give.Most of all, thank you for being inspirational and positive role models for people of all ages to emulate.

With deepest gratitude,

Robert Israel Lappin President

Dear Donors,

Lappin FoundationEnhancing Jewish Identity across Generations

Honorary Board of Advisors

in formation

Professor Steven M. CohenDirector, Berman Jewish Policy Archive@ NYU Wagner

Mayor Kimberley DriscollSalem, Massachusetts

Rabbi Yechiel EcksteinPresident, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Mark Gelfand

Harold GrinspoonTrustee, Harold Grinspoon Foundation

Charles JacobsPresident, Americans for Peace and Tolerance

Morton KleinNational President, Zionist Organization of America

Andrea LevinExecutive Director and President, CAMERA, Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting

Dr. Patricia Maguire MeserveyPresident, Salem State University

Jay RudermanPresident, Ruderman Family Foundation

Jonathan D. SarnaJoseph H. and Belle I. BraunProfessor of American Jewish History,Brandeis University

Natan SharanskyChairman, Jewish Agency for Israel

Dr. Marvin WilsonProfessor of Biblical StudiesGordon College

Rabbinic Board of Advisors

Rabbi Alison Adler

Rabbi Aaron Fine

Rabbi Myron Geller

Rabbi Baruch HaLevi

Rabbi Howard Kosovske

Rabbi Steven Lewis

Rabbi Yossi Lipsker

Rabbi David J. Meyer

Rabbi Avi Poupko

Rabbi Nechemiah Schusterman

Lappin FoundationB O A R D O F A D V I S O R S

(in formation)

The Foundation thanks the impressive list of leaders, donors and supporters who help to promote the Foundation’s important work.

Cantor David Aronson

Michael Brown

Susan Brown

Ruth Budelmann

Joshua Chmara

Harold Cohen

Gary Coltin

Stacey Comito

Neil Cooper

Gillian Cowen

Dina Davidyan

Dr. Eli Davidyan

Carol Denbo

Margot Einstein

Arthur Epstein

Barbara Gold

Bernard Horowitz

Susan Jacobs

Leah Jacobson

Dr. Mitchell Jacobson

Ralph Kaplan

Andy Lappin

Diane Lappin

Peter Lappin

Richard Lappin

David M. Lederman, z”l

Linda Magalnick

Jordan Miller

Lois Miller

David Moldau

Amy Powell

Robert Powell

Judy Remis

Shepard Remis

Howard Rich

Sharon Rich

Robert Salter

Barbara Schneider

Arthur Schwartz

Ava Shore

Karen Solomon

Steven Solomon

Joe Sontz

Dorothy Tatelman

Jill Weiner

Irving Weisman

Wendy Wicks

Dylan Woodrow

Board of Advisors

Mission Statement

Our mission is enhancing Jewish identity across generations.

We accomplish this mission by:

• Providing a variety of programs for children, teens, and adults which:

• Enhance Jewish pride

• Convey the beauty, joy, and fun of being Jewish and the richness of our Jewish heritage

• Develop a connection to and love of Israel

• Instill a feeling of being a member of the Jewish Family, a great and unique people

• Imbue our children with the desire to stay Jewish, marry Jewish, and raise their own children Jewish

• Focusing our programs on the 70-75% of the underserved vast majority of young Jewish people who are teens and younger, and who are not engaged in an intensive Jewish learningor living experience, such as Jewish day school or overnight Jewish camp

• Removing cost as a barrier to participation whenever possible

• Our Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I), which is the cornerstone of our Jewish continuity initiativeand the most successful community teen Israel experience in North America. Based on the overwhelming success of our Youth to Israel Adventure, we advocate and provide fully subsidized teen Israel experiences

• Supporting interfaith families in raising children exclusively within the Jewish faith by facilitating conversion to Judaism for those seeking to do so, as well as by providing educational programs about Judaism

• Providing professional developmentopportunities that inspire teachers to create exciting places of Jewishlearning, which inspire their studentsto be proud to be Jewish and to want to learn more about Judaism

• Creating resource materials for use inJewish settings in our community andbeyond, which enhance Jewish pridein our children

Lappin FoundationEnhancing Jewish Identity across Generations

In Honor of

Harold and Zellie Kaplan

2013 Recipients of the Youth to Israel Adventure Award

Shining Jewels of Our Jewish Community

Steadfast Supporters of Our Jewish Youth

Lovers of Israel

Thanks for all you do to help the North Shore Jewish community shine so brightly!

With deep admiration and great respect,

Robert Israel Lappin

Mazel Tov to the honorees for your commitment

for another successful year of leadership in the campaign

to keep our children Jewish and in the effort

to teach our teens the vital lessons of advocacy.

Diane, Andy, Lauren, Danielle& Alex Lappin

We Proudly Support the Work of the Lappin Foundation

Nancy Lappin and Ben PoserI am always amazed how my grandfather Bob Lappin and Debbie Coltin have found it within

themselves to produce this unequaled adventure for the young people of their community.

Whether it is in the face of Madoff, endless logistical constraints, or the seemingly ever-intensifying

violence, which rages at Israel’s doors, they plow along with a cool, unafraid brilliance, which

could almost pass for nonchalance. It would not be too much to say that they embody what Jews

have always had and used to their ever-lasting pride: cleverness and unconquerable persistence.

Both of these it takes in unimaginable abundance to make possible what they do. They are keep-

ing a heritage alive, one of the greatest on earth – one which helped create our own country –

and guiding its heirs through all the color, splendor, flavor, and earthy charm of its source.

This comes at all too crucial a time. The young being grounded in their Jewish identity is made

even more urgent by what awaits them on the college campus. Ever increasingly in our places of

higher education, Israel is the punching bag of political extremism. From boycotts to equations to

apartheid and Nazi rule Israel is portrayed as the symbol of anything which is evil, disgusting,

hateful, and ruthless. Reviving the academic fashions of several decades ago, it is portrayed as

a colonial, imperialist predator, murderous, devouring the land, dignity, and lives of those in and

around it. All of this is as absurd as anybody who has actually been to Israel would know.

But anyone who has not is at risk of believing it. The accepting of such insanity as fact is

reminiscent of much darker times indeed. This is, among other things, for what every participant

in the Y2I adventure must be prepared. And, lo and behold, they are, thanks to the magic helping

hands of my grandfather and Debbie, without whom the future of the Jewish people would,

I believe, be more uncertain.

This trip is a miracle, a miracle they have pulled off for the forty-third year in a row now, and they,

in their hearts, are still as strong as they ever were. They seem to work through everything, it

seems, almost without fear. That is what, above all else, never ceases to amaze me. On both of

my trips with Debbie, almost nothing could ruffle, let alone dishevel, those unmovable feathers of

hers. And she has dealt with and survived much greater hardships than those she happened to

face when I was there. I hear that we act without fear when we have found our true bliss –

whatever happens to us, we come up stronger and even happier each time. This is what Bob and

Debbie have and no matter what decides to stand in their way, they will always fail to provide the

slightest disappointment. That only makes me yet more honored to have been lucky enough to

have experienced this adventure with their blessing and vision. Long may it live and prosper.

Ben Poser

Congratulations to All the Honorees

And to Grandpa, Bob Lappin,

We love you.

Keep up the good work

of the Lappin Foundation.

Thanks for everything you do!

Peter, Jackie and Matt Lappin

In Honor of My Dear Friend

Professor Marvin Wilson

Ever since our 1982 trip to Israel together, I knew you were a special person.

I thank you and Polly for your love of Israel, for your support of the Jewish community, and, of course,

for your friendship, which I deeply cherish.

Robert Israel Lappin

One of the most important things that I took away from this experience and

will have the biggest impact on my life ishow important family is. In Israel, family is everything. Y2I 2013 showed me that everyone is there for each other because we are one big family. The impact of familyweighs very heavy in my heart. I now knowthat I have three families – my family athome; my Y2I family; and my family in Israel,who are always ready for me to come home.Youth to Israel changed my life for the better. On the day we got home, it was a Friday. I had asked my parents if we couldlight the candles for Shabbat. As I watchedthe flames grow I thought to myself: themost impactful thing I got out of my Y2I experience was waiting for me when I gotoff the plane in Israel as well as when I gotoff the bus at the temple; a joyous andgrateful “welcome home!”

Lia Applebaum, Peabody

The trip taught me the importance of havingJewish pride and staying Jewish. I feel thatY2I will be more than just a trip to me. I now have a lot of new friends and I feelmore connected to the Jewish community because of Y2I. After the trip I realize thatJudaism is more than just my religion. I feelJudaism is an important part of my familyculture, and I am proud to say that I am aJew. Israel to me is a Jewish family united in one main homeland. After meeting andtalking to some Israeli teens, I realize thatwe are all one big family. It does not make a difference where we live, because we areall Jewish teens.

Matt Batsinelas, Peabody

What Israel means to me is very simple…Israel is my home. I know that I am alwayswelcome there and I can fit right in. I am nowproud to say that I am Jewish. Before this trip,I was a bit apprehensive. I now wear my Starof David above my shirt. Before I wouldn’teven wear it. It sat on my table in my room.

Zack Levenson, Swampscott

Sfat was wonderful, a bustling collection ofvarious shops selling all kinds of cool things.This is the place where I bought my firstfalafel and fell in love with the stuff instantly.The trip hadn’t truly hit me until I saw Sfat.But once we left the city, it was not simplythat I was in Israel, Israel was now in me. As a whole the Israel trip was one of thebest experiences of my life, and I would belying if I said that the bonds I made on thistrip aren’t as strong as the bonds I have withmy friends in the whole world. This trip changedme and I can never thank you guys enoughfor organizing it for us and making sure thatwe had a chance to visit the motherland.

Alex Baumann, Georgetown

This trip meant a lot to me in many ways. Before I went to Israel, I didn’t have a strongJewish identity. Now I realize how beingJewish is special and Judaism is an incrediblereligion. Coming from Marblehead I knew a lot of people before, but I also met manyothers and I know that these friendships willlast a long time because we have so much incommon. Reflecting back on the trip, therewas nothing that I didn’t like and I wish Icould go back again. Y2I was the trip of lifetime and it really helped me understandmy Jewish identity.

Brett Bial, Marblehead

Y2I enhanced my Jewish identity because I know that I am not one of the only Jews my age out there, and I know in times of anemergency, I will always have a place to go.Before Y2I I was not sure that raising mykids Jewish was that important. But, now Irealize I have to raise my kids Jewish so thatthe Jewish people don’t die out. I know weare a strong people after surviving thingslike the Holocaust and persecution throughoutour history. But, it is still important to not letJudaism die out because we decided to notraise our kids Jewish. Y2I changed my lifeand strengthened the way I see myself as a Jew. Though I did not truly believe everything I was told would be true, it actuallywas and Israel will forever be a part of my life.

Tyler Bial, Marblehead

In Their Own Words…Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

“

Y2I was the best experience I have ever experienced. I not only became a betterJew, but a better person. The day before the trip, I had no intention of going. I evenbegged my mom to let me stay home. Thiswasn’t because I was afraid of meeting newpeople, it was because I didn’t care so muchabout being Jewish and going to place weremuch of the population was of this religion.But, once I got to Israel, my outlook on Judaism changed greatly.

When I put my note in the Western Wall, I felt something. I didn’t know if it was something I ate, but I had a tingly feeling inside. For the first time ever, I actually feltproud to be a Jewish.

On the last day that the Israelis were with us,we had a group discussion. They asked us ifwe felt more proud to be a Jew. I was thefirst one to respond saying: “Yes!” Then oneof the Israelis said: “USA is your home, butIsrael is your shelter.” I took a minute tothink about what she just said. And after the minute, I agreed with her. We may havebeen born in the US, but that doesn’t meanIsrael doesn’t care about us. I realized howimportant it is to be a Jew and how importantit is to marry Jewish. I finally understood why the man at the airport said: “Welcomehome.” It was because Israel was, is, and always will be our home.

Justin Blanch, Danvers

After completing the trip I realize that myexperience exceeded my expectations greatly.I fell in love with the land, the culture, andthe history. I had a new concept of whathome really was and I decided that Israelwas my home. It’s a place I feel comfortableand safe in. It’s a place I can be myself in.

Haley Blumenkrantz, Peabody

For me, Israel is a place where you can feelwelcomed, even if you don’t live there. Itwas hard for me to believe before the trip,but now I understand that we are all Jewish,and because of this we are all welcome in Israel. Israel to me is a place that I will always be welcome, and a place I will alwayscall home.

Lily Dolin, Marblehead

To me Y2I has been one of the best thingsthat has ever happened to me. The impact ithas had on my life is almost unreal. Y2I haschanged my entire life and has made mechange my perspective on how I live my life.I now take so much pride in being who I trulyam and how proud I am to be Jewish. Somesay strangers are just friends you haven’tmet yet. But I say Jews are just family youhaven’t been introduced to yet. Some maymock me and make fun of me for being Jewish, but frankly I feel bad for them. Theywill never truly understand the meaning of having a family spread out through theentire world entirely connected through religion. When asked what Israel means tome there is only one simple answer, home.

Trevor Brown, Georgetown

Later that day, we rafted down the JordanRiver. In addition to the greenery around the river, I was surprised by how narrow andshallow the body of water was. The river’ssmall size served as an excellent metaphorfor Israel itself: though small, the history itcontains is enormous. It was that day that I fully understood Israel. Israel is small, surrounded on almost all sides by enemieswho chant its demise. Israel has, and will,continue to defend itself against these aggressors, and I hope it will continue to triumph.

Jonathan Brudnick, Swampscott

Y2I has had a tremendous impact on my life in that it has left me with friends andmemories that will last forever. I would certainly say that my Jewish identity haschanged in that I am more proud to be Jewish, and I will certainly embrace this evenmore. Y2I changed me in that I will stand upfor the Jewish people even more as I feel astrong connection to this amazing group ofpeople. I would love to return to Israel oneday and I will certainly encourage people to not only go on Y2I, but to go to Israel as soon as they can.

Regan Charie, Topsfield

”

Anonymous

Brenton Adelson

Robert Atkin

Nathaniel Barlam

Rachael Berman

Alexander Bunal

Jake Carey

Jason Cohen

Matthew Cohen

Evan Coltin

Adi Davidyan

Idan Davidyan

Matan Davidyan

Raz Davidyan

Adena D’Avolio

Charles DeSimone

Rebecca Duchesneau

Samuel Feinstein

Ethan Forman

Joshua Forman

Jacob Freedman

Elyse Knopf

Jacob McIntosh

Jeremy Meyer

Jordan Miller

Melissa Mishkin

Daniel Nellhaus

Alexander Patkin

Margot Paul

Jessica Petrino

Craig Rosenbaum

Jordana Rubin

Abby Schwartz

Louis Sherman

The Lappin Foundation Thanks

B’nai Tzedek Donors For your generous contributions totaling $71,066.19!

Congratulations to

Dr. Harold and Zelda Kaplan

Recipients of the 2013 Youth to Israel Award

and

Professor Marvin Wilson

Recipient of the Friend of Israel Award

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for our Jewish Community and for

supporting the great work of the Lappin Foundation

Phil & Eve Cutter

Goldhirsh-Yellin Foundation

The Goldhirsh Foundation, Inc.

The Morton and Lillian WaldfogelCharitable Foundation

Proudly Supports the Lappin Foundation’s

Interfaith Outreach Programs

And Youth to Israel Adventure*

*Providing funds for families in need

to cover costs of Y2I,

including program fee, travel

and medical insurance and deposit

Harold and Zellie,

Mazel tov to two

of our favorite people.

Bryna Litchman & Arthur J. Epstein

What does it mean to me to be Jewish? That thought had crossed my mind

many times before but I had never read intothe question or even tried to seek meaningin it. After embarking on my journey to Israel, I feel extreme disappointment in myself for being ashamed of this religion. I walk around now with the Jewish star andthe hamsa hand around my neck, not tuckedunder my t-shirt, hidden away to disguise my embarrassment.

Judaism is more than a religion to me. It’s acommunity of loving, generous, kind people.It is hard to see this when one is constantlysurrounded by all the rude comments. Judaism has truly helped me see anotherside of myself. Judaism is accepting andeye-opening. It is the only religion that doesnot state that there is something wrong withbeing a religion other than Jewish. Judaismaccepts and respects everybody.

Traveling around Israel, filled with theseamazing people who were so proud of theirreligion, helped me to see the beauties of it.It is more than difficult to explain in words,how much my opinion has changed. I knewlittle about being Jewish and did not try tolearn more. Now I stand here with moreknowledge than I ever expected. I stand as a proud Jewish girl and will never again feelthe need to justify the beautiful fact that Iam Jewish.

Shaina Cabral, Swampscott

Israel is a true testament to the capability of the Jewish people, who despite their ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to form a prosperous state. This iswhy Israel means so much to me. It is a realrepresentation of the Jewish people andtheir determination to create a place that issafe for the Jewish people. Going to Israelchanged my life, and I will never forget thisamazing experience in realizing what Israelmeans to me.

Jesse Cohan, Marblehead

Y2I 2013 was truly an experience of a lifetime.I have never felt so close to the Jewish religion in my life. Although it was not myfirst time coming and experiencing Israel, I still felt a unique connection. This trip hasenhanced my Jewish Identity entirely andhas made me appreciate Israel so much more.

This trip made me feel like Israel is a placewhere I always belong and I can alwayscome back to. Never before have I felt sucha link to Israel or to the Jewish people. I have created wonderful memories with notonly the countless people I met on the trip,but also the land of Israel itself. Israel is remarkable and has so many more things to offer than I ever expected.

This trip made me realize that I want to helpcontinue the Jewish religion. I now feel that I have a duty to carry out my heritage inorder to keep the Jewish faith alive.

After the trip I also realized that I want to be an advocate for Israel; I want to volunteer,protect, and speak on behalf of Israel andthe beautiful things it offers.

I now feel more proud to be Jewish. I feellike I can defend Israel with real facts andfirst-hand opinions.

Abi Cohen, Andover

Traveling to Israel with Y2I was a life changing experience. As I saw the beautifullandscapes of Israel, met the wonderful people, and learned about the history, I truly realized how lucky I am to be a part of the Jewish faith. It occurred to me thatthe Jewish people have stuck as a group for a great amount of time, and it is imperativethat the religion continues to thrive. Traveling to Israel with Y21 taught me the significance of being Jewish and the importance of staying Jewish.

Hannah Cohen, Marblehead

Going on this trip was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever been apart of. The best part of this trip and thebiggest impact that Y2I had was helping mebuild friendships that will last forever. I havemet so many new cool Jewish teens and enhanced my friendships with friends on the trip that I had previous to the journey.

Griffin Whitman, Swampscott

In Their Own Words…

“

Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

When I got to the Wall, I took my wallet outand retrieved my note. It fit in to the crack. I put my head to the Wall and closed myeyes. The stones were smooth. I said nothingand I just stood there quietly. I checked mywatch two minutes later, kissed the WesternWall, and left. To know that I was visiting themost holy spot in the Jewish faith was beyond comprehension. It was amazing tosee such a historic place that has stood thetest of time from violence and controversy. I felt a sense of privilege to be able to go to Israel and see such amazing places.

Jason Comins-Addis, Marblehead

I had a great experience going on this year’sYouth to Israel trip. This trip allowed me tomake close connections with other Jewishteens on the North Shore, all while learningthe background of my Jewish heritage. Thefriendships made on our 12-day journey aregoing to last for years (if not more). Meetingup with Israeli teens of our age helped meunderstand how similar we are even if weare halfway around the world from each other.

Harry Copeland, Swampscott

Y2I was an amazing experience that notonly gave me friends and was a lot of fun,but also gave me a whole new view on myJewish faith. Seeing all the different peoplefrom places all around the world, dancingand singing together at the Wall, made mefeel like part of a family. I didn’t know any ofthe people around me, but we all had ourJudaism in common. Y2I was an eye openingexperience to me for how important it is tobe Jewish and be proud of that. It definitelyenhanced my Jewish identity, and it is a trip I will never forget.

Nicole Davis, Middleton

Although I had anticipated that the speakersin Israel were going to be boring to me, allof what they said had much relevance to me.I really enjoyed all of the speakers. Whatthey had spoken about actually impactedme. The impact it had on me was I now definitely want to raise my children Jewish.As a result of this trip, I definitely feel morepride in being Jewish and the importance of keeping future generations of my familyJewish.

Joshua Yanofsky, Peabody

Y2I was the experience of a lifetime, and Iam so appreciative that I had the opportunityto participate. Being on the Y2I tremendouslyinfluenced my Jewish identity and my connection to other Jewish people. In myopinion Y2I was one of the most importantgifts that a Jewish teen can receive.

Being able to be in Israel and experience the culture and meet many new people issomething that every Jewish person shouldtry and do in their life. I learned more aboutJewish history in the two weeks of being inIsrael then I have learned in my entire life.

Y2I provides teens with important informationthat every Jewish person should know. I wasinspired by Y2I to more actively participatein the Jewish religion and community.

Hannah Dubin, Swampscott

Going to Israel was an amazing experiencefor me, and I cannot stop thinking about it. I made so many new friends and came backwith so many memories that I will alwayscherish. Going to Israel made me feel more connected to both Israel and my Jewish religion.

Lauren Small, Peabody

Venturing to our people’s homeland of Israelwith my Y2I was the most interesting, exciting,and life-changing experience I have everhad the pleasure of being a part of. I hadbeen blessed with a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness Israel’s beautiful andunique culture first hand. Prior to this trip Idid not have much of a Jewish identity. Aftermy Bar Mitzvah several years ago I had losttouch with my Jewish roots. This trip to Israelthoroughly changed that.

When I stepped off that plane in Tel Aviv I felt something extraordinary. I felt instantlythis overwhelming feeling of belonging.Standing there holding my bags, water bottle full and hat on my head, looking at allthe people by the exit with signs and flowersand balloons, I could not help but smile. This trip fully surpassed any expectations my peers and I had.

Ethan Talkov, Swampscott

”

With profound respect and appreciation

for all that you add to our community and beyond.

Congratulations and all our best wishes

Bob Lappin

Zellie &Harold Kaplan

Marvin Wilson

Sharon & Howard Rich

and

Eunice Seeche

Joan & Steve Rosenthal

A H E A R T Y C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S T O :

• Dr. Harold & Zelda KaplanRecipients of the Youth to Israel Award

• And to Professor Marvin WilsonRecipient of the Friend of Israel Award

May the goodness of your deeds continue to ripple through humanity

…for you have touched the world with wisdom, kindness and love.

Richard & Dotty Tatelman

The biggest thank you to Bob Lappin and everyone at Y2I.

Congratulations to the Honorees

Dr. Harold and Zellie Kaplan and Dr. Marvin Wilson

Robert, Ruthie, Jonathan, Gabriel &Ariella Salter

Best Wishes

Harold & Janice Cohen

Thomas & Cynthia Kostinden Dr. Michael & Jennifer Pilz

Anonymous

Best Wishes,

Irving Weisman & Lois Miller

Richard & Judy Lappin

Mazel Tov!Dr. Harold & Zelda Kaplan

and

Professor Marvin Wilson

Thank you for all that you do for our Jewish Community

Ava Hoppenstein Shore

rusu Congratulations to the Lappin Foundation for its outstanding programs

that enhance Jewish identity across generations.

The Ogan/Goldberg Charitable Fund

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rusk

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In Honor of

Dr. Harold and Zelda Kaplan

Professor Marvin Wilson

Bob Lappin

and

Debbie Coltin

Thank you for all that you do for our North Shore Jewish Community!

Solomon Metals Corp.Scrap Metal Recyclers

580 LynnwayLynn, MA

The Solomon Family

Congratulations to

Dr. Harold and Zellie Kaplan

We greatly appreciate all you do for our Jewish community.

With heartfelt thanks,

Debbie & Gary Coltin

�

We congratulate Dr. Marvin Wilson on receiving the Lappin Foundation’s Friend of Israel Award,

and we thank Marv and Polly for their friendship and support of Israel.

Debbie & Gary Coltin

“THE VALUE OF LIFE IS BEST MEASURED BY THE TIME SPENT GIVING OF ONESELF, SHARING WISDOM, INSPIRING HOPE, AND TOUCHING HEARTS.”

Author unknown

To Dr. Harold and Zellie Kaplanand

Dr. Marvin Wilson

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your leadership, commitment, dedication, and generosity.

Through your good works you make the world a better place.

We salute Bob Lappin and the Lappin Foundation and the Youth to Israel Adventure for your life-long impact

on the children of our community.

Harriett & Ralph Kaplan

Anne & Bob Selby

Congratulations

The Bolotin Family, Phyllis, Alan, Pamela, Brooke,

Chava and Yehuda

Lisa & Bruce Bial

Y2I was an amazing experience that had a great impact on my life. It is an impact

that I am incredibly grateful for. The otherday I was hanging out with a group of friendswho I met on Y2I. I remember looking aroundand thinking “wait, I’m hanging out with otherJewish teens, not because it was arrangedby my synagogue, not because of a Jewishholiday, but because we are friends and itjust so happens that we are all Jews” and at that point, I no longer felt like a minority.That is how Y2I changed my life forever.

Sam Erhard, Hamilton

As soon as I stepped foot in Israel, as cliché as it sounds, I felt home. I felt thatcomfortableness that I feel at Pembroke andI felt that happiness that I feel whenever I’mwith my brother. Most importantly, I felt safe.I felt like I was supposed to be there.

I experienced an inexplicable feeling when Itouched the Western Wall for the first timeor saw how everyone acted on Shabbat withone another. Then, it hit me. It wasn’t aboutwhere you came from, what your backgroundis, or how religious you are. What matters to everyone in Israel is that you have faith:faith in one another, country, religion, family,or something important to you.

I think about the memories that I had:Masada, the friends I made, Camels, WesternWall, or Bus 1. It’s home. I’ve realized thatbeing Jewish is who I am. Israel is my home.

Lizzy Finer, Swampscott

The trip that I took to Israel was an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. This adventure has inspired me to one day raisemy children Jewish. I made a lot of newfriends on the trip who I hope to see againeven though the trip is over. The trip haschanged me in a good way because for thefirst time in years I actually did not feel like a wallflower. I actually felt like I belonged. I am proud that I am a Jewish person so as long as I live, a Jewish person I will be.

Andrew Gladstone, Swampscott

Traveling with Y2I to Israel was truly a lifechanging experience. This trip allowed me toreflect on being Jewish. I have never beenmore proud in my life to be Jewish. A fewyears ago, I was not proud to be Jewish, because many people made harsh remarksabout my heritage. After visiting Israel, notonly do I feel extremely proud to be Jewish,but I will no longer hide the fact that I am a Jew. Being and remaining Jewish has suddenly become very important to me. I did not make it one of my important valuesat first, but after going to Israel, I can saythat I will stay Jewish for a lifetime.

Ariel Friedman, Swampscott

Y2I impacted my life in a unique way. Goinginto the program, I was not all that excited. I didn’t think all that much about what thetrip was going to be like, because all I wasthinking was that I did not want to go. Thatbeing said, it changed my life forever.

Going to the Israelis’ homes was important to me because we got to see inside an actual home, and eat actual home-made Israeli food. Shabbat at the family’s homeswas really a great experience. I almost criedbecause there were probably about 35 of usin one small home and the family took timeto make food for us and cram us into theirbeautiful home. Overall my Israel experiencewas incredible and I would do it again in aheartbeat if I could.

Alanna Garston, Boxford

Before coming to Israel, I had a misconstruedview of what the country would be like. I thought it would be all desert, flat and dangerous. To my surprise, it was the complete opposite. Israel was beautiful,fruitful, hilly and very safe. Israel was home.

People always told me that Israel feels likehome, that it feels like a family, but I neverbelieved them. Now I completely understandwhat everyone was saying. I felt so comfortable while in Israel, that it really did feel like I was home. I’ve always felt a connection to Judaism but now I also feela connection to Israel.

Olivia Forman, Swampscott

In Their Own Words…

“

Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

Y2I has strengthened my connection to Judaism greatly. All through my childhood I attended Hebrew School and SundaySchool. I can’t say I had very much interestin my religion. To me it just seemed like a continuation of my school day – beingforced to learn material I really didn’t caremuch about. Going to Israel completelychanged my perspective on the religion and what it means to be Jewish. I see howimportant Israel is to the Jewish people, the history it holds, and how crucial it is theJewish People remain in control of Israel.The Jews have managed to make it throughunimaginable circumstances. This trip hasbeen important to my life because it openedmy eyes to what it really means to be Jewish.

Andrew Gilliland, Marblehead

Before I took part in this trip of a lifetime, Israel did not mean much to me. Basically, it was just another country on the globe thatI have never been to; it was just like anyother country in my eye. We only based ourviews on Israel on what we saw on the news,and that made Israel seem like a completewar zone. However, visiting Israel with Y2Ichanged my views towards Israel drastically.Just being in the country made me realizehow terribly inaccurate the news is in America when they talk about Israel. Israel is everything but a war zone. I felt more safethan I have ever felt in my life in Israel.

Matt Gonick, Peabody

To me, Israel represents a homeland. Not a homeland like my backyard or mygrandparents’ house, yet a home as in aplace where the land holds holiness and the population shares your religion and religious heritage.

Sam Kobrosky, Rockport

Since I did not know anyone on the trip, itmade me branch out and talk to new people.It was great because I met a great group ofkids. I made some good friends that I wouldhave never expected. Y2I allowed me toconnect with the Jewish community allaround the North Shore. Overall I had a fantastic time in Israel with the members of the Y2I 2013 trip!

Jon Garston, Boxford

Judaism has always been a part of my life.It’s always been there, but I never reallyknew what that meant. It used to meangoing to Hebrew school every Thursday andSunday and fooling with my friends. Judaismwas suffering through Passover and YomKippur, but I did it every year nonetheless.When I look back on it now, I try to understandwhy it was always this way. I was always Jewish, but I was never a Jew. It took 5,470miles for me to understand what I am a partof, what I represent. I am a part of muchmore than a religion. I am a part of a culturethat is thousands of years old, a way of lifethat has defied all odds of survival. That issomething I can say proudly now, because I now have a somewhat accurate idea ofwhat that means.

Rachel Grant, Beverly

Being in such a diverse community had ahuge impact on me. It made me realize thatwe can all live peacefully even if we are alldifferent. In Israel, the place where I feltmost connected to the people was at theWestern Wall. As I passed the entrance forthe first time, my tour guide mentioned how many different types of people weregathered to pray. People from all around the world and all around Israel came to the Wall. All in all, Y2I was an incredible experience and I would do it again if I hadthe opportunity to do so.

Sarah Grosz, Marblehead

My trip to Israel was one of the most amazingexperiences of my life. Israel really openedmy eyes to my true Jewish identity. I learnedthat being Jewish is a type of pride that noteveryone in the world can experience. Myeyes have opened to a whole new world ofJudaism. I have a whole new family becauseof this trip. My Jewish family is filled with mynew Israeli friends, my amazing counselorsand my best friends from all over the NorthShore. This trip to Israel taught me thatbeing Jewish is something to be extremelyproud of and is something that I should keepin my family while moving on in life.

Leah Harris, Marblehead ”

Dean & Erin Garston

David & Carla Herwitz

Louis Rudolph

Arthur & Linda Schwartz

To the Lappin Foundation,

Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do.

Robert L. Beal

177 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109-3410

Tel (617) 451-2100 Fax (617) 451-1801

www.bealco.com

A Full Service Real Estate Firm Since 1888

We are proud to honor our dear friends Zellie and Harold Kaplan

recipients of the Lappin Foundation Youth to Israel Award,for their enduring commitment to our Jewish Community

and the Jewish People.

And we thank the Lappin Foundation for all it does to enhance Jewish identity in our community.

May they continue to go from strength to strength.

Judy & Shep Remis

L’dor Va’dorTo Three Generations of Friendship

Mazel Tov to Harold and Zellie

Janet SchleinMarilyn & Bobby Kramer

Ally & Corey

Jodi Coburn & Steven Blumenkrantz

Cory & Dorian Brown

Richard & Cynthia Brudnick

Our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes

to Harold and Zellie!

Vito & Janice Bucco

Ian & Jill Charie Susan & Eric Cohan

A Couple with Boundless Love of our People

Deanna & Neil Cooper

Mark J. Coltin, P.C.

Allison & Geoffrey Davis

Debra & Philip Davis

Jennifer & Eric Dolin

Dr. Maura & Dr. Paul Copeland

Ralph & Linda Epstein

Susan Tomases &Paul Erhard

Essex Alarm & Security, Inc.

Barton & Laura Brass

Praise of Zellie and Harold for their inspirational leadership

Debra Ankeles &Robert Freedman

Amy & Adam Forman

On behalf of LGI alumnus

Jay Goldberg and Goldberg Properties,

we thank the Lappin Foundation

for its dedication to instilling

Jewish pride in our youths and

communities, support of Israel,

and mission to continue and

strengthen each new generation’s

life-long commitment to Judaism

Michael & Joan Finn

Overall Y2I has meant so much to me because it gave me an incredible

opportunity. I was able to be immersed intoa society and culture that I felt welcomed in.Also, Y2I has helped me make friendshipsthat will last a lifetime. I feel so fortunate to have seen my other home and to meetpeople who are all Jewish. Being a part ofthe Jewish family is something that I plan to continue with my family and I plan on returning to Israel.

Rachel Maglio, Lynnfield

In Israel, I made thousands of beautifulmemories that will continue to impact me for as long as I live. From sleeping inBedouin tents, talking late into the night,building friendships with the Israelis to zip-lining down a cliff to crawling through a tunnel with water half way up my legs. I experienced so many things that I couldnever do in any other place on any other trip with any other people. Y2I is easily themost amazing experience in my life so far.

Kyra Jones, Marblehead

What does Israel mean to me? Throughoutmy time in Israel I truly learned what itmeans to be home. Israel, the promised landof the Jewish people is where I felt a senseof family. Everyone in Israel was very welcoming and greeted me with open arms.Although I had meaningful experiences withthe people in Israel, which really made mefeel at home and part of a family, the mostmeaningful experience in Israel and whattruly made Israel seem like a family to mewas my experience at the Western Wall onShabbat. This is where I really felt a part of a family. All of the people around me who I didn’t know were singing with me, handsaround each other and bonding over onething, Israel. At that moment I thought tomyself this is why Amnon said welcomehome because this is a place where familysurrounds you and when family surroundsyou always feel at home.

Gabe Kagan, Salem

The thousands of years of history changedme. It was incredible how we as Jewish familysurvived all this – Holocaust and war – andwe are still standing here. We are the oldestreligion that is still standing on our feet. Thistrip has changed me a lot as a person. I usedto think that my religion was just any otherreligion. But now from Y2I I see everythingin a different perspective. I consider myselfmore Jewish now than ever. I someday hopeto raise my kids Jewish so the tradition ofJudaism doesn’t die out and so the countryof Israel is always a country. America and Israel are now my homes forever.

Dasha Kairys, Marblehead

The impact Y2I had on my life is somethingthat could never be reversed. From influencingme spiritually to making me a more well-rounded person in general, the experience I had will truly never be forgotten. The threethings that impacted me the most were thepeople on the trip, the people in Israel, andthe country as a whole. Overall, I think thatthe trip made me a better person. It mademe more social, intellectual, and tolerant.

Sydney Kenyon, Lynnfield

The Y2I trip has proven itself to be morethan just a way to promote ideals, but agateway for young teens to explore Judaism,a religion that has always been part of theirlife. But seeing Israel and witnessing firsthand a nation much older than sixty-fiveyears, the deep-rooted culture and history of a land that links almost all of mankind, haswhat made this trip entirely worthwhile andbeneficial to any Jew. Y2I has altered myview of Judaism entirely, because I realizenow how this religion doesn’t necessarilybind a people… instead, it connects us, notthrough our beliefs, lifestyles, customs, etc.but by the immense history we share. Beingable to touch and witness historic relics fromthousands of years ago helped me realizewhy I am a Jew: because we had fought andwithheld our identities for so long. I mustcarry with me that bond which ties all Jewstogether, and hope to share that pride andknowledge with many others.

Mara Khayter, Swampscott

In Their Own Words…

“

Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

When night fell, Jerusalem lit up duringShabbat. It felt like a whole new place thatwas truly amazing. At the Western Wall, allsorts of Jewish people, from tourists, rabbis,Orthodox, to military, were either praying orcelebrating in their own way. This was truly a sight to behold and an enchanting experience. Later that night we went over to a kind Israeli’s household where we were fed and shown hospitality. It was an experience that made me feel at home, and it showed how kind and charitable the people of Israel are.

Michael Konstansky, Swampscott

Y2I brought me through an emotional aswell as a spiritual journey. I grew as a personnot only through going to Israel, but alsothrough the experiences and connections I made with the other amazing people onthe trip. Y2I opened my eyes to a differentculture similar to ours but somehow different.There’s a certain closeness felt with the Israeli community that I haven’t felt anywhereelse but there. This trip was unifying in a way I was not expecting. Seeing everybodysinging and holding hands at the WailingWall was an experience that cannot be described with words. Israel is more thanjust a place, it’s more than just a holy land,it’s a feeling. A feeling of home and feelingof love.

Robyn Lipkowitz, Beverly

Before leaving for Israel, I didn’t understandwhat the trip was about, why we were gettingsent for free to Israel. I even questioned notgoing but I knew it would fun. What I didn’tknow is how much it would change my viewson Israel, Judaism, and my own identity. Thebest part of the trip though were the friendsthat I made from all over the world. We metJews from different states, Israel, France,England, China, Ethiopia, South Africa, andall over the world that were our age. I wasamazed how similar we all are. It made theworld seen smaller and more friendly. Someof the kids on the trip became my bestfriends and I loved the whole trip. Thank you so much to everyone who made the trip possible. It really was life changing and I appreciate it.

Adam Green, Boxford

Before I went to Israel, I identified myself as a Jewish person, but I never really knewwhat it actually meant to be Jewish. Becauseof the trip, I am much more proud of myJewish culture. This helped change mythoughts on just being Jewish and it mademe want to be a more active participant inmy Jewish community and play a bigger rolethan I do now. I want to educate my peerswho did not get the amazing opportunity to go to Israel and teach them about theJewish people and spread the knowledge I have now to them.

Stephanie Longmuir, Topsfield

For me, Y2I is community. It allowed me to realize that there are so many amazingJewish teens on the North Shore! I am excited to continue connecting with thesenew friends that I have made locally. This isso important because the Jewish population,believe it or not, is small. For this reason, it is vital for us Jews to connect with othersof the same religion.

Andrew Jacobson, Swampscott

Before Y2I I did not have many Jewishfriends. In fact I had no close friends thatwere Jewish. Unlike any other summer experience before Y2I, after the trip I actually saw the people I went on the tripwith. Just days after the trip I was longing to see the people I only spent two weekswith. It has not been that long since the trip; however, I can already tell that thesefriendships are meant to last. I expected thetrip to give me a greater understanding ofmy Jewish identity and a love for the countryof Israel but not really any long lastingfriendships. Y2I ended up giving me not only a love for Israel but friends that couldlast me a lifetime.

Hannah Malatzky, Hamilton

I was a little timid to decide to go on Y2I because I wasn’t going to be with my bestfriends from camp and I wasn’t going to beable to go back to camp which is the placethat basically turned me into the person I am today. I was scared that nothing couldcompare to how amazing the past 5 summershad been! Y2I proved me wrong. It not only showed me that there were amazingexperiences outside of camp, but it alsomade me even prouder to be a Jew.

Stephanie Davis, Swampscott ”

David & Nadine FriedmanEve & Todd Feinsmith

Dawn & Eric Gilliland

Michael & Gisela Gladstone

Philip & Ellen Gonick

Marshall Hoffman

Karen Bradford & Jeffrey Gopen Susan & Jeffrey Green

Evan & Tracy Harris

Dr. Mitchell & Leah Jacobson

Eric & Ruth Kahn

Laurie KatzBill Baumann

Dr. Neil Kobrosky & Linda Gipstein

Yelena & Vladimir Konstansky

Thank you for all you do for our community!

Simone & Todd Levine

Suzanne & Bob Kenyon

Dr. Mark Korson &Mr. Bruce Silverlieb

Randi & Edward Levenson

Francee & Stephen Longmuir

Susan & Steven Batsinelas

Laura & Bruce Rafey

Always happy to support Bob and Mimi

Laura & Tom Maglio

Alla & Michael Marie

Thank you on behalf of all themembers of our family who have

benefitted from Y2I.

Linda & Alan Robbins

Martha & Max RubensteinFamily Foundation

Rovi Solutions Corporation

Congratulations to

Dr. Harold and Zelda Kaplan

and

Professor Marvin Wilson

Bob & Martha Rose

Edward Schlossberg

Jody & RichardSaxe

Robert & Susan Schale

Jodi & Michael Blanch

Michael & Liliya Sherman

Elaine & Herbert Siegel

Susan & Michael Sinrich

Elissa & Alain Sireuil

In Honor ofZellie & Harold Kaplan

andDr. Marvin Wilson

Thank you for your service to our community.

Debby & Richard Strauss

Amy & Paul Sliva

Heidi & Paul Smyth

Jill & Jeffrey Stelman

Lisa & David Sugarman

Alan & Lorinda Visnick

With congratulations from yourpartners in strengthening Jewish

life on the North Shore and beyond

Temple Emanu-El, Marblehead

T. Mackey & Sons, Inc.58 Broadway • P.o. Box 366

Salem, ma 01970 • 978-744-3849

Well deserved, Zellie and Harold

You’re an inspiration for us all.

Barbara & Bert Wolf

Mark & Cindy Yanofsky

Karen & Andrew Whitman

Deborah & Harris Krinsky

With best wishes to the Lappin Foundation

for continued success.

Gary Goldstein

Jodie & LarryMalatzky

In appreciation of Bob Lappin for his commitment and tireless

work to improve Christian-Jewish relations.

Best wishes and Shalom

Marv & Polly WilsonGordon College

Jacqueline Comins-Addis & Jeffrey Addis

Marshall & Sandra Solomon

Cong. Ahabat Sholom proudly recognizes

the outstanding work of

Dr. Harold and Zelda Kaplan

and of

the Lappin Foundation

From Strength to Strength!

151 Ocean Street, Lynn, MA 01902

Tammy Bottner & Daniel Carlat

Peter & Lisa Shactman

Julie Newburg & Bruce Cohen

Olga & Anatoly Postilnik

Lyudmila Lozovskaya& Konstantin Raptunovich

Zoya & Paul Shteynberg

Inga Parsons &Roger Talkov

Lisa & Frank Evans

Rebecca & Bradley Sontz Corey Stein & Family

The idea of raising my children Jewish hasalways come back to the fact of, “What

if I marry someone who isn’t Jewish? What if they want to raise them in a different religion?” This idea has been something of a mystery to me until this trip. I now seethat being Jewish is not a curse for childrengrowing up in a pro-Christian society, but agift. The idea of my children being differentmakes me feel better that my children willone day not be the ones that will be bullied,and they will stand up for themselves. I seenow that the idea of raising my children Jewish will become one of my greatest accomplishments.

Colin Marie, Danvers

I have definite plans to marry Jewish, and toraise my kids Jewish. I plan on trying to goto temple more, and I plan on getting moreinvolved with Jewish organizations, not because I feel the need to because I’m Jewish, but because I’m proud to be Jewish,and feel as if I have the right and obligationto be involved.

This trip meant so many things to me. Itmeant getting more involved, being proud,and being happy. I can’t explain what I feltwhen I was in Israel, but it just felt so right.Whether it was the kindness of everyonethere, or the togetherness of all the peopleand how people are accepted so easily. Justbeing in Israel was such a comfortable feelingto me. I couldn’t embrace the trip any morethan I already have, and I could not be anyhappier that I have been to Israel, and madeso many memories along the way.

Doug Mears, Beverly

I definitely feel more a part of the Jewishcommunity and of Judaism. Before I madethis trip to Israel I had stopped pursuingJewish education and I didn’t really see the importance of continuing the Jewishfaith with my children. Now I am stronglyconsidering the former and most definitelygoing to do the latter.

Jacob Mendelsohn, Middleton

After a full two weeks in Israel, I’m glad tosay Y2I has impacted me in a positive way.The connections I made with the Jewishteens is like none other. I plan on keeping in touch with all of the new people I becamefriends with, including the Israeli teens.

Jamie Paul, Lynnfield

Traveling around Israel made me realize that my parents were right about almosteverything they told me. I never disagreedthat marrying Jewish was important, and Iknew that I wanted to stay Jewish all my life,but the Y2I trip to Israel greatly solidifiedthese values.

Leah Postilnik, Marblehead

I simply cannot believe what an amazing experience Y2I was. Before I had left on thisamazing journey, I was beyond skeptical; I did not like the thought of being thousandsof miles from home with people I have nevermet before. But the moment I stepped infront of the bus that would take me from a place I knew to a place I had never experienced before, I felt at home. I tookthe overall experience of my Jewish identityto heart. The trip made me truly happy andproud to be considered a person of Jewishdescent. I learned about what it truly meansto be Jewish, and I have never been prouder.

Anna Raptunovich, Swampscott

I can truly say Y2I has been an eye-opener, a friend-maker, and a life-changer. I feelmore deeply connected to Judaism, I feelmore Jewish after traveling home. Y2Ibrought me to a foreign country that soonbecame my second home. There is no placelike Israel; a lot can happen in twelve days.

Rikki Rooklin, Swampscott

A few people who I was speaking to beforethe Y2I trip asked me, in all honesty, if I was scared to go there. To me, after the trip, Israel is a safe, secure, accepting, lovinghome where all Jews are welcome.

Nora Rosen, Marblehead

In Their Own Words…

“

Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

Until visiting Israel for the first time sinceleaving my Jewish Day School, the fact that I was slowly forgetting about my Jewishidentity did not really bother me. However,after arriving back in Boston, I realized howimportant being Jewish is and that I must always embrace Judaism, not only for myfamily and me, but also for those who gaveup their lives so that the Jewish religionwould live on forever. One must never forgetabout their heritage and where their storiesbegan. Going to the Western Wall, YadV’Shem and the Independence Hall duringthe Y2I trip is what really made me realizewhy being Jewish is so important to me.Never will I slowly fall into what Americatries to make me. I know that I will foreverbe a Jew and that my real home will alwaysbe Israel.

Ariella Salter, Swampscott

I thought it was going to be boring re-visitingall the sites and museums I had already seentwice. This trip was much different though.By far my favorite trip to Israel or any otherforeign land. The reason for that is simplythe fact that 90 kids my age were going toshare this wonderful experience with me.The kids on the trip were all so nice and funto hang out with. Another great thing aboutall of the kids was knowing that we were allJews. Going through each holy site with allJewish kids made my connection to Israeleven stronger. It made me feel good aboutmyself traveling with all these teenage kids,creating a sense of pride in being a Jew.

Gabe Salter, Swampscott

We started off dancing and singing songs at the Western Wall which was an amazingexperience. It showed me for that night itdid not matter who you were or where youcame from, any Jew was accepted at theWestern Wall. Y2I is truly an amazing tripand I would never have had the opportunityto experience something like it without theLappin Foundation. I have made so manylifelong friends and experienced so manynew and exciting things. Y2I is one trip thatis truly unforgettable.

Julia Saxe, Marblehead

I was almost embarrassed to go to Israel andknow so little about the religion, but afterleaving I’m no longer embarrassed. I’mrather proud that I was able to educate myself further. Going to Israel changed me from being Jewish to being a Jew.

Sam Schale, Beverly

Before going to Israel, my sense of Jewishpride was minimal. Living in the quite non-Jewish town of Newburyport, my Jewishidentity seems to be covered up in everydaylife. The only major Jewish experiences weremy sufferings through Hebrew school andmy Bar Mitzvah. Little did I know that comeJuly 7th my inner Judaism would take a turnin a direction I never imagined.

As soon as I stepped out of the plane to Israel, I already felt at home. Unlike kidsfrom Swampscott, Marblehead, and Peabodyand other more Jewish towns, I only knew a couple people come departure day. However, by the time we landed in Israel, I not only became friends with the people I sat around in the bus and plane, I felt like I had known them for years. These relationships only strengthened throughoutthe 12 days that we got to know each other.

Fast forward a couple weeks after my trip. I can look back and say that I’m a differentperson than I was before. My Jewish pridehas astronomically grown, along with my maturity. I never thought 12 days could impact me so much. I made friends andmemories that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Jake Shactman, Newburyport

I am so fortunate that I was able to take thetrip of a lifetime and enhance my Jewishidentity to a state in which I am so proud andhonored to call myself Jewish. I think thatthe reason as to why I felt so safe in Israelwas because that was where my roots were;that was where I came from. I am so thankfulto have had the opportunity to go to Israeland learn about all the wonderful things thatcome from being Jewish.

Michelle Shnayder, Swampscott

”

Susan & Michael Brown

Jill JonesCongregation Shirat Hayam

Brotherhood

Bringing unity to the North Shore

Polina & Arkadiy Shnayder Alina Kuznetsova &Vladimir Kuznetsov

Scott & Lisa Applebaum Joanna Rose

David & Marion Mendelsohn

Congratulations on a well deservedhonor from

Dr. Eli & Dina Davidyan

In Honor of Prof. Marvin Wilson,Our Heartfelt Appreciation for

your Words of Wisdom and Love of Community

Zellie & Harold Kaplan

David Leonhard

Congratulations to this year’s honorees and the

continued excellent programming of the Lappin Foundation

Patricia Kravtin & Jonathan Horwitz

Kudos to the Lappin Foundation!

Representing Towns North of Boston

781-593-6111 • SaganRealtors.com

With Best Wishes

Rabbi Steven Lewis Temple Ahavat Achim,

Gloucester

J. P. McEachern & AssociatesSalem Pediatric Dental & Orthodontic Associates

Stanetsky-Hymanson Chapel

www.homedecorgroup.com

Freedom and independent living for all is the credo of ILCNSCA and we support the Lappin Foundation’s

commitment to education of youth, support to families and to always support the exploration of one’s collective and

personal history and path to obtain and protect independenceand freedom both in Israel and the USA. Thank you

Robert Lappin and the Foundation for your great work.

Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc.

Audrey Miller

Mazel tov to Harold & Zellie ourmost deserving friends

Alan & Donna Pierce

Ruth Schwartz

David & Melissa Tucker

Lawrence S. Miller DM D

Ellen Finer Michael Finer

Donald McElroy

Nancy McElroy Marla Kovner

Debra & Stanley Paul

Abelson & Company, CPA's

A well deserved honor!!

Lois & Steve GoldbergGary Kovner

Robert Lipkowitz

Congratulations to our Archivist, Zellie, and to Harold

Jewish Heritage Center of the North Shore

Alyse & David BarbashErin Lipkowitz

Peter Feinstein & Miriam Weinstein

Shubie’s Liquor & Marketplace

Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the LappinFoundation for the impact it has made on the lives

of our family, friends, and the community.

Phyllis & Ramy Osher

With great respect and admiration for all that you do. Thank you for the many years of friendship

and support.

Harriet & Paul Wacks

Congratulations from Temple Ahavat Achim of Gloucester to our Y2I participants:

Mason Sirois, Sam Erhard and Sam Kobrosky!

The Tuttle Family

Yasher koach to our friends and colleaguesZellie and Harold Kaplan

and Professor Marvin Wilson

Helaine & Jim Hazlett

Mazel Tov Zellie & HaroldWith Love

Phyllis & Jack Karas Amy & Adam Karas

Mazel tov to the Lappin foundation and its many supporters.

Susan Jacobs & Andrea Ring

Ariane Sudenfield & Family

Thank you for all you do for our community.With much appreciation,

Stacey, Bob & Josh Comito

Herbert & Marjorie Baker

We celebrate the dedication of our cousins, Zelda and Harold Kaplan to the youth of the North Shore Jewish Community.

Andrea & Michael Dubroff

Jim Garrels & Joan Brooks Gerald Goodstein

Marina & Boris KaganMazel tov for all your good works

Dr. David & Barbara Schneider

Carol & Samuel Denbo Anonymous

Cohen Productions Professional Entertainment and Disc Jockey Service

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“

We love the Lappin Foundation and especially Bob.

Arlene & Jack Stahl

Thanks for all you do!

Linda & Dan Magalnick

With great admiration and affection. Mazel Tov

Carolyn Perlow

For 2 terrific peoplefrom

Ruth & Alan Shactman

To Zellie and HaroldWith Love,

Marilyn Millard Lauri & David Schaitkin

With affection, appreciation and admiration for your outstanding leadership and devotion

to the Jewish Community

Bernice Kazis

Congratulations, Zellie and HaroldThank you for making our trip to Israel special, too.

Michele & David HarrisonNanci & Leaman Hodge

Dr. Harold and Zelda Kaplan & Professor Marvin Wilson

May They Continue to GrowFrom Strength to Strength

Morris Goldfield

Louis Goldish

Michael & Roslyn Eschelbacher

Zellie and Harold,Kol Hakavod!

Love, Ruth & George Rooks

Anonymous

I can speak only for myself, but I’m sure that everyone else on the trip feels the same way: Y2I united mewith the history of my people, a people that have been oppressed for centuries and never lived up to theirpotential until recently. I am now more confident in saying the word Jew, because I know now that it carriesthe name of a people that have accomplished great things and long fought for their survival. Finally, the word Jew, especially when accompanied by the word Israel, is a message: we are worthy of living and arehere to stay! Thank you Y2I for teaching me that.

Jonathan Cohen, Andover ”

As a typical teenager would do, I rebelled.I thought, “Who cares about marrying

a person with the same religion? Judaism isnot important! I’m going to do what I want.What’s so important about Judaism anyway?”All my questions were answered on the exhilarating and memorable Y2I. I havenever felt more connected to my religion.Every little crevice in Israel is sacred andevery person is a part of your family. Ilearned that all Jews, every single one is afamily member. I now know that no matterwhat I do, I have to fight for my people. In the beginning of this essay, I stated thatMarblehead, Massachusetts in America is myhome. This is a false statement. Israel is myreal home. And I cannot wait for the nextmoment that I am able to visit the placewhere I feel the safest and the place I cancall my own.

Becky Shteynberg, Marblehead

The Y2I trip was simply amazing. People Iknew that had gone on the trip before said itwas amazing and that you would make greatfriends. Both came true when I went thisyear. People have already asked me a lotabout the trip and the one thing I always sayis “It was SABABA!!!”

Mason Sirois, Ipswich

When July 7th came around and it was timeto get on the bus to New York, no one wasless excited than I was. As the trip went on,however, I began to make friends, absorbthe culture, and enjoy the freedom thatbeing away from my parents gave me. Bythe end, I heard myself say something that I would have never believed: “I don’t want togo home.” This trip is what you make it, andfor me, it was a period of self-recognitionand growth.

Lauren Sliva, Peabody

Our trip to Israel has impacted me and mylife in many ways. I’ll never forget all the unforgettable memories I had during the entire trip. I went into this trip only knowinga small group of people who ended up noteven being on my bus. So I didn’t expect tomake so many friends. But, it turns out fromthe beginning of the trip, I quickly madeclose friends and by the end of the trip my bus truly felt like a family.

Adam Smyth, Swampscott

Being Jewish is a large part of who I am, and by attending Y2I my feelings for being a Jew have been enhanced and enriched.Attending Y2I is an opportunity of a lifetime,a chance to learn about who you are, yourhomeland and create lifelong friends. I havegrown tremendously as a Jew and as a person. This experience has shown me howwelcoming and friendly the Jewish communityis, and has given me the opportunity to become closer with the Jewish teens thatlive near me, as well as build friendships with Israeli teens that I was so lucky to meetwhile I was there. It’s a trip that took the images of Israel that I had as a child, andmade them real for me. It was a trip thathelped me better myself as a Jewish woman,provided me independence, a trip where I created new friendships and renewed oldones, and most of all, it was a trip that I wasblessed to have the opportunity to attendand the memories I made will remain withme forever.

Sarah Sontz, Marblehead

I am very grateful for the opportunity thatY2I provided for me! This experience led meto open my horizons in various ways. I mademany new friendships, created memoriesthat will last a lifetime, tried a lot of newfoods and activities that I never would havetried otherwise, and truly came to recognizethe importance to me of being Jewish. Y2Igave me a chance to explore Israel in a veryunique way. It was a rewarding and trulyamazing experience that I will never forget!

Amanda Stelman, Lynnfield

In Their Own Words…

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Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

Y2I was one of the greatest experiences I will ever participate in my life and it completely exceeded all my expectations. I especially loved going to the Kotel onShabbat. That was truly a once in a lifetimeexperience and for me the best part of thetrip to Israel. Everyone at the Kotel feltproud to be Jewish as they were dancing,singing and just enjoying Shabbat. You can’texplain this feeling to anyone. You just haveto feel it for yourself. For the first time in my life, I understood what it meant to beproud to be Jewish. It’s more than a religion.I enjoyed the trip immensely and hope Y2Icontinues for a long time to make ALL Jewish teens proud of their religion, theirheritage and understand what Jews had to endure to have a State of their own. This trip is one I will remember forever.

Corey Stein, Marblehead

Not only was this the greatest trip that Ihave ever been on, but it was also the greatest experience I will ever have in mylife. Y2I was a great way to help me to understand Israel, the stories behind it, and help me enhance my Jewish identity.Everyone who goes there will think of theirJewish identity in a different way. Even people who went there a second timethought of Judaism and Israel in a differentway. Now, I want to connect more with mytemple and go to more services besides the high holidays. In the future it is importantfor me to raise my kids Jewish, and to share to my wonderful experience in Israel. I hope that someday they will be able to go to Israel too.

Ariane Sudenfield, Peabody

These past two weeks I had the opportunityto go to Israel, on the Y2I trip, generouslyfunded by Mr. Lappin. It was one of the bestexperiences that I have ever had. To see theJewish homeland that I had read so muchabout, that I had longed to see with my ownwas the very definition of a dream cometrue. This trip was one of the most positiveexperiences I have ever had and I wouldlove to see it continue until the end of time.

Tyler Visnick, Beverly

After 16 years of hearing about Israel andlooking forward to this trip, it has alreadyhappened. Y2I was a life-changing experienceand I will never forget it. Going to Israel wasthe best decision I have ever made becauseI made so many amazing friends, returned to a home I never met, and strengthened myJewish identity.

Y2I has taught me so many things, and Icouldn’t possibly name all of them in thispaper. What I can say is that I am a Jew, andno one can change that; and the millions of other Jews will say the same. My new mission is to get every Jew I know that isyounger than me to go on this trip. Going onY2I has given me spectacular friends, mademe stronger as a person, and made me realize that the Jewish people are here tostay no matter what anyone has to say.

Riley Sugarman, Marblehead

I feel that Y2I has enhanced my Jewish identity by showing me that there is a placewhere Jews are not the minority. After returning from Israel, I have felt more connected to Israeli culture. I am in contactwith many of the Israelis from the mifgash.We talk every day, and they have promisedto help me improve my Hebrew. The bestway to learn what a culture is really like is tomake friends with the people and learn tounderstand them. I feel that my understandingof Israeli culture has been enhanced by my relationship with the Israelis whom I befriended.

Alex Taglieri, Beverly

I learned so much about the history of theland and the importance of being Jewish.Being Jewish is something to be proud of. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, I know how lucky I am to have theopportunity to practice Judaism and havethe freedom to be part of a Jewish community.Israel is my homeland. It is a home for theJewish people and visiting there was verymeaningful for me. I will never forget it.

Gabrielle Tucker, Beverly ”

Dennis & Kate Aikman

Erica Albert, Y2I 2012

Haley Albert, Y2I 2012

Alisa Alvarez

Hannah Alvarez-Dobrusin, Y2I 2011

American Mastercraft

Marilyn & Ed Andrews

Anonymous

Mark & Judith Arnold

Arnould Gallery and Framery

Marc & Lisa Aronson

Marlene & Arnold Atkin

Jacob Baime, AIPAC

Best wishes to the Kaplans from Elaine & Yitzhak Bakal

Amy Ballin

Jonathan Band, Y2I 2011

Stephanie Band

Lindsay Barbash, Y2I 2011

Jacob Barosin, Y2I 2010

Jennelle Barosin, Y2I 2012

Mitchell & Elaine Barosin

Alma Barozzi

Selma Bell

Arthur & Bernice Bennett

Daniel Benson, Y2I 2012

Emily Benson, Y2I 2009

In honor of Eric Shwartz from Elaine Ber

Shirley Berg

Kerry & Edward Berman

A well deserved honorfrom Leo & Dorothy Berman

Amy Bond

Born Services Ltd

David Bornstein, Y2I 2011

David & Julie Bornstein

Joan & Steven Bornstein

Michael & Karen Bourne

Ella & Fyodor Bromberg

Alisa & Doug Brown

Mazel Tov Harold & Zeldafrom June & Ken Brown

Bettina Bucco, Y2I 2011

Franklin Bucco, Y2I 2012

Alex Bunal, Y2I 2012

David Burdick, Y2I 2012

Richard & Lucie Burke

Rachel Cabitt, Y2I 2010

Rimma & Richard Cabral

Trevor Campbell, Y2I 2012

Jayne & Dana Carey

Davis Carroll, Y2I 2009

Jared Casper, Y2I 2010

Rhonda Fogel & Domenic Centofanti

Jared Chambers, Y2I 2012

Cynthia Canavan & Mark Chambers

Chelsea Jewish Foundationfrom Barry Berman, CEO

Carol & Robert Cipriani

Kenneth & Anita Coburn

Barbara & Stanley Cohen

Gary Cohen

Mark & Valerie Cohen

Harrison Cohen, Y2I 2012

Jackie Cohen, Y2I 2012

Leo Cohen, Y2I 2011

William & Shirley Cole

Barry & Melissa Comak

Heather Comak

Rebecca Convicer

Congregation Tifereth Israel, the only “one happy family” Sephardic shul located north of Boston

Complete Copier & Sales Co.

Noah Convicer, Y2I 2010

Nancy & Paul Cowen

Dennis & Phyllis Crafton

Tracy Cranson

Howard & Suzanne Dantowitz

Adena D’Avolio

Sharon Wyner & Anthony D’Avolio

Denmar Precision Machine, Inc.

Lesley & Ric Dexter

Ivy Dorflinger

Compliments of Judy & Larry Dunn

Maggie Durfee, Eastern Bank

Ashley Edelstein, Y2I 2012

In honor of Robert Israel Lappin and Prof. Marvin Wilson from Margot Einstein

Dorothy Eisenman

The Ellis Family

Warren & Norma Epstein

Jay & Rosalyn Esterkes

Barry & Gail Falkoff

Lynne Falthzik

Mazal Tov Zelda & Harold from Amy & Mark Farber

Sam Feinstein, Y2I 2012

Attorney Barry Feinstein

Susan & Steven Feinstein

Elaine & Don Finegold

Pauline Flaxer

Sophie Forman, Y2I 2012

Diane Levinson & Edward Futcher

Tracy & Jack Gamble

In honor of Debbie & Gary Coltin from Rabbi Myron & Eileen Geller

Wendy & Mark Gershlak & Family

Andy & Maureen Gilbert

Gilbert & Cole Building Products, Inc.

Wendy Gilman

Norman & Deborah Ginsberg

Stefanie Gladstone

Susan Gochenour & Steven Rosen

Anne & Joseph Gold

Gail & Bruce Goldberg

Harvey & Lorna Goldberg

Saul & Sarah Goldberg

Lee & Jayne Goldman

Sema & Henry Goldstein

Samantha Gray, Y2I 2009

Arlyne & Howard Greenspan

Lili Greenstein, Y2I 2012

Robert & Linda Gross

Mazal Tov, Zellie and Harold on your muchdeserved honor from Debbie & Ron Hallett

Jason Harris, Y2I 2011

Peter & Connie Harris

John Hayes & Dominique Pahlavan

Our congratulations to Harold & Zelliefrom Joan & George Heller

Mazel tov on receiving the Youth to Israel Award for your many contributions to our Jewish Community from Ruth, Elisa & Joshua Helman

Judith & Richard Herman

Jennifer & Christopher Hockert

Sandra & Harold Hoffman

Mazel tov and love, Sandie Horwitz

Lisa Horowitz & David Huth

Rona Irgens

Israel Book Shop

Keep up the good work!from J. Dinardo Consulting

Norman & Susan Jepsky

Rabbi Jonas & Chelly Goldberg

Michael Hass & Cathleen Barstow

Jody & Michael Kallelis

Donald & Edna Kaplan

Harvey & Carrie Kaplowitz

Susan & Richard Kassirer

Andrea Katz

Dr. Martin Katz

Harold and Zelda Mazal Tov

Friends

from Abe & Anita Kaufman

Paula & James Kesslen

King Fish Media, LLC

Susan Kline

Shoshana Kranish, Y2I 2011

Good people are sincerely recognized forbringing love to all from Irene S. Kravetz

Benjamin & Michelle Langille

Michael Lawee & Caren Newman-Lawee

Jonathan & Irene Leamon

Deahn & Russell Leblang

Cheryl & Jeffrey Levin

Harvey W. Levin, Attorney at Law

Beti Levine

Larry & Bonnie Levine

Laurie Jacobs & Steven Levine

Gerald Levinson

Brenda & Richard Lewin

Mark & Joanne Libon

Matt Lieberson, Y2I 2010

Andrea C. Liftman

Igor Likterov & Elina Mushin

Rick & Andrea Linn

Yasher Koach from Jessie Lipson

Gary & Donna Lubarsky

In memory of Anne Kemelman from Robert Livingston

Karen & Jerry Madorsky

Martin & Arlene Margolis

Jacob Maselek, Y2I 2010

E. McGrath, Inc.

Betsy & James Mears

Elaine Merken

Very best wishes to allfrom Melvin & Shirley Merken

Congratulations on this beautiful recognition of your community workfrom Dr. Patricia Maguire Meservey

Koby Michaels, Y2I 2012

Jordan Miller, Y2I 2010

Janet & Richard Miller

Todd & Rosalie Miller

Rhoda Morse

Mazel Tov Harold and Zellie Love Alice Murphy

Lila Musinsky

David & Michelle Myerson

Scott Myerson, Y2I 2010

Ben Nathan, Y2I 2010

Robert & Robyn Nathan

Susan & Howard Nellhaus

Eve & Charles Noss

Sandra Noymer

Lee O’Connor

Anna O’Gorman, Y2I 2012

Terri Oliver

Sally & Rodney Palmer

Alvah Parker

Michael & Sarah Patt

Talya Paul

Mona Pessaroff

Jessica Petrino, Y2I 2007

Linda & Mark Petrino

Jennifer Pierce

Liliya & Misha Pivovarov

Joshua Price, Y2I 2012

Susan & Richard Quateman

Steve & Sue Ring

Ronald Robinson

Barry & Claudia Rodenstein

Elaine Rosen

Bruce & Jane Rosenberg

Alisa Rosenthal

Janice Ross

Robin & Jeff Rubin

Austin Sagan, Y2I 2012

Salem Academy Charter School

Arthur Sands

Georgianna Sawyer

Eric Schenker

Lillian & Thomas Shapiro

Daphna Shemesh

Dr. Miriam Dunau & Norman Sherman

Adam Shiloh, Y2I 2008

In honor of Richard Tatelmanfrom Jeffrey and Robin Shribman

Norma Shribman

Arnold & Sandra Shuman

Rachel Shwartz

Congratulations to the Kaplans for all your great work & dedicationDebra Silberstein

Roger & Lakshmi Sirois

Deborah & Evan Slavitt

David & Jodi Slomsky

In honor of Debbie & Gary Coltinfrom Barbara & Steve Smidt

Jacob Soll

Gayle & Dean Solomon

Sharen & Jon Solomon

Liz Soolkin, Y2I 2008

Barbara Steinberg

Regina & Vlad Stolerman

Ted Stux & Allison Goldberg

Temple B’nai Abraham 3rd Grade Hebrew School Class

Temple Shalom, Medford

Temple Shalom, Salem

Temple Sinai, Marblehead

Monica Thorne, Y2I 2012

Jill Weiner & Bruce Todtfeld

Torf Funeral Service, Inc.

Lloyd Torgove

Cindy & Anthony Tramonte

Ellen & Barry Turkanis

Thank you for all that you do from The VanDusen family

Mikhail and Elizabeth Vaynshteyn

Jacob Varsano, Y2I 2012

Olga & Marat Vaysman

Robert Visnick

With thanks for all you do from the Vogel Family

With Much Pleasure from The Volks

Clifford & Laura Watkin

Zellie & Harold, Thanks for showing theway by leadership from Paul Weinberg

Susan & Lawrence Weiner

Wendy & Conrad Wicks

In loving memory of Anne Kemelman from Dr. Bert and Barbara Wolf

Enid & David Wise

Congratulations! Thanks for your support ofprograms for all ages! from Allison Wolper

Gail Woodrow

Harold & Zellie, Thanks for your friendship throughout theyears from The Woronoff & Rice Families

Zellie, Harold, For (all) the wonderful thingsyou do – Thank you! from Jerry & Susan

Dr. Joel & Judith Wyner

Rebecca & David Yazel

Marcia Yellin

Lynn Zabar

Andrea Zecha

Josh Zeff, Y2I 2011

Julianne Zeff, Y2I 2010

Dr. Eric & Julie Zieff

Esther & Merton Ziskind

T H A N K Y O U !

“

Y2I has done unbelievable things for my Jewish identity. Y2I did not only enhance my Jewish identity, it formed it. It showed me what it means to be Jewish, who I am as a Jew,and what it means to others. I discovered the truth behind what Israel is and what it meansto me. I found a new sense of pride in being Jewish.

Mike Kuznetsov, Marblehead

July 7-19, 2013

I can truly say Y2Ihas been an eye-opener, a friend-maker, and a life-changer. I feel more deeplyconnected to Judaism, I feel more Jewish aftertraveling home. Y2I brought me to a foreign countrythat soon becamemy second home.There is no placelike Israel; a lot can happen intwelve days.

Rikki Rooklin, Swampscott

Boker Tov! Good morning!

I awoke this morning filled with excitement and anticipation, and yes, even a few butterflies in my stomach, in realization this day has arrived. The Y2I 2013 staff is as excited as I am to take your children on their adventure of a lifetime.

It is quite unbelievable to think our Y2I Adventurebegan more than 3,500 years ago when our ancestors Abraham and Sarah journeyed from theirhome to the Land of Israel. Since that time, Jewishpeople the world over have accomplished what Y2I 2013 is about to do – go to Israel.

Our heartfelt thanks to philanthropistRobert Israel Lappin, whose vision andgenerosity created this wonderful program. And to the Jewish Federation ofthe North Shore (now CJP) and to morethan 800 donors, I thank you on behalfof all Y2I 2013 teens and their familiesfor joining Bob Lappin to make our adventure possible. We take all of you to Israel in our hearts!

A special thank you to the Lappin Foundation staff – Sharon Wyner, SusanFeinstein and Phyllis Osher – who workdiligently behind the scenes for Y2I’ssuccess.

Y2I 2013 is packed with fun and friends – twelve fulldays of discovery, exploration, and new beginnings.Y2I is truly a priceless gift from our Jewish community. How lucky are our children!

Parents, it is an honor and privilege to share this adventure with your children. I look forward to writing to you from Israel. Stay tuned!

Until next time,Debbie Coltin

July 7, 2013 • Departure Day

2013 Robert I. Lappin Youth to Israel Adventure

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July 9, 2013 • Fun and Adventure

Shalom from Israel! It has been a whirlwind coupleof days, but all is sababa (awesome!).

Who knew that a three-hour flight delay would besuch a wonderful ice-breaker! Leave it to teens tomake the best of a situation. Kids took full advantageof our delay, got out of their seats, and really got toknow each other well. At the end of our first day together, which was last night, I asked the group ifanyone had something special to share. With reallybig smiles on their faces, two guys said the flightwas great, and because of the delay, they are nowfriends. As they say, when given lemons, makelemonade.

Our landing in Israel was memorable. As soon as thewheels touched down, loud applause erupted fromour area of the cabin. Perfect way to arrive in Israel.

A personal “welcome home” and handshakegreeted everyone, making us feel that our presencereally mattered and that our journey to Israel wouldbe something special. That “family” feeling was immediately evident and felt by all. Our wonderfultour educators scooped us up, eagerly and happilytaking everyone under their wings.

Your children are bonding beautifully with their toureducators and each other, further strengthening tiesamongst buses, which makes our Jewish communityeven tighter and stronger. Kids are making newfriends, trying new things, and seeing sites they onlyimagined, before they came to Israel

Your children are well cared for by the dedicatedY2I staff, passionate tour educators, drivers andmedics. Meet your kids’ tour educators, three guyswho are passionate about their work and who arededicated to helping each and every teen connectin some way to Israel: Bus 1, Ron Singer; Bus 2,Menash Golan; and Bus 3, Orie Ronan. All threehave been part of Y2I over the past few years, andthey really get what it is we hope to accomplish.

Today is a full day of fun, fresh air and adventure. We started our day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the sparkling Kineret. We ascended theGolan Heights by bus, twisting and turning up roadsthat led us to Mt. Bental, close to the Syrian border.All the while teens were learning about Israel’s history and current events. Being this close to theborder gives one a sense of just how small Israel is,and puts into perspective what Israel deals with on a daily basis, considering the neighborhood.

We descended the mountain and headed for funand food – rafting, grilled pizza lunch, and then ziplining, all the way down the Manara Cliff. Not tomention the unbelievable cable car ride up the cliffto peer into Lebanon. All this before mid-afternoon!

This evening we will enjoy a fun cruise on theKineret with music and dancing, and a night stroll on the boardwalk in Tiberia. A really wonderful day!!

Tomorrow we will visit Sfad and then on toJerusalem, for the next part of our Israel adventure.Little do they know what unbelievable things awaitthem on the next part of our trip. Ancient sites, tunnels, walls of various kinds, the new and the old, the sacred and the funky – all waiting for yourchildren to discover.

Your kids are doing well. They are trying new things,including the food. They are happy, making friends,and having a wonderful time.

Until next time, with love from Israel, at the base of the Manara Cliff,Debbie Coltin

It is more than difficult to explain in words how muchmy opinion haschanged. I knew little about beingJewish and did nottry to learn more.Now I stand herewith more knowledgethan I ever expected.I stand as a proudJewish girl and willnever again feel theneed to justify thebeautiful fact that I am Jewish.

Shaina Cabral,Swampscott

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continued on next page

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What a beautiful day we had. After saying “shalom”(goodbye) to the north, we made our way toJerusalem, with a leisurely tour of Sfat, where we enjoyed learning about kabbalah and more aboutJewish history. Perched high in the hills, there issomething truly mystical about Sfat – the air, thepeople, even the food seemed to be infused withthat little something extra, though not quite known.

Teens loved roaming in and out of galleries, speaking with artists, hearing their interpretations of Torah that they so beautifully express in theirhandiworks. One of the teens said, “Here, a necklaceis not just a necklace. There’s a whole story behindit. But, I bought it because it’s so beautiful.” This isthe essence of Sfat – seeing, feeling, appreciatingand expressing beauty in life. Kids are really excitedabout gifts they purchased for family and friends,and a few things for themselves. It’s their small wayof bringing Israel home.

From Sfat our ride to Jerusalem was two and a halfhours, the longest ride of the entire trip. Bus time isfun time, and if kids aren’t sleeping they are talkingand sharing, and growing closer every day.

Our approach to Jerusalem was special. I happenedto be on Bus 2, and as we climbed the hills ofJerusalem, the mood on the bus changed. Teenssensed immediately how special this place is.Jerusalem looks so different from the North. The beautiful buildings of white Jerusalem stone, the religious men dressed in black and white, thehustle and bustle of a big city. The ancient and themodern side by side – all in Jerusalem.

“Yerushalyim shel Zahav,” “Jerusalem of Gold,”played while we entered the city. You could hear apin drop on the bus, and see many teary eyes aswell. Jerusalem, City of Peace, spiritual center of theJewish people for millennia. Jerusalem, home to theworld’s great religions. Jerusalem of our dreams.Our days here will be filled with awe, discovery, lotsof learning, and hopefully a deeper understandingabout the place of Jerusalem in the hearts of ourpeople.

Menash, our tour educator, explained to the kidsthat every day, Jews all over the world, save a coinhere and there to one day fulfill the dream of goingto Jerusalem. How lucky our children are! Hehelped them to understand what a gift they havewith Y2I. Some people only dream about what ourchildren have been blessed with – a pilgrimage toJerusalem.

We are staying at the Crowne Plaza, and wow is it beautiful! We had some free time before ourevening visit to the Western Wall Tunnels. Some kids went swimming, while others relaxed and explored the hotel.

Read this in a biblical tone: “...and then there wasdinner.” That’s because the buffet here is of biblicalproportions! It was a feast for the eyes and thestomach. I took pictures for you to see what we areenjoying. Hand sliced buffet of meats, fish, andchicken. Gourmet rice dishes and potatoes. Freshvegetables and fruits that probably did not travel toofar from farm to table. Teens are enjoying localdishes of salads, grilled veggies, and all kinds ofwonderful breads and desserts that add so much flavor (get it!) to our Israel experience. Cannot waitfor breakfast!

This evening we visited the Western Wall Tunnels,which are amazing. “Just how did they do that,” is all you ask yourself as you explore this magnificentmarvel. In the coming days we will have much moretime to experience the Kotel, Western Wall, up closeand personal, and explore the may wonders ofJerusalem.

It is hard to believe that we are four days into ourY2I adventure. The days are full and fun, and they fly by. We wake up excited for what the day brings,and we end with anticipation for what lies ahead.

On behalf of Y2I 2013, with love from Jerusalem,Debbie Coltin

July 10, 2013 • On the Road to Jerusalem

The trip taught methe importance of having Jewishpride and stayingJewish. I now havea lot of new friendsand I feel moreconnected to theJewish communitybecause of Y2I.After the trip I realize that Judaism is morethan just my religion. I feel Judaism is an important part ofmy family culture,and I am proud tosay that I am aJew. Israel to me is a Jewish familyunited in one mainhomeland. Aftermeeting and talkingto some Israeliteens, I realize that we are all one big family.

Matt Batsinelas,Peabody

“

C

July 11, 2013 • Shofar Show Good

Really and truly, shofar show good! What a magnificent welcome ceremony awaited us thismorning on the Haas Promenade, overlookingJerusalem of our dreams. The breathtaking view,which you will see in our pictures, was the perfectbackdrop for our “shehehchehyanu” blessing, marking this most wonderful and special day.

Kids were in awe of the place. Right in front of us,Jerusalem, the holiest city in all its glory. Thousandsof years of history, places we read about, the storieswe all heard as children, right there before oureyes – Mt. Moriah, the place where Abraham almostsacrificed his son Isaac, the location of the Temple,and much, much more. Teens could not believe itwas all there waiting for us to discover.

Our welcome ceremony is one your children will remember for a lifetime. It was loud and joyous and an unbelievable celebration of our pilgrimage.The piercing sound of the shofar, the beating of thedrums, and melodies and words of songs we allknew (Hay-veinu Shalom Aleichem, Hava Nagila,etc.) brought us to our feet, jumping and dancing for joy. WOW, it was AWESOME! What a way to bewelcomed to Jerusalem!

We spent the morning exploring the Old City, walking in the footsteps of our forefathers and foremothers, prophets, kings and others, and addingour footsteps for our children to follow. What we experienced truly did span generations, dor l’dor,connecting us to the past and marking our spot forfuture generations.

We walked the ramparts of the Old City and eventually made our way to the Kotel (Wall), wherekids had plenty of time to insert their prayers, reflect,pray, and take it all in. It was truly a special morning.

We stopped and rested, enjoying a delicious lunchof bagel sandwiches. Lunch was outdoors, in theshade of course. What was so nice was that therewere other Jewish teen groups from around theworld, and our kids had plenty of time to strike upconversations and meet new people. They lovedthis! They got it about being part of our Jewish Family. The jumping off point with completestrangers was that we were all there for the samereason. It was easy for kids to talk to each other,sharing the fact what unites us is being Jewish.

It was on to Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel for a uniqueadventure of underground, wet exploration of this incredible site. Can you imagine any better way tolearn about the tunnel system than jumping right in and walking it? And, so we did!

And here we are, back at thehotel for a brief rest, followedby another dinner buffet of biblical proportions. (I forgot tomention the breakfast buffet,which truthfully, was unlike oneI ever had in Israel. YUMMYand so big!!)

Tonight we will experience the modern – a laserlight show in the City of David. Wait until your kidstell you about this!

It is hard to believe that tomorrow evening Shabbatwill arrive. Wow, will that be something here! We willbegin our day with a nature hike of the beautifulSataf, followed by a visit to Mahaneh Yehudah, “market,” where kids will experience the hustle and bustle of pre-Shabbat preparations.

We will enjoy a unique Shabbat of a Lifetime dinnertomorrow evening, beginning with a visit to the Kotel(Wall) followed by a traditional Shabbos dinner inhost family homes. Cannot wait! Our evening willend with a night walk back to the hotel, giving kidstime and space to process and share the experienceof a lifetime.

On behalf of Y2I 2013, I wish all of you Shabbat Shalom.

With love from Jerusalem,Debbie Coltin

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Y2I has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. The impact it has had on my life is almost unreal. Y2I haschanged my entire life and has made me change my perspective on how I live my life. I now take so much pride in being who I trulyam and how proud I am to be Jewish. Some say strangers are justfriends you haven’t met yet. But I say Jews are just family youhaven’t been introduced to yet.

Trevor Brown, Georgetown

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July 13, 2013 • Shabbat of a Lifetime

Yesterday was magnificent, a day teens will long remember. Anticipation of Shabbat arriving at sundown filled the air all around Jerusalem. The atmosphere feels different from any other day of theweek. People hustling and bustling about, greetingsof “Shabbat Shalom” or “Good Shabbos” from almost everyone we met, made us feel like we trulybelong here.

We began the day with a beautiful hike at the Sataf,where kids had the opportunity to be up close andpersonal with nature. The trees, the seven species(mentioned in Torah), little springs inside little caves,filled our senses with delight. Hiking is a favoritepastime for many Israelis. With such a beautiful landto explore, it is easy to understand why this is so.

Then it was on to Macheneh Yehudah (the “market”)for a shopping and eating extravaganza! It seemslike every resident of Jerusalem must have been at the market with us! The sights and sounds wereincredible, as were the smells of freshly bakedgoods (bubka of every kind, rugelach, etc.). Kids ate and shopped to their delight! I took pictures ofthe bounty for you all to see – huge watermelons, peppers, cucumbers, fish, and all kinds of othergoodies – that are for sale (at great prices!) at the market. I couldn’t help but think about all the delicious Shabbat meals that would be enjoyed thatevening, in honor of Shabbat, made from the freshgoodies available at one’s fingertips.

Teens spent a good partof the afternoon restingand enjoying the gorgeous pool at thehotel. We wanted themwell rested and in goodshape for our Shabbat of a Lifetime.

Around 6 p.m. we departed our hotel forthe Old City, making ourway to the Kotel (Wall).We stopped along theway to begin preparingourselves mentally and

spiritually for Shabbat. For some teens, celebratingShabbat is a regular occurrence. For others, this wasa first. For all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime Shabbat. We warmed up our voices and got our feet movingas we sang and danced our way to the Kotel. Once we arrived there, it was pure amazement.

Thousands, literally, thousands of people were theretoo. Jews from the world over. We were all there because we are Jewish. It is the place that beckonsto us, regardless of what we believe or how we worship, if at all. Kids didn’t know where to look first. They had about an hour to spend at the Kotel,singing, dancing, praying or just taking it all in. And, they did it all.

Ladies on one side, guys on the other. It seems likethere were tens of thousands of men when I peeredover the divider. At the Wall and for several rowsback, I saw a sea of black hats and coats. Very religious men totally engrossed in their prayers. The rest of the area was filled with men singing and dancing, scooping up every guy to join in theirdancing circles. It was unreal!

Many of our guys were swept up into dancing circles, and swept up with emotion. They never experienced anything like this. The feeling of one, offamily. Dancing with strangers, who are family. Oneof the boys told me the moment that had the mostimpact on him was when a guy to his right hookedarms with him, as did a soldier on his left, and in hewent, around and around. He became one with theothers. The theme of unity and oneness is what thisY2I teen said he felt.

The ladies’ side was remarkable as well. Our ladiesdanced in many circles on their way to the Wall.They, too, were deeply moved by the spontaneity of it all. Fun, family, friends, all wrapped up like aprecious gift at this most special place. Our time at the Wall is an hour of their lives they will remember forever.

Following our visit to the Wall, we split into busgroups and went to private homes for a traditionalShabbos dinner. I was part of Bus 1’s group, hostedby Rabbi Hillel and Chaya Lester, co-founders ofShalev Center for Personal Growth. Wow, did wegrow spiritually last evening! They were gracioushosts, giving of their time, patience, smiles, knowledge,and their home. Almost forty of us enjoyed dinnertogether, one that included foods from Jewish communities around the world. Dishes from Jewishcommunities of Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria,Israel, and others filled our bellies with food that was prepared with unbelievable love. The kids literally ate it up!

Rabbi Hillel explained Shabbat evening home rituals,including kiddush, ha-motsi, blessing his wife, andmore. Chaya facilitated a great discussion amongstus, allowing everybody at the table to share what

Going on Y2I hasgiven me spectacularfriends, made mestronger as a person, and mademe realize that theJewish people arehere to stay no matter what anyonehas to say.

Riley Sugarman, Marblehead

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they were feeling about Israel. I only wish I couldhave recorded for you what they said. Y2I is havinga life-changing impact on them already. She askedthem to describe their feelings. Here is a samplingof some responses: “Feels like home.” “Feels likefamily.” “Feels like I belong.” “Feels like I finally foundmyself.” “Feels like I get it – what being Jewish is allabout.” And on, and on, and on.

Teens shared their favorite moments too, whichranged from the “Welcome Home” greeting andhandshake at the airport to Being at the Kotel on Friday night, and those moments In between, suchas dancing circles and tunnel walks. I look forwardto hearing more from teens about the impact thatY2I and Israel have on their Jewish identity at theend of our stay here.

This morning we strolled to the Israel Museum andviewed the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are amazing.Lots of wonderful exhibits at the Israel Museum, including sculptures and the beautiful grounds.

Another restful few hours, and then we wrap up our stay in Jerusalem with a visit to Ben YehudahStreet this evening for more shopping, fun, sites and sounds.

Tomorrow we will be off for the desert! Camels arewaiting! Along the way we will pick up 24 Israeliteens for the mifgash (encounter), and they will joinus for the next four days.

You kids are great, having fun, changing and growing every day.

Will write to you after our stay in the desert.

On behalf of Y2I 2013, with love from our last day in Jerusalem,

Debbie Coltin

July 15, 2013 • A Day of Highs and Lows

Sunday marked the beginning of the last third of our Y2I Adventure, with the arrival of 24 Israeli teens and our destination the Negev – south to the desert.

Before the Israelis arrived, we heard from Doron Kornbluth, author and lecturer,who presented inspiring thoughts for us to think about regarding being and stayingJewish. The essence of Doron’s talk was about the miracles of the Jewish Peopleand the existence of the State of Israel. Essentially, he touched on three areas:

1. The survival of the Jewish People against all odds. Despite being persecutedand exiled for centuries, and despite being so small in numbers, the Jewish People have survived. We can take great pride in the fact that we are the oldestnation and religion on earth, with a chain of tradition that goes back thousandsof years. Doron remarked about Mark Twain’s fascination with this detail, havingwritten and published articles about our survival and contributions. If you wantto read mark Twain’s piece, it is called “About the Jews.”

2. Our accomplishments far exceed our numbers. Despite being less than one-quarter of one percent of the world’s population, Jewish people have made,and continue to make remarkable contributions to all fields of human endeavor,which improve the quality of life for all. Testament to this fact is the number ofNobel Prize winners who are Jewish – a bit more than 20%; and the numberwho are of Jewish ancestry – about 33%. Last year Doron was lecturing in Swedenimmediately after the announcement of the Nobel Prize winners. He asked hishost if he had ever thought about the number of Jewish winners. The host saidthey are not allowed to talk about it, but all are well aware. How interesting….

3. Our return to the Land of Israel. Despite being in exile for thousands of years,the Jewish People returned to the Land of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy of beinga “Light unto the Nations.” Israel was turned from nothing (swamp land, desert)to a gorgeous and thriving country, a place where roses bloom in the desert,and start-ups are higher than any place else on earth. How incredible for such a small country!

Doron gave teens some great answers to the question “Why Be Jewish?”.

Immediately following Doron’s presentation, we toured the Ayalon ammunitionsfactory, where we heard the fascinating story about how the early defense forcemanufactured ammunitions in a secret underground factory. It was quite an unbelievable story of will, determination and ingenuity.

And then finally, the moment everyone waited for…the arrival of 24 Israelis. It was fantastic! Kids instantly introduced themselves, mingled, and began thegetting-to-know you process without any prompts from adults. From the momentof their arrival, it’s been terrific, with new friendships forming all the time.

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It never ceases to amaze me how quickly teens discover what they have in common, and they take it from there. New friendships are forming, ones thatwill last long past the trip, adding to the richness of the Y2I experience.

Together we all enjoyed an authentic Israeli lunch –pita, salad, and chips (French fries), which was so incredibly yummy! The pictures say it all.

Following lunch, we made our way to the million-star hotel in the desert – the Bedouin tent. It was a beautiful night, complete with camel rides, drumming circle, and roasted marshmallows.

It was early lights out because at 2:30 a.m. we were up and on the road by 3:15 a.m. We made it to Masada before sunrise, and then ascended themountain, by foot, in time to see the dawning of a new day. Truly inspiring. We toured the fortress,which is another incredible piece of our history, and then we made our way down, on foot, via theSnake Path. We did all this by 8 a.m.!

And here we are, by the shore of the Dead Sea, theLOWEST POINT ON EARTH, for a restful morning

of floating in the Sea, swimming in the pool, and another delicious lunch buffet. Perhaps a few adventurous souls will cover themselves with thetherapeutic mud of the Sea.

I am indoors, enjoying the view, as I write this update. But I am looking out and seeing how muchfun your children are having.

After lunch we will head to Neve Ilan, our final hotelon the trip. Neve Ilan, a beautiful resort hotel, is onthe outskirts of Jerusalem, and it boasts beautifulgrounds, breathtaking sunsets, and of course, memorable buffets.

Tonight teens are in for a real special program. Haddasah and Tzlila Bau, daughters of Joseph andCyla Bau, will talk about their parents’ remarkablestory of survival (Holocaust). Their parents’ marriagewas featured in the movie Shindler’s List. Josephwent on to become Israel’s first illustrator and heworked for the Mossad (Israel’s Secret Service). Part history lesson, part storytelling, and part entertainment, tonight’s program will help prepareteens for our visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s HolocaustMuseum and Memorial.

It’s crazy to think how much we have done in oneshort week. With a few days left to go, I already hearwords of sadness coming from teens that they wishit wasn’t going by so fast. I feel the same…

Y2I 2013 is proving to be a special and memorablegroup. Your kids are great and we are all enjoyingthis wonderful adventure together.

On behalf of Y2I 2013, with love from the shores of the Dead Sea, Israel,

Debbie Coltin

As a result of this trip, I definitely feel more pride in being Jewish andthe importance of keeping future generations of my family Jewish.

Joshua Yanofsky, Peabody ”“

Traveling to Israel with Y2I was a life changing experience. Traveling to Israel with Y21 taught me the significance of being Jewish and the importance of staying Jewish.

Hannah Cohen, Marblehead

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July 18, 2013 • We Are Family

During our closing session last night, one of theteens remarked that she understood what I meantwhen I said that our Israel adventure will be over ina blink of an eye. Here we are, our final full day in Israel. How did time pass so quickly?

At our opening session during our first day in Israel,Amnon Weigler, owner of the tour company Y2Iuses, encouraged teens to open their memory banksand fill them with experiences they will have duringtheir stay in Israel. Then, throughout their lifetimes,Amnon explained that teens should pull from theirmemory banks those experiences, and the feelingsthe experiences elicit, to enrich their lives. Teensheeded Amnon’s advice, and they are returninghome richer, fuller, and changed in some way.

We had an incredible program the night we returnedfrom our desert experience. It was Tisha B’Av, a dayof mourning, marking the destruction of the Templein Jerusalem. It is a solemn time, a day of fasting, so everything was closed. However, Hadassah andTzlilah Bau, daughters of Joseph and Cyla Bau, wereour guest presenters. Teens had the opportunity tosee Joseph’s unique art, to hear his incredible storyof survival of the Holocaust, and to be inspired byhis life’s lessons. Be sure to ask your kids about theBau sisters and Joseph Bau.

We began our day on Wednesday with a walkingtour of beautiful Jaffa (Yafo), the ancient port on the Mediterranean Sea. Jaffa is the setting for manybiblical stories, and to be there was pretty cool forthe kids. What was also impressive is that you canstand by the shore in Jaffa, a place that is thousandsof years old, and look down the shoreline, and seethe modern city of Tel Aviv, complete with skyscrapersand symbols of modernity. The contrast is awesome.Israel, a place where the past is present, and thepresent moves forward.

This is what I love about Israel. The past is verymuch part of daily life. The past is not forgotten or merely looked upon as a site to visit. It is thefoundation upon which this gorgeous country isbuilt, the very foundation that sustains it. The past is woven into the fabric and psyche of Israeli society,influencing Israel’s future. The past is a testament to our collective history, where have we have beenand what we can accomplish. Like no other place on earth, Israel is the manifestation of the Jewish will to survive and to flourish.

From Jaffa we continued on to Tel Aviv, including anemotional visit to Independence Hall, the very placewhere Israel was declared a State in 1948. What a

story!! We heard the actual recording ofthe moment of declaration, followed byHatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. HavingIsraeli teens with us made the momenteven more special. For them, this was an exceptionally proud and patriotic moment,reflected by tears they shed. This was oneof those times for our memory banks.

We ended our day at a most special partyin our honor. Families of the Israeli teenswho are with us in Y2I hosted a dinner forus. Singing, dancing, food, a visit from the mayorand deputy mayor of Petah Tikvah and other dignitaries came to meet us as well. Our kids lovedmeeting their Israeli friends’ families, and they wereembraced by mamas and papas, and brothers andsisters, and grandparents too. The feeling of FAMILYwas particularly strong for our kids, and many talkedabout this last night at our closing session.

Yesterday we visited Atlit, the British camp, whererefugees from the Holocaust were detained whenthey were sent from wherever they survived to here.Another amazing site to see, and inspirational storyto hear. I recommend Anita Diamant’s Day afterNight if you want to read a fascinating story of courage, survival, and determination.

Then it was on to the Druze village of Ossafiya for a traditional home-cooked Druze feast. Absolutely delicious! It was fascinating to learn about the secretDruze religion, and how Druze are loyal to the country in which they live, in this case, Israel.

And then…the moment the kids did not want tocome…departure of the Israeli teens. Before theyleft, we gave them plenty of time to debrief the mifgash experience in small groups. What incrediblediscussions took place. This was a time for teens to sit and really dialogue, discovering ways thatAmericans can support Israelis and vice versa. Itwas a time to cement the bonds that formed, and tomake commitments to love and support our Family.This circle time also gave our kids an opportunity tobreathe, reflect and begin to process Y2I’s impacton them. Counselors took a back seat and let teenstalk amongst themselves. But, tears flowed from oureyes as we listened to the positive impact of Y2I on their lives. This experience has impacted Israeliteens as much as it has your children, and for teens to hear from each other was a very powerfulexperience.

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Israel is a true testament to the capability of theJewish people, who despite theirethnic and culturalbackgrounds cametogether to form aprosperous state.This is why Israelmeans so much to me; it is a realrepresentation of the Jewish people and theirdetermination tocreate a place that is safe for theJewish people.Going to Israelchanged my life,and I will never forget this amazingexperience in realizing what Israelmeans to me.

Jesse Cohan, Marblehead

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Then it was a long, emotional, and wonderful good-bye, which was more like “until we see eachother again…”

We concluded our night with more time for teens totalk. And talk they did. I am so proud of them. Theyshared their feelings, how they have changed, andwhat Israel means to them. With a hearty round ofapplause, they thanked Bob Lappin and the entireNorth Shore Jewish community for giving them thispriceless and life changing experience. Ask themabout the pin they got that will remind them to “remember,” and ask them what it is they remember.

Just when I didn’t think the day could get any better,it did. Our hotel has some Holocaust survivors hereon their annual vacation. Your beautiful childrenwent into the lobby, introduced themselves, and satto listen to their stories. This moment could not havebeen better planned. It was particularly emotionalfor some of our kids, since they never met a survivor. Realizing that soon all survivors will begone, teens latched on to this moment, and for sure, added this one to their memory banks.

Today we conclude our Israel adventure with a visitto Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust,and to Mt. Herzl, the final resting place for thosewho gave their lives to defend our homeland Israel.It will be a somber day, but one that is full of hopeand inspiration. After all, we are in Israel, and we are seeing firsthand what people lived and died for.

Our farewell dinner will be a festive one, and thenoff we go, to the airport, for our journey home.

Wow, what an incredible time I have had with Y2I2013. I love your kids! I hope you see the growththey have made. Some changes will be pretty evident and some may take a while for you to see.Teens may want to share right away, and others mayneed some time to process this experience. Theyare tired, and need some sleep. But, they are alsoexcited and will probably want to run right out tosee their friends, many of them new, to continue the Y2I feeling.

Emails have been sent to teens reminding them tocomplete the evaluation and write the essay. Pleaseremind them to do so early next week. We are looking forward to their feedback.

I hope to see everyone at the special Y2I WelcomeHome Event on Sunday, August 25, 2 p.m. at Temple B’nai Abraham in Beverly. Bring the family!! It will be fabulous!

Thank you for the extraordinary opportunity totake your children to Israel. On behalf of Y2I2013, with love from Israel,

Debbie Coltin

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Traveling with Y2I to Israel was truly a lifechanging experience. This trip allowed me to reflect on being Jewish. I have neverbeen more proud in my life to be Jewish.After visiting Israel, not only do I feel extremely proud to be Jewish, but I will nolonger hide the fact that I am a Jew. Beingand remaining Jewish has suddenly becomevery important to me. I did not make it one of my important values at first, but after going to Israel, I can say that I will stay Jewish for a lifetime.

Ariel Friedman, Swampscott

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The sun seemed like it would never go downand that was perfectly fine for me. As wedanced the twilight away, it finally hit me –

this is what family feels like. A feeling of brotherly love evenamong strangers I only met minutes before. As the sun finally set on that glorious Shabbos eve, I felt if the Y2I trip had to end at that moment,dayenu – it would have beenenough for me.

Eli Korson-Silverlieb, Marblehead

This experience is one I truly will never forget. It could not have gone any more perfectly. As I’m writing this to you, I can feelmy eyes begin to water because the amountof happiness this trip brought to me was remarkable. I am so proud to be Jewish and I care deeply about Israel.

Bianca Kostinden, Swampscott

To me, Y2I provided an extremely life changing experience that I will never forget.Before Y2I, Judaism was merely a concept.Now, however, it is representative of friendship, adventure, and devotion.Throughout my life Israel had always beensuch a foreign misconception. I believed thatviolence and hate ran rampant through thestreets, communities were divided, andpeace was an unattainable idea. However,after visiting I discovered that not only is Israel breathtakingly beautiful, it is a land of hope, technology, innovation and most importantly, peace. Before the trip, I wasdreading this new experience. I expected itto be a good opportunity but it turned out to be more than that. I did not want to leaveon the last day. Israel felt like home, and the friends I made felt like my family.

Karli Kovner, Marblehead

At some point in every person’s life they feelas though they are a minority. This is a dailyoccurrence for Jewish teens in the NorthShore. For me living in Hamilton I am one ina very few people that are Jewish. AlthoughI went to Cohen Hillel Academy for 9 years I had never gotten the sense of what it trulymeans to be Jewish until I went to Israel. If it were not for Y2I then I would have noidea when or if I would ever make my way to Israel. After going to Israel I have realizedwhat it truly means to be Jewish and how I should be proud of being Jewish. This wassuch an amazing experience and will staywith me for the rest of my life.

Samantha Krinsky, Hamilton

Y2I has done unbelievable things for myJewish identity. Y2I did not only enhancedmy Jewish identity, it formed it. It showed mewhat it means to be Jewish, who I am as aJew, and what it means to others. Israelmeans more than I can even comprehend orwrite down; it’s just an overwhelming feelingthat something like the Holy Land is a place I can personally call home. Y2I means to meso much more than I can process. I made 93 new friends, with whom I already shareda bond. I discovered the truth behind whatIsrael is and what it means to me. I found anew sense of pride in being Jewish. And Ifound another home. All of this combinedhas led to Y2I’s impact on my life. Now Iknow I can go to Israel if all else fails, now I know who I am as a Jew and to me that’sremarkable.

Mike Kuznetsov, Marblehead

In Their Own Words…Excerpts of Post-Trip Essays Written by Y2I 2013 Teens

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2013 Recipient of the Friend of Israel Award

Dr. Marvin R. Wilson is the Harold J. Ockenga Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College, Wenham, MA. He holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University in the field of

Semitics and Mediterranean Studies. At Gordon College, Dr. Wilson’s teaching specialty is OldTestament, Jewish Studies and the Hebraic origins of Christianity. Overall, Dr. Wilson’s professionalteaching career spans more than five decades, including forty-two years at Gordon College.

An active writer, Dr. Wilson has authored or edited nine books. His widely used textbook, Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith (Wm. B. Eerdmans) was singled out amongChristian publishers as an “all-time best seller” in the field of religion. Based on this book, a two-hour TV documentary titled Jews & Christians: A Journey of Faith was produced by AuteurProductions. The documentary premiered on Connecticut Public Television and since has aired

on more than two hundred PBS stations.

Dr. Wilson’s extensive publications include more than 200 articles and reviews in scholarly works and general religious periodicals. He alsoserved as an Old Testament translator and editor of the New InternationalVersion, currently the best-selling Bible in the English-speaking world.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Wilson has labored extensively tobuild bridges of understanding and respect between Christians and Jews.He served as organizer and co-chair of four national conferences of Christians and Jews. For more than a decade Dr. Wilson served on the Committee on Church Relations and the Holocaust at the U.S. Holocaust

Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. He has served on the board of directors of the HolocaustCenter Boston North since its inception.

Dr. Wilson has made 26 study tours of Israel and the Middle East and has lectured widely inchurches, synagogues and at conferences. Dr. Wilson has many professional honors. These include five different awards for “Excellence of Teaching” presented at various college commencements. He is also recipient of the Leonard P. Zakim Humanitarian Award from the Anti-Defamation League, the B’nai B’rith Person of the Year Award, the Shield of Abraham Interfaith Programming Trophy of the North Shore Jewish Federation, and the Social Justice and Human Rights Award of the Holocaust Center Boston North.

“Thank you, Marv and Polly, for

your support of Israel and for your

friendship. The Jewish community

is blessed by your love and support

for our Family. I love you both.”

Robert Israel Lappin

L A P P I N F O U N DAT I O N C O N G R AT U L AT E S

Marvin R. Wilson, Ph.D.