A Leadership and Values Adventure

Our students with Sen. Frank Lautenberg (center).

In December, approxiamately 95 students -- including five from our very own Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School -- from five communities attended the 2010 Panim el Panim seminar through the PANIM Instititute for Jewish Leadership and Values of BBYO.

Students explored the issue of homelessness through two powerful programs: a presentation by DC-area homeless individuals organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless, and a PANIM program called "Street Torah," in which the students met the homeless on the street, listened to their stories, and distributed clothing and toiletries the students had brought from home.

The students heard from Jonathan Kessler of AIPAC, where they were updated on the current situation in the Middle East and the work AIPAC is currently involved in, and discussed America-Israel relations. They also learned many tips on how to advocate effectively, especially on behalf of Israel.

The students were prepped on lobbying skills prior to their visit to Capitol Hill. At the Hill students met with the legislative director for Sen. Robert Menendez, as well as Sen. Frank Lautenberg.

The students were able to see the sights of Washington D.C. during their visit to the White House, Monuments, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and the Library of Congresss. At the Library of Congress, our high school students had the unique opportunity to observe rare Judaic manuscripts, including one of the earliest Bibles from 15th century Italy.

Stay tuned for more on our students' endeavors and experiences!