NCSY Kollel at a Shiva Asar B'Tammuz kumzitz
NCSY
A COMMITMENT TO OUR YOUTH
VISIT NCSY
Tessa Veksler exemplifies what it means to be a young Jewish leader and Israel advocate. After spending a month in Israel on one of our renowned programs, The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), Tessa became involved with both NCSY’s NorCal chapter and the West Coast Jewish Student Union. And as the first Shabbat-observant student body president at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she stands up for Jewish students while facing down antisemitism, hateful messaging and ad hominem attacks. Steadfast in her commitment to Israel’s right to exist, Tessa has traveled across the U.S. to share her story and cultivate Jewish pride.
To follow Tessa’s journey and support her advocacy, look for @tessaveksler on Instagram.
"We launched the 2023-24 NCSY Israel season with much excitement. With our impact skyrocketing, we were looking forward to new staff training opportunities and events. Then, in an instant, everything changed.
“I received a phone call immediately after Simchat Torah ended, instructing me to make my way to a base to collect equipment before reporting to a combat casualty evacuation unit at the northern border. The order upended my world, of course, but the most immediate issue was that my day job is hardly 9-to-5. As NCSY Israel co-regional director, it’s my responsibility to inspire nearly 500 teens to build a deeper relationship with their Jewishness. How could our mission move forward?
“And yet, it did. Though nearly half the male staff was called to the front lines, the remaining members of our NCSY Israel family maintained their service. New chavrutot were started and old ones continued; Shabbaton protocols were tweaked to ensure security; and unique memories — think: organizing housing in a shelter while under missile fire — were created.
"In quite a trying situation, the OU proved itself to be an outstanding organization, providing crucial war-related funding and support that ensured NCSY Israel would continue its meaningful work. And that is what we did, producing one of the most impactful years in NCSY Israel’s history.”
“My life has never been typical. I spent time in foster care, including in a home that was not Jewish, where my Judaism was all up to me. I found myself losing my connection to God: How could I have faith when He had abandoned me?
“I was the ‘Jewish kid’ in public school, and though I had previously considered that a small part of who I was, I came to realize Judaism was a huge piece of my identity.
“In 11th grade, I went on NCSY’s Yarchei Kallah program to New York. A woman spoke about the importance of lighting Shabbat candles, and for some reason it resonated with me. The next weekend, I decided not to go with friends to a basketball game on Friday night, staying home to light candles instead. Next thing I knew, my phone was blowing up: There had been an active shooter at the game, and my usual hang-out spot had been in the line of fire.
“Something shifted after that, and I embarked on a journey toward God. It wasn’t easy. But I have been keeping Shabbat for nine months now and counting.
“I’ve learned that before a seed can blossom, it must first break down. I’m so grateful to have my NCSY family and community encouraging and supporting me along the way.”
“I grew up going to Jewish day schools and got involved with NCSY in middle school. But in high school, I grew busy with sports, clubs and theater, and my connection to NCSY and Judaism lost focus.
“One day in 10th grade, Rabbi T. invited me to a Shabbat dinner at his house. That meal was my reintroduction to NCSY, a refreshing reunion with people I hadn’t seen in so long.
“I began attending NCSY events regularly. Soon enough, I was headed to a yeshiva in Israel for a gap year, which turned into me deciding to opt-out of the slot waiting for me at Northeastern to stay for shana bet. Without a doubt, the protests on campus after October 7th played a role. They were absolutely eyeopening, allowing me to see my future clearly.
“NCSY has given me the courage to continue growing in my Jewish life, and for that I’m grateful.”
