feature: teen profile
indsay Alexis, 16, of Birmingham and Brandon Lebow-
itz, 17, of West Bloomfield were two of 20 BBYO par-
ticipants from around the country who spent 10 days of
business exploration in New York City this summer.
Chosen by the Michigan Region B'nai B'rith Youth Organization,
they were part of "Project NYC," a program designed to present
college-bound teens different career paths in the business world
and introduce them to various business leaders.
taking on
NYC
by Stephanie Steinberg
The teens also participated in a marketing competition similar
to TV's The Apprentice.
"We were given a fictional location near Baruch College, and
we needed to develop a business there and create a business plan,"
Brandon said.
His group created a nightclub, while Alexis's group devel-
oped a restaurant. "The restaurant had an appeal to differ-
ent people within the city and it featured different local
bands," Alexis said.
Afterward, the groups presented their business plans to
a formal board of directors. Alexis said the most stressful part
of the experience was when her group's entire presentation got
erased on the computer. "We had worked on the presentation all
week and I had less than an hour to redo it," she said.
Her group managed to put it together in time. As a result,
Alexis won the award for the person from her team who exempli-
fied the best business qualities. Brandon's group ended up win-
ning the challenge.
Additionally, the teens met with influential Jewish businessmen
who were either BBYO or United Synagogue Youth alumni.
Brandon liked meeting the director of the National Basketball As-
sociation, while Alexis enjoyed meeting Michael Jordan's agent, Estee
Portnoy.
Lindsay Alexis, left, and Brandon Lebowitz, back left, stroll with other BBYO
"Project NYC" participants in New York.
musicals, loved seeing Legally Blonde on Broadway. "It was my first time
in New York City and the other 19 teens had already been there, so I
was the most excited about seeing everything," she said.
Both Brandon and Alexis said the experience has helped them fo-
cus on what to do for their future careers. Brandon plans to major in
finance. Alexis still is contemplating her choices.
"I always wanted to go into entertainment, but then I went on this
trip and it opened my eyes to other things I would be interested in,"
she said.
For now, both are concentrating on getting accepted to college as
The teens also got to visit museums, see a New York Mets baseball
game, explore Times Square and visit Wall Street.
"We got to see jobs I never knew existed, but really matter in our
world, whether it's sports or business-related," Alexis said.
Alexis, who is involved with Bloomfield Hills Andover High School's
T2T torah: vayishlach
well as running Michigan Region BBYO. Brandon is in
Kishon chapter and is gadol (president) of AZA, while
Alexis is in Kulanu BBG and is assisting her chapter
with planning for Regional Convention Dec. 24-28.
Stephanie Steinberg, 17, attends North Farmington High
School.
a note from the editor
November 24 , 2007 — by Danielle DePriest
Israel: a name fit for Jacob and the Jewish state
I wait patiently, or not so patiently rather, for the day when
my 50 classmates and I will travel to Israel to culminate
our high school years. I spend many nights contemplating
how deeply rooted the connection the Jewish people have
to the land of Israel. As a people, Israel is an inextricable
part of our past, present and future. The unwavering
strength behind this connection is evident in this week's
parsha.
This week we read parshat Vayishlach, in which Jacob
wrestles with and then defeats an angel, only to be blessed
by this angel with a new and important name, Israel. The
name Israel is fitting for Jacob, as it has been a fitting name
for the Jewish homeland. It may be defined as "he who pre-
vails with God," referring to Jacob's struggle with and cham-
pionship over an angel of God.
This name is a manifestation of the history and the fu-
ture of the state of Israel as a nation that, despite obstacles
B2 teen2teen November • 2007
of all shapes and sizes, overcomes and prevails both as a
Jewish state and a people of God. Throughout the state's
existence, we have seen Israel prevail through difficult wars
and tense political situations. It has remained a Jewish
homeland to Jews living within the physical boundaries of
Israel and others throughout the world.
As a teen in today's world of uncertainty and forgotten
values, it is a comfort to have this definition of Israel to
"prevail with God." As more and more teens travel to Israel,
with hearts open to God and the land He has helped to
triumph, we see that this name given to Jacob and to the
Jewish state has acted as a self-fulfilling
prophecy in the past and for the future.
Dear Readers:
I'm very proud to announce the launch of our Teen2Teen Web
site at www.JNt2t.com! Here you'll meet T2T staff members,
read stories that go beyond our printed pages, post and view
photos of other Jewish teens from our area, enjoy the thoughts
of teen bloggers and much more.
In partnership with PartyLayne, you'll be able to see and
post photos from teen-oriented parties and events on Par-
tyPages shortly after they happen. Just one more way to keep
track of your friends — old and new.
To make JNt2t.com a success, we need your help. Send us
your photos, add comments to stories and blogs, and be part
of the action. Check it out.
B'shalomi
Danielle DePriest, 17, is a senior at the
Frankel Jewish Academy In West Bloom-
field.
Keri Guten Cohen
Executive Editor