4 1111111111111111111111111111111111111MIMP .
being jewish
spreading the word
by Laura Katsnelson
continued from page TT3
Passover dilemma
ublic-school teens vary in observance of the holiday.
A
s Passover 2010 approaches, each Jewish teenager in public
school has a decision to make: Should he/she keep Pass-
over? According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports, ap-
pro ximately 85-90 percent of Jewish kids in America attend secular
publ is schools, making this a question that produces far-reaching
consequences.
On one hand, these mainly Reform and Conservative Jews may feel
obligated to keep this eight-day connection to their faith. But on the oth-
er hand, the temptations and isolation that come with public-school life
make it all the more difficult.
Walled Lake Western High School, a local public school whose Jewish
population is noticeable yet not dominant, is an example of such a setting.
Senior Chad Schram, 17, of West Bloomfield says, "I would really want to
do more to keep Passover, but I only do it partly."
Many students like Chad won't eat bread but may buy cookies in the
cafeteria or eat cereal for breakfast. "High school is so busy; it's hard to
spend time planning out my meals so I usually end up buying food," he
says. "And there are a lot of temptations, especially at lunch."
However, some kids at WLW go out of their way to control their diets
during the holiday. Junior Alex Meisel of Farmington Hills and senior
Scott Klein of West Bloomfield keep Passover to the extent that they do
not eat yeast and bring lunches to school. Both say they make the effort
because of the way they were raised. Alex adds that it gives "a sense of
tradition that makes me feel connected and accomplished." Scott, who
considers himself a Conservative Jew, says, "I feel like it's something I
need to do ... it's a custom that I should continue."
The diversity at WLW is usually seen as a great thing by its Jewish
students, but during Passover it can be hard to have friends who don't
quite understand what a Haggadah is. Still, Scott says that his non-Jewish
friends respect his decision to keep Passover and go so far as to support
him during the week.
It seems that while keeping Passover in public school is not simple, it is
very possible if one packs the right food and finds the right company. "Ac-
tually, my friends look forward to Passover time," Alex
says with a laugh. "They like matzah, so I always bring
extra to give out!" H
organization. The leadership experiences, the people I've met and things
I've learned during the last four years have inspired me more than anything.
BBYO has allowed me to realize my potential as a teen, and it has taught me
I can make a real difference in the world.
"I've gained a deeper understanding of who I am as a Jew, and I've made
friends from across the globe I share such a deep connection with. Besides
that, it's important to me that BBYO stays strong for years to come so more
teenagers like me can experience all that BBYO has to offer."
Was it a difficult decision to run for Grand Aleph Godol?
"It was probably the hardest decision I've ever made. It was a choice be-
tween moving on to college with all my friends or risking it all and running
for the opportunity of a lifetime. I knew the choice would affect my life for
the next several years. I spent nearly two months going back and forth and
talking to people. I realized the opportunity was too great to turn down."
How did you react during elections?
"There were seven candidates and each of us delivered speeches and an-
swered questions. As nervous as I was, it was the best delivery I had ever
given and it was the greatest feeling of relief knowing I gave
it my best shot. "After voting, we were narrowed down to
two. We were each asked a question and, after more voting,
the current president announced I had won. Even now, I still
can't believe I won. It truly is a remarkable feeling."
Sam Gringlas, 16, is a sophomore at North Farmington High School.
teens in action
continued from page TT2
After brunch, guests potted trees for Tu B'shevat and in the spirit of re-
newal. The 3Gs will plant the trees at survivors' homes in the spring. The
event was a wonderful way to show our appreciation to the survivors and it
was special for them to spend time together and share their memories.
Their strength, courage and perseverance will long be remembered by
future generations.
Author Elie Wiesel said, "Link your destiny to that of your people." Our
existence is an affirmation and a proud link in the
chain that perpetuates our grandparents' legacies
and that of the Jewish people. { }
Michelle Kappy, 18, and Anna Eisenberg, 16, co-chairs of
Laura Katsne !son, 17, is a senior at Walled Lake Western
the Third Generation of Holocaust Survivors, are students
High School.
at Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield.
teen2teen staff •
Teens,
Party we
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Pages' the want
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hotline: (248) 351-5144 • kcohen@thejewishnews.com
Reporters I Eryn Fox, Molly Goldmeier, Molly Grossman, Elizabeth Kirshner, Ruthie Lehmann, Avi Mendelson, Avielle Movsas,
Stephanie Schulman, Yona Isaacs (Akiva Hebrew Day School, Southfield); Gabriella Ring, Erica Sachse (Berkley); Nechama Tawil
(Beth Jacob, Oak Park); Teddi Cantor, Alexa Eisenberg, Rachel Gorosh, Lauren Lewis, Sara Smoler, Carly Sternberg, Rachael Vettese,
Rachel Wein (Bloomfield Hills Andover); Abby Hyman (Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood); Emily Zussman (Detroit Country Day,
Beverly Hills); Adieu Applebaum, Rachel Brown, Tamar Brown, Carly Cykiert, Hillary Dorman, Anna Eisenberg, Polina Fradkin, Helene
Glickman, Emily Goodman, Rachel Goutman, Dan Hacker, Jessica Kahn, Michelle Kappy, Atara Lakritz, Rachel Margolin, Andrew
Milgrom, Blake Orman, Maddy Soltz, Samantha Zwick (Frankel Jewish Academy, West Bloomfield); Mayer Schneider (home schooled);
Robert Axelrod (Huron, Ann Arbor); Bassie Rabin (Lubavitch Seminary/Montreal); Sam Gringlas (North Farmington); Lily Grier
Let us know when your party is
and we might catch you on film
or send us your pictures at
partypa ges@thejewishnews.com
im ages must not exceed 5mb,
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TT4 teen2teen March 18.2010
(Orchard Lake Middle School, West Bloomfield); Laura Katsnelson (Walled Lake Western); Ben Eilender, Jennifer Finkel, Bridget Labe
(West Bloomfield); Mackenzie Coden (West Bloomfield Walnut Creek)
Photographers I Jessica Polk (Frankel), Colton Graub (Cranbrook-Kingswood )
supervising staff
Chief Operating Officer I F. Kevin Browett
Editorial Director I Robert Sklar
Executive Editor I Keri Guten Cohen
Creative Director I Deborah Schultz
IT Director I Deanna Spivey
Teen Consultant I Jon Layne
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