feature: by Talia Schechet a blessing in disguise observant way of life sparks contemplation for teen at diverse FJA. cannot drive, cook, or use other forms of electricity on Shabbat or Chagim), there are various holidays that require weeks of planning and consideration. On Passover, those families who adhere strictly to halachah (Jewish law) climb figurative mountains to ensure that all dishes are cleansed of chametz (leavened bread) and that all chametz substances are under the supervision of the highest rabbinic authority. While the majority of the Jewish world fasts on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the Orthodox community observes fast days that are sometimes unknown to other Jews. I never thought about my family's In a posed photo, Tana Schechet helps ready her home for a typical Shabbat. practices until I enrolled at the Fran- kel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield. Now a t's Friday afternoon and the Orthodox community is in frenzy. Mothers make freshman, I have the privilege of attending school ,AL last-minute dashes to the bakery, pressured with kids from all denominations of Judaism. Natu- to put dinner on the table before their sunset rally, some students are curious about my customs. deadline. Children return home from school I'm often asked, "How do you keep Shabbat when and shower hastily so that they can assist their you can't drive to see friends? What do you do all parents with the required preparations. Fathers day?" My new school environment has highlighted dif- are constantly on the move, rushing from work ferences between my lifestyle and that of other Jew- to synagogue with barely a spare moment. In other words, it's the average pre-Shabbat ish teens. Because many of my friends do not check state of affairs. A bystander might ask, "Why all the for rabbinic symbols on their food while outside of school, I must become increasingly vigilant about commotion?" It's true, following an observant way of life can doing so myself. Their questions and choices have triggered be trying in a society where perpetual stress and ex- haustion rule. In addition to Shabbat's weekly race thoughts about my own. I have considered the against time (according to Orthodox practice, one meaning behind a few of my contrasting rituals, primarily Shabbat. This contemplation has brought me both a firmer sense of self-identity and a more appreciative view of my traditions. The hectic pre-Shabbat atmosphere pays off when Shabbat arrives. "Shabbat" literally means stop, or rest. Because I can't hop in a car on Satur- days and spend the day shopping at the mall with friends, I create and strengthen other relationships. During the busy school week, I don't always have the time to communicate properly with my family; on Shabbat, time spent together is abundant. I also see neighborhood friends whom I would probably lose touch with if not for my "immobility." Prohibited from driving, I am instead driven to immerse myself in my community. Saturday after- noons are spent being a madricha (counselor) at my local synagogue for B'nei Akiva, the largest reli- gious Zionist youth movement in the world. While some teens would think a day without tex- ting, Facebook or TV inconceivable, the personal reward is priceless. During this 25-hour period, I reap the benefits of calm, spirituality and time to reflect on my week — things technology robs from us every day. I think about how I can reconstruct my life so that I am enabled to live both healthier and happier. Shabbat is just one example of the many religious practices that may seem to be re- strictive challenges. In truth, they are blessings in disguise. { Talia Schechet, 15, is a freshman at Frankel Jewish Academy In West Bloomfield. inner focus by Batsheva Honig my Jewish soul S o what's a nice, Jewish public high school girl like me do- ing learning Torah for a week during my winter vacation? It's simple. My mom made me go; and I will be grateful to her forever be- cause it has changed how I see the world and my place in it. NCSY's Yarchei Kallah made it possible for me to embrace Judaism in ways I had never experienced before; and it was awesome! This was my first NCSY event. My mom sold me on the idea by ex- TT2 teen2teen Janaury 20.2011 winter vacation at NYSY's Yarchei Kallah helps teen embrace Judaism. plaining that Yarchei Kallah was an extraordinary opportunity for me to meet other Jewish teens like myself. It was so much more than that. The true highlight of the trip was learning about Torah and mesorah Uewish traditions) in ways I never thought possible. I knew I wanted to learn more about Judaism; but until Yarchei Kallah, I never realized how much I had been missing out on. The atmosphere at the Stamford Hilton in Connecticut was energized by 200 teens from across the country. All week, we engaged in fun activities while also breaking into group ses- sions where we delved into thought- provoking discussions about Jewish concepts and openly shared our per- sonal insights. It made me want to learn and know more about Judaism and how it is relevant to me as a teen- ager and beyond. Judaism never excited me until I attended this program. My favorite nightly session was led by Rabbi Da- vid Felsenthal, titled "Derech Hashem: Understanding the Ways of God." He touched upon so many Jewish con- cepts that opened my heart. Our dis- cussions made me more comfortable with Judaism not only spiritually, but also as a meaningful way of life. Being Jewish is no longer just a statement of my religious affiliation, but also a proclamation of my inner being and way of life. Yarchei Kallah also taught me about community and Jewish pride. I had never experienced a Shabbat with such intensity as I did during Shabbat in Teaneck, NJ. There was