Leading A Jewish Life

Taking in the sights of the city: The writer in white hat explores the nation’s capital and hears inspiring speakers at the PANIM high school seminar in February.

Taking in the sights of the city: The writer in white hat explores the nation’s capital and hears inspiring speakers at the PANIM high school seminar in February.

by Naomi N. Krikhely

When I was first approached by the JCCA’s Bukharian Teen Lounge staff members, T. Charnan Lewis and Zhanna Beyl, about attending the PANIM seminar in Washington, D.C., I was hesitant for fear that I’d miss too much school, not fit in, not be loud enough, strong enough, or courageous enough and to top it off I’d be homesick. However, the PANIM seminar sounded exciting and like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so hesitantly I agreed to go. To say it was one of the best choices I’ve made in my 17 years would be an understatement.

Although the four other teens from the lounge and I begrudgingly awoke at 6 a.m. to board the bus, I think it is safe to say we didn’t regret

it. The PANIM seminar, which lasted four days in February, instilled in us the values of leadership, courage, honesty and strength. Through inspirational lectures, comforting words and motivational activities the PANIM staff entwined politics with Judaism (and its own politics). Not only did we gain a better understanding of how world politics work, but also how we are and can be a crucial part of it.

We were encouraged to speak out, to voice our opinions, to advocate our thoughts, feelings and beliefs, as that would be the start of our way to change the world. One lecture after another, one activity after another, we all grew to believe in ourselves as people with a mission and with a duty to serve others while staying to true to our Jewish selves.

“An Encounter with the Homeless” was one of our seminars. Of all the magnificent and moving topics we discussed, this was one that truly touched my heart and the hearts of many. Most of us go through life not knowing or caring about anyone other than ourselves or those within our inner circle. We do not give a second glance at the man asking for a dollar for a cup of coffee or the woman around the corner struggling to pay the rent or put food on the table for her three children.

And while we all take for granted the life that God gave us, we never think that maybe God gave us our lives to do something important. Maybe we were given life to care for and unite people regardless of their race, color and ethnicity. The question is, do we understand our mission? Do we even want to?”
The three men chosen to speak with us about their experiences told us that homelessness does not discriminate, it takes anyone and everyone. For all you know, you might be next. In these horrible times, we are all in a state of turmoil and riding the turbulent economic seas.

These were the thoughts running through my mind as each of these men spoke. I couldn’t help thinking, “Wow, this could really happen to any one of us. Even the girl sitting on my left or the boy at my right or even... me.” What I think the speakers were trying to put on the table was that thinking something tragic is never going to happen to us or to someone around us is unrealistic.
Two out of three of these men told us that they weren’t the stereotype for a homeless person. We assume that homeless people are stupid, uneducated, dirty, alcoholics, drug abusers and weird. These stereotypes are 100 percent false. One of the speakers finished college, earned a master’s degree, worked full time and was married with a child. Although he had the “picture perfect” life he still ended up homeless.

All three have found their way back to a home and a life. One even married and has a family now. They go around the world speaking about their experiences and advocating for the homeless; we were very fortunate to be able to hear what they had to say.

Employing the compassion, empathy and courage that we all have within ourselves could really make a difference in the world. As one speaker pointed out, a simple kindness to a fellow in need could make someone’s day or even change their life. We could also lobby for cleaner and healthier homeless shelters for those in need.

Sitting there with tears rolling down my face (embarrassed if anyone could see) I decided, as I hope you all decide, to take some time and make the world a better place. I know that I want to make our world a better place and be a saving grace for my community, for my world.

“In a place where there is no one of moral courage, strive to be courageous,” is a quote from Pirkei Avot and is the PANIM motto. Whether it is in a quiet way or in a public campaign, strive to be courageous, strive to do your best to help and that’s when you will find your inner strength.

As you can imagine, the PANIM seminar was outstanding, heartfelt and inspirational. Looking back, I have found that my intrinsic motivation has increased and find myself wanting to do more to make the world a better a place, as I was probably put on earth to do. This summer I plan to volunteer at a soup kitchen or with children at a homeless shelter. n

I would like to thank the JCCA Bukharian Teen Lounge for this opportunity; T. Charnan Lewis for her guidance and help; PANIM for the amazing experience; and all the speakers for their wise words, inspiration and compassion.

Naomi N. Krikhely is a junior at Ezra Academy in Queens.

Signup for our weekly email newsletter here.

Check out the Jewish Week's Facebook page and become a fan! And follow the Jewish Week on Twitter: start here.

Westchester Jewish Conference

Westchester’s Jewish Community Relations Organization