Update on Youth...

June ‘98

by Dan Gallant

Youth Activities Director

by Zach and Jeremy Rosenberg

BESTY Kosher Cows are the purest breed of cows in existence! In fact,

BESTYcame up with some of the loudest MOO!s ever this season and has had one

of its greatest years of all time! It seemed to fly by fast with such successful

events such as, the 3rd annual Mystery Night, Besty's Asylum, MORP, OCTY/BESTY Broomball and all Niter. During the High Holy Days it was tremendously fulfilling to take part in facilitating Teen and Children's services. It was a great way to start off the year.

BESTY had the greatest time hosting the Sponge Toss at the TBE Purim Canival! BESTY members as Madrikhim assisted the Sunday School faculty in making Temple Beth El's Yom Ha’tzmaut celebration an awesome experience for everyone.

We seemed to jump over the moon with the marvelous 3rd annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Night. Special musical guests this year, Darkling Thrush, with Singer Orren Merton were awesome as they amazed everyone in attendance with their musical ability.

Other impressive programs BESTY conducted this year dealt with spirituality, AIDS, violence, our environment, leadership, and programs dealing with the teen issues and the problems of today's society. We just seemed to ROCK THE NATION!

Volunteering with the Temple Sukkah, holding the yearly Teen Shabbat

service, shmoozing and partying at Besty's first ever Jammin' Drop-In held recently in May. Participating in OCTY's Monte Carlo Night was tons of fun, especially when BESTY member Derek Gormin came home with most of the prizes!

Besty's board members have recently revised its’ constitution and havdalah service. Membership has increased significantly - a great accomplishment!

Almost all members on our current and new boards have attended at least two NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) events in the past year, many have attended all five. This year BESTY was given the honor of hosting the "NFTY-- Southern California Elections" which were held at Temple Beth El in late April. The region, spanning from San Diego to San Jose had representatives from over 30 Jewish Teen Youth Groups. Elected officials for the ‘98-’99 year are not only the voice of our region but will also have the opportunity to host the first NFTY National Convention in LOS ANGELES. Jeremy Rosenberg, Bestyite extrodinaire was elected NFTY SoCA PRESIDENT and Zach Rosenberg was elected RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL V.P. Temple Beth El has achieved a level of youth activities that has allowed the "future Jewish leaders of tomorrow" to be the youth leaders of today!

BESTY elections were held in late April as well. Members on our incoming board have attended numerous leadership training sessions and will be possibly the greatest Board ever!

Membership has increased significantly - a great accomplishment!

Spectacular BESTYites this year include: Adam Collier, Michelle Trachtenberg,

Kirsten Saladow, Estee Pollak, Josh Reizman, Peri Deutschman, Jacqueline Weiss,

Arielle Robby, Marc Ribak, Dori Lichtman, Becky Purkins, Derick Gormin, Melinda Sherman, Ben Fields, Brandon Press, Steven Eisenberg, Paige Adler, Russell Yost, Jessica Lyman, and Jared Cohen ( with a shout out (MOO!) to everyone else who knows they're special!).

This year's BESTYite of the YEAR is Justin Young who did a

marvelous job on board and has shown excellent leadership skills as well as charm, humor, and wit--everything that constitutes the ideal BESTYite!

With two new fascinating websites run by Justin and Jared, Besty has

reached unattainable heights in cyberspace as well (check them out at home.att.net/~justdity and www.move.to/besty!!). Besty truly has had an

awesome year... MOOOO!..Excuse me. With the elections of the

next year's board, it seems BESTY will again be drinking the sweet chocolate

milk of success. Congrats! Also, Dan Gallant, BESTY's Advisor deserves

tremendous credit for all his outstanding efforts. Dan is just amazing. Have a

great summer everyone. BESTY loves you.

Upcoming Events

BEMSY / BESTY 4th Annual Beach Bonfire and Extallations!

Grades 6-12

Come spend the day at Doheny State Beach

Sunday June 7, 1998

10:00am - 8:00pm

cost: $10 (includes: lunch, dinner, and snacks)

please RSVP by June 5, 1998 to the TBE office or the BESTY HOTLINE 714-407-6069

*See next issue for update on NEW BOARD MEMBERS