These teens, who are defying the media stereotype of apathetic and self-absorbed, indulged and entitled, are spending their days cleaning up spilled yogurt and apple juice, reading stories, and providing encouragement and empathy to youngsters each proprietarily calls \”my kids.\”
The 22-member Troop 613 is one of approximately 20 Jewishly observant troops throughout the United States, and the third in Southern California (the Long Beach troop has 27 boys and the La Brea/Fairfax troop has 10).
When Reena first entered the program a few years ago, she was a shy and baggy-outfitted 12-year-old, weighing 170 pounds, unsure if this would be just another boring visit to the doctor. But her single mom, a registered nurse, is acutely aware of the health issues involving overweight children.
Even as organizations are canceling their summer Israel programs, for some teens already in Israel the experience is proving invaluable.
If the point of terrorism is to slowly whittle down the confidence of its targets, it seems to be working.
By the time Wendy Mogel finished her presentation on the hazards and remedies of expecting too much from our overindulged, overprotected, over-scheduled children, she could almost see the senior citizens pumping their arms in a victorious \”yes!\”
It\’s little wonder that so many parents experience emotions ranging from permanent low-grade anxiety to out-and-out panic, considering how many feel ill-equipped to identify and teach their children the key values that give life meaning.
Michael Weinberg\’s intent to discover the remnants of Judaism in the Far East was sparked by his interest in travel, birds and colonialism.
As with any day care, quality varies widely among providers. But the in-home option may be a good starting point for families searching for a homey, Jewish atmosphere.
That\’s how it\’s been: one win after another.
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