“The convention was electric! An incredibly inspiring gathering of 250 young women from the United States and Canada who were able to make new friends, join together with people they know, and truly celebrate what it means to be a Jewish woman in the world today.” So said Rabbi Gideon Black, CEO of the tristate region of NCSY. Rabbi Black was referring to the 2025 NCSY 4G Convention held at the Doubletree Hilton in Somerset, New Jersey, from February 27-March 2. 4G is the all-girls track of NCSY, a Jewish youth group under the auspices of the Orthodox Union, operating in nearly a dozen regions in the United States and Canada as well as in Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Israel.
Suzanne Rabinovitch, director of Tristate 4G, noted that approximately 15 states in addition to Canada were represented at the event, which began with an unforgettable yacht party with dancing, music and food on Thursday evening. “Most of the girls are from yeshiva day schools and/or attended one of the many NCSY summer programs and seek to continue gathering in a style that incorporates Torah learning and fun to bring a genuine, meaningful connection to their Judaism,” she said.
The conceptual development of the International 4G program began during COVID with a few people talking in the backyard of a vacation home about the need to develop safe spaces where young women could connect to their Judaism and experience positive peer pressure. “One of the strengths of NCSY is its ability to pivot, evolve and change to best meet the needs of the intended audience,” said Rabbi Jonah Lerner, NCSY managing director, strategy and development. “There was a massive need to provide a positive environment outside of the school environment. Especially in today’s environment, providing a place where teens can learn to stand up for themselves and their Jewishness.”
Rabbi Yehoshua Marchuk, NCSY executive director of alumni, was extremely impressed with the way attendees came together on Friday morning for an “epic” challah bake honoring the unwavering faith of Agam Berger and the other October 7 hostages and the power of maintaining one’s Judaism in adverse environments. “It was extraordinary to see their focus on each other’s accomplishments.”
An adviser from Long Island, Ruthee Rosner, was impressed with how much the young women wanted to learn. “It was amazing to see the girls pick up a book and go off to learn together or with an adviser. Even the optional learning sessions were packed.”
Motzei Shabbat also included a melave malka for parents to get a taste of the NCSY 4G experience along with a chance to meet the student board members and learn about the organization. Laizer Kornwasser, chair, NCSY Youth Commission, presented a dvar Torah that related the 12 Tribes and their individual flags to the individual regions and chapters of 4G. “While [each tribe] is separate, they unite for a common goal. The Mishkan is the unifying purpose that joins the nation together. Within 4G, it is OK to be different or distinctive, and everyone has their own distinct path to serve Hashem. Everyone has their own strengths and their own path to growth and it is our role to provide that unifying purpose and destination.”
Rabinovitch noted that while her role is to inspire teens, she has been quite inspired by them as well. She invited the parents to speak to the teens who were in the room. Rav Mordechai Burg also presented a quick thought regarding the Chanukat HaMikdash from the parsha, noting that it is not just a formality, but is integral to its operation. It is the role of parents to see the strengths and greatness of their children and help draw it out so their children can grow to be the type of adults they are meant to be. While children may not see themselves in the most positive light, being a part of 4G enables them to tap into the kedusha (holiness) within them, learn leadership skills, and grow. Parents could either learn more about 4G or head next door to see it in action as Jewish recording star/singer/songwriter Jeryko (aka Rav Yaniv Hoffman) performed.
Teaneck’s Nomi Rotblatt thinks 4G is a “terrific environment and outlet for today’s high school girls. They develop character under the guidance of positive role models.” Her husband, Yechiel, added: “NCSY provides leadership and engagement opportunities that are not always available in the school environment.”
Natan Cohen is the director of marketing and communications for NCSY. But, he said, “The role I am most proud of is ‘4G Parent.’ Seeing the impact 4G has had on my daughter, Eliana—her relationships with Hashem, her peers and her parents—has been nothing short of life-changing.”
One 4G’er summarized her experiences this way: “4G helped me realize that I don’t have to be perfect to be close to Hashem—I just have to be real. And that’s enough.”
NCSY has been inspiring and empowering Jewish teens since 1954 by providing them with an opportunity to connect to their Jewish roots and providing inspiration, tools and leadership skills. Post-high school programming has also expanded to include Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) at more than 30 colleges and universities in the United States and Israel, providing Jewish programming and support. Current NCSY programming also includes opportunities and programming for parents to get involved and catch the enthusiasm of connecting to Judaism. For more information see: https://ncsy.org/ and https://tristate.ncsy.org/
