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Main Menu Sub Menu Year 1 in ReviewPardes: The Year in Review by: Mr. Jay Greeneberger, LMSW, Clinical Director of Adolescent Services The year began on September 18th with 5 boys (whom call themselves the Five Founding Fathers), by the end of October there were 6. After Pesach two more joined. It ended June 18th with lunch at La Gondola. I am being asked quite often now, "So, was the year successful?" My typical response would be, "It's too hard to judge now, let's see how the guys are in 2-3 years." But I've been thinking a lot about and feel it would be safe to say that it was a successful year. The boys buckled down and studied hard for their GED (We have confirmation that 2 have passed at this point and expect that number to rise). They openly explored spirituality like they never had before. On top of all that, they were asked to take a look at themselves in a way they never had before. It was very daunting, difficult, and often done with resistance but perseverance overcame. The students began to accept responsibility for their behavior and became accountable for their actions. The boys that were using forms of drugs have been clean for some time now. I don't feel the need to shy away from making that statement because as we are all aware kids are using in all schools from all communities, East Coast to West Coast. However, we did not shy away from discussing and exploring this topic openly. Throughout the year, we confronted the most pressing issues facing teens in this generation head-on, no matter what the subject or topic. The students learned the first 30 plus Mitzvos, to which some know by heart. They finished Meseches Chagiga Mishnayos. They learned Pirkei Avos with a perspective that was engaging and relating to them. Every Friday they heard inspiring insights into the Parsha with a message they can take with them. The message of living a religious life was given over in a way that they understood it wasn't a demanding lifestyle but rather a way of life that is meant to draw you closer to G-d. The decision to live that lifestyle would be beneficial because it teaches you to regulate your behavior. I was asked very recently what some of the highlights for the year were. Because the camping trip was fresh on my mind I told him some of the highlights from that trip, which I'll talk more about later. The biggest highlight from this year, however, were the guys articulating very clearly how they thought and felt that people with roles of authority and leadership were "out to get them" but through their experiences this year learned and realized that there are people who are truly loving, caring, and concerned for their well-being. In the beginning of the year the Pardes staff were faced with opposition because of the thought that we were just another set of people trying to get them. Through perseverance and building trust the students learned that it was not the case. They were able to articulate that their parents were not just trying to be "annoying" but rather supportive and do what was in the kids best interest. The year was filled with trips, guest speakers, learning, education, and best of all great barbecues. Almost every Wednesdays we had a barbecue. Definitely a highlight!!. Some of the hikes we went on were: Temescal Canyon, Malibu Creek State Park 2x (thank you Avi Heyman), Griffith Hike to the Observatory, La Piedra Beach, Point Mugu, and more. Other trips included horseback riding, motor boating, golfing range, batting cages, mini golf, bowling, biking in Venice, Lakers Basketball, Dodgers Baseball, tour of Angels Stadium, Getty Museum, Peterson Automotive Museum, Knotts Berry Farm, LA County Fair, Tar Pits, beach, Sycamore Cove, Warner Brothers Studio (thank you Steve Spira and Jeff Astrof), LA County Zoo and much more. The camping trip last week deserves its own recognition. We camped out in tents in Coloma, CA (approx. 500 miles north) for two nights. We spent one day whitewater rafting for 19 plus miles in the American River working as a team to fight through the intense rapids. The next day, we went caving/spelunking. Most of the guys had the courage to repel 165 feet into the cave. I admit, I tried but couldn't do it. I will try again next year hopefully. The others walked some 260 plus spiral steps into the cave. Once in the cave we slid even farther down and belly crawled our way around the tightest spots you can't even imagine and at some points we past skeletons of Native Americans and minors that fell into the cave around 100 years ago. Very intense. It was hot, tight, and muddy, but the support and encouragement from one to another was powerful. At one point I felt stuck and trapped so I had one student reaching for me with his arm while another giving my foot a push from underneath me. Sounds crazy but it was really great. It really brought home the point of the importance of having people in your life that you can lean on for support and encouragement. People you can count on. I just want to end with some thank yous. Thank you to Dennis Brown and the Ness Center for opening up their rooms for us and some the guest speakers that we brought in to inspire the guys. Dr. Irving Weber for your help with coordinating the GED testing despite the pain you must have been in. All the anonymous speakers that brought hope, inspiration, and courage to our students. The guys from Chabad Treatment Center for the softball games. The entire End Result staff (Scott Pauker, Kerry Burns, Krey, Eiman, Gunner, and all of those behind the scenes) for a job well done preparing the students for success. The Pardes and Aish Tamid staff for having the best interest of the guys in mind ALL THE TIME. Most importantly, the parents and the students for having the courage to help launch this unique and special program. You worked in collaboration with us and because of that it's easy to say that this year was a success. Main Menu Sub Menu |