NCSY is thriving in Edmonton

by Regan Lipes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(AJNews) – “I grew up involved in everything,” said Daniella Asbell with a smile during an interview with the Alberta Jewish News. “I was in CKids, CTeens, NCSY, BBYO, and it was all part of expressing my pride in being Jewish.” The Edmonton-based university student grew up with Beth Israel Synagogue as a second home.  “I got so much out of the Jewish youth programs I was part of,” she explained further. “Yes,” agreed Rachel Alayev with conviction. “And then COVID happened – and it had a huge impact. It was like ‘What are we going to do?’ and then Daniella and I started talking to each other about it, and we knew we had to do something.”

Indeed, the pandemic did halt a significant portion of the social programming within the community, not just for young people, but for everybody.  Daniella and Rachel were the catalyst for reinvigorating Jewish youth activities.

They were not sure how it would happen, but only that it needed to materialize: the Orthodox Edmonton Jewish community needed to have organized identity affirming programs for young people.  “We focused in on the teens pretty quickly,” elaborated Daniella.  “The high school kids don’t have a Jewish school anymore, so they seemed like the ones who would benefit most.”  At the time, Daniella’s father, Shane Asbell, was President at BI, and so the girls approached the Board of Directors with their idea to set up an organized Jewish youth group for teens.

“NCSY is a well-established organization,” commented Robin Marcus, who supervises youth programing at BI on behalf of the Board.  “My kids, they’re grown-ups now with their own little ones, both did NCSY when they were teens,” she elaborated. “I was in NCSY when I was a teenager too!”  With the support of Robin and the rest of the BI Board of Directors, Daniella and Rachel set to work establishing a new relationship with NCSY and figuring out the administrative side of setting up a chapter in Edmonton.

“When we were first speaking with the NCSY National Office, their Rabbi asked us how many teens we estimated would come to an average event,” recalled Rachel. “I think Daniella and I were both a bit nervous to answer because we might not always get a huge turnout.  We said probably about ten, and maybe that was even hopeful, but he was so supportive and said that our community is exactly the kind of place NCSY wants to be.  He said that even if one Jewish teen is being brought closer to Judaism and the teachings of Torah, then that’s already something significant,” she relayed with conviction.

In January 2023, Daniella and Rachel hosted their first NCSY program, and the rest is history!  “We come up with ideas and run them by the main NCSY administrators, and they help us develop them and support us in finding ways to increase engagement,” offered Daniella.  “We try things out, and we expand and build on the things that we see the teens excited about.”  In February, NCSY hosted their third local Shabbaton at BI.  Nineteen teens between 12 and 18 spent a meaningful and uplifting shabbat together, making memories, learning Torah, and celebrating the joy of their shared Yiddishkeit. The seasoned NCSY teens were over the moon to have Rachel back in town for the event.  Rachel, who currently lives in Calgary finishing up her work practicum as a pharmacist, remains heavily involved in all NCSY planning and coordination.

“I remember one Shabbaton two years ago in Keats Island, BC.  The kids all had such an amazing time, and they were so sad when we were flying home.  I kind of chuckled and reminded them that if they all come to shul each week to be together, every Shabbat could be a Shabbaton,” Daniella mused with a smile. “|But it’s also the weeknight programs that help to build these friendships,” she added.  “When Benny Bernstein was home for Sukkot, he came to help with our Soup and Sweets in the Sukkah event, and he had a great time.  Then he said he wanted to do something more to contribute while he was around, and suggested Latte’N’ Learn evenings,” Daniella explained.  “He hosted the first one, and it was a huge success!  The teens loved having Benny!”  Following this, other Latte and Learn speakers included Rabbi Guy Tal, Rabbi Dave Rotenberg from Ottawa, Philip Kirman the current President of BI, Yitzhak and Pessy Borenstein, Daniella Asbell, some teens themselves, among others.  These events usually bring out between ten and twenty teens, but there are always the regulars. “This gives the teens a chance to learn about their own Jewish identities from people that are doing so much to shape and help our community thrive,” added Robin.  “They gain pride in being Jewish, learn about core values, and develop leadership skills.”

In Fall 2025, seven local Jewish teens traveled to Niagara Falls to represent Edmonton at the NCSY National Convention.  “People there were so nice, and they seemed to really appreciate that we came from as far away as Edmonton to be there,” recalled Benji Lipes about the memorable experience.  “We saw some of the same kids when we went to the Whistler Shabbaton in February, and it was really cool because two of the male counselors from that trip came here to Edmonton for our Shabbaton.”  NCSY is hopeful to continue being able to bring in male counselors in mentorship roles for key events.

“NCSY is affiliated with the Orthodox Union,” explained Robin. “It’s rooted in Orthodoxy, but we welcome Jewish kids who go to other shuls too, and the unaffiliated.  We want them to understand what it is to be in a shul and feel at home.  This way, they’ll always feel that going to shul is a safe and welcoming thing.  They might not become regular shul-goers till they have their own children, but they will definitely feel at home and know that there is a community there for them.”  The change has been noticeable at BI.  More teens come to Shabbat services, perhaps more for social reasons than spiritual ones, but it is a great start!  Now, when Daniella, who coordinates children’s activities and davening on Shabbat every week, as well as programs for the High Holy Days, needs to be away on a Shabbat, teens from NCSY jump in to fill her shoes for the day caring for the tinier congregation members.  “Thanks to Daniella and Rachel’s efforts, there is a sense of continuity and legacy.  Our NCSY girls have great role models for Jewish leadership and want to help out when they can too.”  This was also demonstrated at the 2025 Shabbos Project Challah Bake, when the NCSY girls volunteered to help coordinate behind the scenes and supported organizers with set-up and clean-up.

Another notable event of late, was the Krav Maga class held at BI in cooperation with Stand With Us.  Teens were taught the basics of Israeli martial arts and had a lot of fun in the process.  A group favorite is the regularly held Pizza’N’Gaga nights.  “We had a cake decorating activity which was really fun,” recalled Rachel.  “The teens were partnered up and one person was blindfolded while the other gave them decorating instructions.”

NCSY Edmonton is always looking to bring on new motivated and creatively inspired Jewish talent.  If anyone is interested in assuming administrative, coordination, or implementation responsibilities, Daniella, Rachel, and Robin are always available to chat further.  Community members who may not be affiliated with BI are reminded that NCSY is for all Jewish teens.  “We operate through Orthodoxy,” Daniella explained. “Yes, our food will always be kosher, and for certain activities we cater to boys and girls separately.  Like when we did a tour of the Mikvah with Nina Bernstein, that was a night only for the girls, obviously.  We made it really fun, and did nails and decorated Shabbat candle holders,” added Rachel. “We are all about supporting Jewish youth to feel pride in their identities,” concluded Daniella.

Those interested in NCSY program opportunities for their kids should contact BI directly.  Parents who would like to see even more excellent programing from the NCSY team can always donate online through the BI website. Those considering joining the team in a more official capacity are invited to contact Daniella, Rachel, or Robin directly.  The Edmonton Jewish community is so grateful to the efforts of the local NCSY team for all they do to build stronger Jewish futures for our children.