We'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and healthy Hanukkah and Thanksgiving! This season is certainly exciting for USY.

• We are excited to be heading to New Orleans in less than 30 days for the 63rd USY International Convention (IC). As a reflection of our host city, this year's convention embraces a spirit of history and innovation throughout the program.
• We are excited to be joined by two USY alumni at IC: NY1 Reporter Jessica Abo and Hollywood film producer Andy Fickman. Both Jessica and Andy embody the values and leadership qualities they developed in USY and look forward to sharing their stories with this year's delegates.
• We are excited that IC delegates will spend considerable time in the community, including one full day of community service at locations throughout the New Orleans area. More than eight years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, New Orleans still needs our support and USYers will roll up their sleeves and take action, demonstrating our commitment to tikkun olam, Repairing our World.
• We are excited to offer additional and new scholarship opportunities for all USY Summer Programs. USY and the USY on Wheels program are proud to partner with the Foundation for Jewish Camping and its One Happy Camper program. If you are participating on USY on Wheels this summer and it is your first time participating on an immersive Jewish overnight summer experience, you could be eligible to receive up to a $1,000 grant toward USY on Wheels. Click here for eligibility requirements and grant availability. We also have new and additional funding available for Israel programs, as well.
• We are excited to offer new USY Summer Program options for Summer 2014, including USY on Wheels, Campus Edition. This 11-day adventure captures the best of USY on Wheels - the fun, the friends, travelling on a luxury bus - while exploring college options and Jewish life on campus at colleges and universities in the Northeast. Click here to learn more or request additional information.

This year's coincidence of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving reminds us in USY that we have a unique mission to bring our Jewish selves to all that we do. For more on this topic, please check out Rabbi Dave's recent article on eJewishPhilanthropy.com, entitled "A December Dilemma Turns into a November Opportunity."