Personal Updates

2) In the fall I will be moving to Vancouver, BC, after six years in my current home. Yes, you heard me right, back to Canada.  Come visit me before I leave Brooklyn.  If you’ve never spent a night in Noam’s Park Slope Hostel, this will be your last chance.  Of course, the open guest policy will not change.  I look forward to seeing all of you in Vancouver once I’m set up.

The Rest of the Story:
So the first question most of you ask is: What are you doing to do in Vancouver?
Answer: Life!  Build a home, play in the Pacific Ocean, build community.

But what you are really asking is: What will I do professionally?
Answer: I am very excited to announce that Noam Dolgin has gone freelance.  I have a number of exciting new projects and am available for more, read on. 

A) Jewish environmental education. 
I have begun taking on contracts such as curriculum writing, consulting at camps and synagogues, and running retreats for children, teens and adults. In the past few months I have been in Toronto, Winnipeg, and California, this summer I will be in England and Israel.  If I’m not making an appearance in your area, help make it happen by referring me to a synagogue, camp or community organization in your area.   For more information on my work and upcoming public appearances, visit my website www.noamdolgin.com (Yes that’s right, shameless self promotion, you got a problem with that?)  

B) Israel environmental education and advocacy. 
In the coming year I will be expanding my work with the Green Zionist Alliance (www.greenzionism.org) to include more education on the state of Israel’s environment, create advocacy campaigns and more.   We are still early in the process, so I don’t want to announce anything here, but stayed tuned for more information.

C) Memoirs of a Brooklyn Brownstown.  One of the personal projects I will be taking on is a collection of stories and memoirs from my apartment in Brooklyn.  I am asking all friends, family, former housemates, couch crashers, strangers who came for dinner, anyone who spent time in our home (i.e. You!!) to write a memoir or recount a story from their time in our home.  It can be as short as a paragraph, or as long as a few pages. It can be written or otherwise visual.  It can be poetic, historically accurate, personal, scandalous, or anything else that is true to your experience here.  My goal is to create a collection of stories ideally that can be eventually published (don’t worry, I’ll “anonyimize” all the scandalous entries and anyone else who prefer to remain nameless), but if not, will act as a great scrapbook for my six years in this apartment.  Please start writing down your thoughts, developing your storyline.  This will make a great summer afternoon activity.  

D) Amateur Wedding Photography.  More of an interest than a profession, I am making myself available as a backup or budget wedding photographer.  Check out my most recent photos from the fantastic wedding of Nets and Jaqir. www.noamdolgin.com/netsjaqir.html

E) Hazon ride 2007. Once again this year I am riding my bike 160 miles to raise money for environmental projects.  Last year I was #1 when it came to the number of people who donated to my ride, Thank You! Help me do it again.  Visit http://hazon.kintera.org/2007nyride/noam  

F) My website.  I continue to update my personal website, www.noamdolgin.com on a semi frequent basis.  As it continues to grow and change, please check back for new photos, stories, etc.

G) Final News: I’m going to Israel. June 28^th – July 16^th so if you are going to be there then, please let me know so we can meet up. 

That’s my life in an electron. I hope it brings us in contact again soon. 

Much love,

Noam

For style, I donned a look straight out of the Shtetle.  Brown blazer, burgundy pants and shirt, Fievel hat (thanks Avi) and a wooden cane.  Plus, I can’t forget the peis (hair coming from above my ears) it was great. See photos attached

For the interview, I was asked who I admired most and why, and how I could turn an anti-recycler into an environmentalist.  I was surprised how hard it was to answer these questions on the spot.  I’m a good educator and answering questions on the spot is part of my work, but these big questions in front of an audience were tough.  I am told I gave good answers though I barely remember them.  Something about admiring all the people who work and struggle for change ever day, and something about teaching people to love and respect nature.

Then the moment came and they announced the winners,  Noam Dolgin.  The little Vancouverite in the “cultural capital” of the United States, donning a sash and a crown.  Mr JewSA.  Prizes, flowers and the admiration of millions.  What more can a man want!  The news reports should come out soon, stay tune.  In the interim, see the attachments for pictures

#2) the Hazon Bike Ride.  As most of you know, I participated in a charity bike ride Labour day weekend with a group called Hazon. The ride was 65 or 100 miles (104 or 160 kilometers) on the first day, and 60 miles (96 kilometers) the second.  When I first decided I would ride, I assumed I would do the regular 65 mile ride on the first day, and even that amount scared me.  As I began to train I decided to push myself to attempt to ride the longer 100 mile ride, hoping to finish at least 87 miles, assuming that if I couldn’t do it I could always get picked up by a SAG (support and gear) vehicle.  Well… 

Not only did I finish the century, I rocked it!!!!!  Averaging 15.5 miles per hour, I finished the 100 miles in 6.5 hours.  With my amazing ride partner Howard from Illinois, we came in to the 100 mile finish an hour ahead of the next rider.  From the very beginning, I felt great, energized and enthusiastic.  My knee which had been bothering me for a few weeks prior was feeling strong thanks to a new knee brace and a whole lot of ibuprofen. By the 4^th mile I found myself in the front of the group, surprised and alone, I just kept riding.  I got to the first rest stop 5 minutes before the next rider (and even before they were set up.)   This is where I met Howard.  We left the rest stop together.  Though we rode differently, we were good partners.  I rode fast, but would need to rest at each stop (ever 15-20 miles).  Howard was a little slower, but didn’t need breaks.  Throughout the day, I would ride alone and hard, arriving at rest stops 5 – 8 minutes ahead of Howard.  I’d crash, eat and drink, and generally moan.  When Howard came in smiling, he’d hang around for less that 5 minutes, then announce “Time to Go.”  I’d convince him to give me a couple more minutes, but not many and about 3 minutes later we’d be riding away, where once again, we’d quickly separate.

Coming into the finish line was an amazing moment for me.  With my adrenaline pumping, emotion charged, and the support of the amazing Hazon and Teva communities, I collapsed in tears of joy.  I really didn’t believed I would be able to do the century, and to finish first, pushing continuously with everything I had, proved to me that my body is capable of much more than it is given the opportunity for.  See the attachments for a pictures of me at the finish of day two.

If you haven’t sponsored my ride yet, it’s not too late visit http://hazon.kintera.org/2006ride/noam.  Currently I have more individual donors than anyone else, if I can keep on top for two more weeks, I get a special prize.

#3) Did I get my massage?  If you remember my last e-mail, I needed to raise a couple hundreds dollars more to win a massage.   The goods news was that I reached the threshold, the bad new was the masseuse never showed so no one got their massage.  But the story has a happy ending.  As a prize for winning the Mr. JewSA pageant, I won a 1 hour Swedish massage.  So in the end, Noam will get his massage!!!!!  (do you hear the screaming, I do)

#4) Part time life for Noam.  Some of you may be asking, how does Noam have time to train for a big bike ride and cook Tofu for 100 people.  The answer, I am only working part time.  It’s great.  An important chance for me to take on important new challenges such as the Green Zionist Alliance, and now my responsibilities to the Jewish citizens of the US.  I am excited for the opportunities my change in professional status has brought me, and look forward to other personal challenges in the months to come.

#5) Podcasting.  Thanks to a wonderful group of friends (thank you all,) I’ve joined the world of the ipod.  Unlike many ipod users I bring with me an addiction to talk radio, and radio theater.  So while my ipod now carries more than 113 days worth of music, I find myself searching for interesting podcasts to liven up my train commutes and bike rides.  So I’m seeking suggestions, links, referrals, etc., to any poscasts you suggest.  My specific interests include news, science, environment, ethics and theatre, but I’m open to anything.

That’s all for now, hope you are well.

L’Shalom, 

Noam Dolgin
Mr JewSA 2006

First, my fundraising.  As you know this ride raises money for many Jewish environmental organizations close to my heart.  These include Teva, the Green Zionist Alliance, and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.  My goal was to raise $1800, a number I anticipated to be a challenge, beyond my expectations.  To date 60 people have supported my ride and helped me raise close to $3000.  Thank you each so much.  From $5 - $250, each of you helped at a level you could and together we have done something great.  But it’s not only the money.  Knowing there were so many of you backing my ride pushed me to train harder, ride more, buy a new bike, etc. So thank you again.

My Ride – When I first decided I would ride, I assumed I would do the regular 65 mile ride on the first day, (the second day is set at 60), and even that scared me.  As I began to train I decided to push myself to attempt to ride the longer 100 mile ride the first day, hoping to finish at least 87 miles, assuming that if I couldn’t do it I could always get picked up by a SAG (support and gear) vehicle.  Well…

Not only did I finish the century, I rocked it!!!!!  Averaging 15.5 miles per hour, I finished the 100 miles in 6.5 hours.  With my amazing ride partner Howard from Illinois, we came in to the 100 mile finish an hour ahead of the next rider.  From the very beginning, I felt great, energized and enthusiastic.  My knee which had been bothering me for a few weeks prior was feeling strong thanks to a new knee brace and a whole lot of ibuprofen. By the 4^th mile I found myself in the front of the group, surprised and alone, I just kept riding.  I got to the first rest stop 5 minutes before the next rider (and even before they were set up.)   This is where I met Howard.  We left the rest stop together.  Though we rode differently, we were good partners.  I rode fast, but would need to rest at each stop (ever 15-20 miles).  Howard was a little slower, but didn’t need breaks.  Throughout the day, I would ride alone and hard, arriving at rest stops 5 – 8 minutes ahead of Howard.  I’d crash, eat and drink, and generally moan.  When Howard came in smiling, he’d hang around for less that 5 minutes, then announce “Time to Go.”  I’d convince him to give me a couple more minutes, but not many and about 3 minutes later we’d be riding away, where once again, we’d quickly separate.

Coming into the finish line was an amazing moment for me.  With my adrenaline pumping, emotion charged, and the support of the amazing Hazon and Teva communities, I collapsed in tears of joy.  I really didn’t believed I would be able to do the century, and to finish first, pushing continuously with everything I had, proved to me that my body is capable of much more than it is given the opportunity for. 

This experience has made me a cyclist.  Maybe not to commute to Manhattan, but certainly to ride up to Freedman and to tour around the Northeast.  Please join me for a ride and a tour some day.  It’s also energized me to continue being active in other ways, spending more time hiking, playing hockey, etc.

Most of all, my experiences confirmed that all important cheesy line…
Im tirzu, ain zo agada, - if you will it, it is no dream,  or…
You can do whatever you set your mind to, or…
Mind over matter, or…
Smile and the whole world smiles with you.

Okay so maybe the last phrase isn’t so relevant, but I like it. 

Thanks again for all your encouragement, it made this ride possible.

Smiles,

Noam

I.                     Greening Zion

As most of you know I spent the first week of my vacation representing the Green Zionist Alliance (GZA) as a Delegate to the World Zionist Congress.  Having no idea what to expect, or how we would be received, our crew of 2 Delegate and 3 Alternates took the Congress by storm.  We were successful at building a broad coalition of folks left to right, orthodox to secular, Israeli and Diaspora.  We passed 3 resolutions almost unanimously, and fought to bring sustainable and environmentally regenerative practices to the Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (JNF in Israel).

The most exciting development is with recycled paper. We brought together the parties who can spark a recycled paper industry in Israel.  Currently you can’t get recycled paper in Israel, but we found a factory ready to produce it, all it needs is a market.  We then passed a resolution requiring the WZO, Jewish Agency and Keren Kayemet to use recycled paper and presto we have a market.  Plus a number of environmental organizations in Israel have said they will buy this paper.  Now we just have to make sure they all follow up.

Other successes include requiring the Keren Kayemet to put more millions of shekels into environmental projects such as river restoration, requiring environmental impact assessments on new community development. For more information on our work at the Congress visit http://www.jta.org/page_view_story.asp?intarticleid=16755&intcategoryid=1

All of this could not have happened without the support of each of you that voted for the GZA in the World Congress elections.  This also doubles as proof that at least in some elections a few votes can have a big difference.

In addition, the GZA has been booked to run our first educational program.  An eco-Zionist shabbaton for Conservative young adults (ages 18 – 30.)  I am also beginning to talk to other movements about raising awareness about Israel’s environment.  If you have access to an audience who might be interested, talk to me and we’ll make it happen.

It is clear that a voice is needed from outside Israel to help protect Israel’s environment.  To put environmental issues on Israel’s political and social agenda, and help bring Diaspora support to Israel’s fledgling environmental movement.  If you have any insights or interest in getting involved with helping to shape the future of the GZA, please join our team.

So much more to tell, but it’ll have to wait for another time, on to Scotland.

II.                   Hill Walking, Disc Golf & Whisky tours in Scotland
“May our siblings always live in wonderful places to give us reason to visit pieces of the planet we might otherwise miss. Thanks Elie!”  Noam Dolgin 2006

Wow what a week in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. 

• Sunsets at 10:00pm over the lochs (lakes and bays) that intersect this country. 
• Bagging 3 Munroes (hill walking/hiking mountains with peaks at over 3000ft /914m)

Why are the tops of mountains in Scotland always socked in with clouds?
Why does hiking mountains have such a sexual name in Scotland?
Don’t get me wrong, these were great hikes, fantastic landscape, rocks, etc., really tough climbs, just a little cloudy but such is Scotland.

• Disc (Frisbee) golf in 3 beautiful locations.  Very challenging courses, could that be the thick ferns over 2 feet tall? Maybe the torrential downpour flooding out the course?  Or the loch that keeps eating disks?  But wow, what views a couple of these courses have.
• Camping in Calgary Bay, where the city in Alberta is named after.  White sands, Sheep alarm clocks, late night campfires with Scots, Germans, English and more
• Whisky, Ale and Football.  There is nothing like a bunch of Scots cheering for England to loose, while drinking a local Ale in a small town pub.  Two trips to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 2 distillery tours, hmm good Scottish whisky, come by my house for a dram of one of the bottles I brought home.
  

Need to get back to Scotland again soon!

III.                  Looking again for a roommate
Beginning August 1^st, looking for a roommate for the middle room in my apartment.  If you know anyone looking, send them my way.
$735 Veggie Apartment in Park Slope, Contact Noam@tevacenter.org for more information
 

IV.                Back on my bike
I did get a day by bike in Edinburgh, but aside from that I haven’t been training.  So now that I’m back in Brooklyn, it’s back on my bike daily.  So if you haven’t sponsored me yet on this ride, this is your chance.  http://hazon.kintera.org/2006ride/noam  Thanks again to those of you who have encouraged me with a donation so far.

That’s the update.  Feel free to call or write me to follow up or to arrange to come over for a dram of whisky.  If you’ve read this far you deserve it.

Much Love,

Noam

I’m in Israel a little over two weeks, the first week in Jerusalem for the Congress and the second week traveling around.  If anyone wants to suggest a special place that no one else knows about, I’m always up for an adventure.

Scotland and Disk Golf
Next on my journey will be Scotland and a Disk (Frisbee) Golf / hiking trip around Scotland, with my brother Elie.  Yes, you read right, disk golf.  Why not disk golf? Scotland is the home of golf (though we won’t be playing St Andrews.)
So we’ll throw, hike and drink whisky, in Scotland, what more can a man want from vacation 

Biking
I love my new bike.  Today, even with all I had to do, I took time to ride 18 miles around the park.  After, I felt great.  I am very excited to continue riding this summer.  So what’s my point?  If you haven’t done so already join me in my enthusiasm by make a donation to support my big ride (160 miles) labor day weekend.  http://hazon.kintera.org/2006ride/noam  I’m currently the number two fundraiser overall, so a big thank you to the people who have supported me already!  The rest of you, help me get to number one!

Part Time
Upon return from Scotland, I will be moving to part time with the Teva Learning Center.  This was a difficult decision based on my need pursue other projects and have more personal time.  While I don’t know exactly how my life will shape itself this summer and beyond, I am excited to know I have a number of opportunities and projects before me to choose from, and a good network of friends, colleagues and family to connect with,

Well it’s off to finish packing, then an early morning at the office and an afternoon flight.  Arriving for what I’m told will be morning in Lod.  And the World rolls on.

If you need to reach me while I’m in Israel, I will be checking e-mail or you can call my Israeli phone 054-225-3949, If you need to reach me while I’m in Scotland you may be out of luck, but you are welcome to try.

L’Shalom U’Vracha,
In Blessings of Peace,

Noam