Syd Osder is a sixteen-year-old junior who attends Hewlett High School. Syd’s Hebrew name is Shira which means song. This name is so appropriate not only because Syd is vocally talented, but also because one of Syd’s favorite subjects at school is chorale.

 

When Syd was a Religious School Student at HERJC, our Hazzan started a program called Kinder Kantors to teach the students about the different components of Shabbat services. Syd participated in this program for several years and also had the honor of participating in some of Hazzan Zakarin’s special concerts.

 

Over the years, Syd has endeavored to be a role model and an inspiration to younger students. It was a natural transition for Syd to become a Madrich at HERJC after B Mitzvah year. Since 8th grade, Syd has devoted almost every Sunday morning to the Religious School. Having been inspired by many wonderful role models in our synagogue community, Syd is thrilled to be a role model to other students.

 

When asked about why volunteering in the Religious School is so important, Syd responded:

“I am not so sure how many sixteen-year-olds can say this, but for the past four years I have dedicated my Sundays to helping out in the religious school program at HERJC. This started as a way to get community service hours. Now I can't imagine spending my Sundays any other way. My time as a Madrich has helped me gain confidence and leadership skills. This will help me in the future. Not only as I prepare to go to college, but these skills will be beneficial for the rest of my life. Confidence is something that I have struggled with my whole life. I also really like the feeling I get knowing that these kids look up to me. I love knowing that I am having an impact on their lives.”

 

Syd is also an active member of our USY chapter and has been the SATO chair for the past 3 years. Syd began a fundraiser shortly after B Mitzvah called “Wear Your Word.” The project involved creating beaded bracelets with words of inspiration and encouragement. Syd used a combination of B Mitzvah gifts, babysitting money and allowance to fund the project. All money raised from the sale of the bracelets was donated to tzedakah. After COVID hit, mask chains were added to the choice of inspirational items. Syd was able to raise over $4000 from this project. Syd is looking forward to a USY chapter event in April at which the participants will be creating their own inspirational bracelets. The USYers will also be creating extra bracelets to be distributed to teens throughout the community who could benefit from positive words of encouragement.

 

Syd lives the sentiment that the home is an extension of the Shul and the Shul is an extension of the home. Syd interacts with the entire HERJC community by setting up for our Chevra Shabbat dinners and greeting fellow congregants, as well as by running the snow cone booth at our annual Purim Carnival.

 

We are so proud of Syd and can’t wait to see what the future holds.