Portage Trail AZA
From Wikibbyo
Portage Trail AZA #114 was founded in 1931 and was re-founded in 1952.
Portage Trail is a proud member of the Ohio Northern Region #23 and the International Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph.
History of PT as told on Fraternity Overnight:
Senior: Brother Alephs,
Today we have gathered to celebrate the tradition and heritage of Portage Trail AZA #114. Together we are united, bound by the seven cardinal principles on which our group in founded.
AIT #1: Patriotism. Loyalty to my homeland, to its laws, to its principles, to its ethics. To die for it if need be, but primarily to live for it.
AIT #2: Filial Love. Ever to honor and love my parents, to be considerate of my elders, and to respect age.
AIT #3: Charity. To give myself and my substance for all worthy causes; to be kind and generous to all in need, regardless of race or creed.
AIT #4: Conduct. Never too bold, never too forward, ever humble, ever observing the principles of a gentleman
AIT #5: Purity. To keep my soul pure, my mind active, and my body healthy.
AIT #6: Judaism. Always to observe the tenets of my faith; ever to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord my G-d.
AIT #7: Fraternity. A spirit of sociability, of cooperation, and of friendship toward all AZA’s that shall make of us one fellowship; a love of and loyalty to AZA and its ideals.
Seniors:
The past looms over us, reminding us of all our successes and failures. And our history is a constant reminder of the future to come, an invaluable tool from which we can learn. Every year, the Alephs of Portage Trail have chosen this time to relive the history of our chapter. With the recent passing of Founder’s Day, we are reminded to think about how the Aleph Zadik Aleph began and why it has thrived to this very date. And as brotherhood week comes to close, we are reminded of our love for this order and for each other. Portage Trail has its own personal meanings to each one of us here, and today we celebrate the heritage which has led to today and which will continue into the future.
So I ask you to listen carefully while you are presented your past. Today you will hear about Alephs just like you who valued their time in Portage Trail, just like you. Today they are the leaders of communities near and far. But for four years, they were brother Alephs.
It all began on December 30, 1931. Portage Trail AZA #114 was born into the international order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph. Portage Trail thrived and gained support of the Akron community. During its history, however, Portage Trail would be accompanied by two more chapters. They also thrived as Portage Trail did, but in the end only Portage Trail continued to flourish and remain. But together, these three chapters brought into Akron a sociability and fraternity throughout the Jewish community that paved the war for our chapter’s success.
Portage Trail AZA, along with Hillel BBG, made its first mark in the region on December 24th and 25th, 1933 by hosting the regional convention. Portage Trail also became outspoken in the community by working with B’nai B’rith Adults, the Jewish Center, and a local Boy Scout troop. Albert Schwartz and Louis Schneiderman, two of Portage Trail’s founding members, were vital to these early successes, which served as a precedent for the chapter’s future accomplishments.
As the thirties came to a close, Portage Trail continued its excellence by planning community programs such as a popular AZA dance held at the Mayflower Hotel every December. During that time, there existed an Eastern Ohio Council consisting of Akron, Cleveland, Lorain, Warren, and other cities. In 1939, Akron BBYO hosted a council convention, which contained an astounding 200 members. Akron then continued to show its strength by hosting an international convention on June 11, 1940. This convention consisted of 400 chapters from national and international AZA and consisted of 550 members.
In May of 1941, the Alephs of Portage Trail chose to come together as a chapter and celebrate the founding of AZA, just as we do today. This began a decade that would alter the history of Portage Trail. It was in the early 1940’s that the 2nd Akron chapter was founded, Morton J. Gurewitz AZA #541. This new chapter was named after a child in the Jewish community who had passed away untimely, and the first advisor who would lead this chapter was the child’s father. Morton Gurewitz was instantly a great success. A friendly competition ensued, and a fraternity that formed that would bring the Alephs of both chapters together. Though each chapter had its own unique personality, together they made Akron BBYO an unstoppable force.
As Morton Gurewitz AZA flourished, Portage Trail, however, began to weaken. Brought down by its own mistakes, Portage Trail faded out and finally died, leaving Morton Gurewitz alone in Akron AZA. Nonetheless, Morton Gurewitz did not learn from the mistake of Portage Trail. Consisting of mainly junior and senior members, Gurewitz AZA failed to recognize the importance of younger Alephs to the chapter. It was in 1955 that Michael Jacobs, a freshman at the time, attempted to become a member of Morton Gurewitz #541. Discouraged by the older Alephs, Jacobs, along with the other freshman and sophomores who wanted to be a part of AZA, would not give up. It was something they were determined to be a part of, and through their perseverance, they were able to experience the Aleph Zadik Aleph. They contacted the international BBYO, and gained the charter for Akron AZA #114. Renaming it Portage Trail, the history and heritage continued once more. These members who kept the traditions alive were Mike Jacobs, Steve Fischer, Barry Adleman, William Goldman, Hershey Segal, and five other members. The re-founded chapter slowly came back to success, and William Goldman, one of the re-founding members, would eventually become Grand Aleph Godol of the order.
During the fifties, an Aleph of Morton Gurewitz also made his mark in the international order. Harvey Ekus, who served as Godol as well as other positions, created the first Junior AZA in the international order. Resembling the Teen Connection program of today, Junior AZA helped introduce Jewish youth to the AZA before they were even allowed to join. Ekus continued to be a part of Akron AZA as her served as advisor for Portage Trail AZA #114 for fifteen years while Akron AZA thrived under the leadership of Randy Cohen and other influential Alephs.
The sixties proved to be a time of growth for Portage Trail. It was also during the sixties that the Alephs of Morton Gurewitz had their last moments of success before fading out under the burden of their earlier mistakes. Akron AZA and Canton AZA were very close in programming and friendships during this time, and Portage Trail had its moment of glory by defeating Cleveland in the AZA basketball tournament. Akron AZA also remained involved with the Jewish community and participated in an amateur theater program with the other Jewish Community Center organizations. It was also during the sixties that the third chapter existed, Achim AZA #1206. A small chapter, Achim never truly got its feet off the ground. Fading in and out, it remained a strong part of Akron AZA for a short time. The competition between the three chapters created a strong fraternity among Alephs, and there were times when Achim shined brighter than its two brother chapters. Leading the chapters was Keith Mirman as Godol of Morton Gurewitz and Michael Brotsky as Godol of Portage Trail. Beau-Sweetheart also became an annual even within each city, and Akron would invite chapters from throughout the region to its dance.
The seventies finally brought an end to both Morton Gurewitz #541 and Achim AZA #1206, and Portage Trail remained all that was left of Akron AZA. Stuart Kodish helped continue the excellence of Portage Trail, and, in 1978, he served the region as part of the executive board.
Through the seventies and eighties, Portage Trail along with Hillel continued to make Akron BBYO an intricate part of this order. This brings us to the recent history, molded by those Alephs who many of us still remember. Under Aleph Godol Jerod Woll, the fall term of 1989 to 1990 was inconsistent. There were many active members and Josh Kutnick served as Regional Mazkir/Gizbor while Macy served as the Akron Youth Director. Unfortunately, Portage Trail was one of the weaker chapters in the region and had little representation at conventions.
During the summer of 1990, the future of Portage Trail was uncertain. Aaron Stile served as Godol, but membership and retention were shrinking rapidly. The fall term brought Kevin Henretta as Godol, and membership had gone down to only twelve members. Finally, threatened by the region to become a BBYO chapter along with Hillel, the Alephs of Portage Trail realized it was time to put the chapter back together. By the terms end, membership had skyrocketed to 39 and programming had become greater and more effective. Still, Regional Convention brought little acclaim for the growing chapter.
The summer of 1991 saw more slow and steady growth. Macy was replaced by Ron Horvat as Youth Director, and the chapter’s advisor became Rick Caplan. Though the chapter was inexperienced, for the first time in a while, the future looked bright.
Jay Sokol was Godol during the next fall term, and the chapter began to receive well-deserved recognition. “Seek and Destroy” received honors as best program in the order, and Portage Trail made its first set of chapter t-shirts. An active freshman class entered AZA and paved the way for another great term under the leadership of Jason Rulnick. Unfortunately, while the chapter was on the rise, Rick Caplan had to leave as our chapter advisor.
As the fall term of 1992 began, Jay Sokol again became Godol. For a brief moment, Brian Fuerst served as advisor before Greg Rokoff began his time as our advisor. Heather Treiber and Jay Sokol put together an amazinf Regional Kickoff hosted by Akron, which astounded the region, and fraternity had reached a new high within the chapter. Finally, at Regional Convention, Portage Trail proved its excellence by being named the Most Improved Chapter of the Ohio Northern Region.
For both terms of 1993, Michael Woll led the chapter even further. Seven Alephs from Portage Trail attended summer programs, and membership was still increasing. Shachar Torem became advisor of Portage Trail for some time, and the Akron inter-city Sock Hop was a great success. Portage Trail also showed its strength in the region by having the highest attendance at all regional conventions. The highlights of these terms, however, were the honors bestowed upon the chapter. Portage trail received both the international Henry Monsky Award and the regional Chapter of the Year award.
During the fall of 1994, Todd Kay became the chapter Godol. With programs such as AZA Shabbat and the Winter Olympics receiving recognition, Portage Trail proved itself to now be a model chapter for the order. With 15 new AITs and Todd Kay elected as Aleph Moreh of the region, the chapter was unstoppable. Even more amazing, Portage Trail received for the second consecutive time the honor of Chapter of the Year.
David Altman was the Godol of Portage Trail during the summer of 1995. By beginning the term with the successful “Color Craze and Starlight Picnic” and continuing with programs like “Israel Fest” and “Sukkah Party,” the programming remained outstanding. Portage Trail also continued its successes by being honored with another Henry Monsky Award at the International Convention.
This brings us to the fall term of 1995. With amazing programming accompanied by a strong fraternity, the chapter flourished, again reaching new heights. Journey to Palestine, Rush Weekend, Mission Impossible, and the March of the Living were just some of the highlights of the term. At Regional Convention, the chapter shined by receiving numerous awards while both Adam Reiss and Matt Burgoon were elected to Regional Board as S’gan and Gizbor, respectively.
Next came the summer term of 1996 for Portage Trail AZA. With a dedicated senior named Paul Levine as Godol, the chapter was in for a treat. The term included great programs such as the Rock and Roll night, Double Dare, and a trip to Kennywood with Hillel. Portage Trail sent many Alephs to summer programs and they came back knowledgeable and ready to lead.
The Next term was lead by Aleph Godol Arik Shteinhauz and his solid fall term executive board. Portage Trail went through some changes this term and in the end, it worked out for the best. With such amazing programs like Chill Night, Center Towers Bingo, the Super Bowl Party, Tobogganing, and the award-winning mini-regional event, Portage Trail stood amongst the highest ranks for programming throughout the region. The Akron Overnight brought in twenty 8th graders who were ready to become active. At Regional Convention, Portage Trail swept numerous awards as usual, and Aleph Mike Cohen was elected Regional Shaliach.
The next summer brought a new Godol, whose father was a name of the past. The ’97 summer term started off strong, with Aleph Brett Mirman leading the way. But a few months into the term, attendance plummeted. With a non-existent sophomore class and a junior class that was starting to fade away, Brett’s term seemed a lost cause. Even so, he finished up strong. Portage rail once again won the Henry Monsky, and as school started, attendance once again rose, and Akron hosted the newly named Fall Fling in Akron, planned by Brett, Barry Hellman, Jane Foster, and Alyse Adler, which recorded the highest attendance in the history of the Region’s Kickoffs. Brett and his board had successfully recruited a very active freshman class, which would be vital in the future of Portage Trail.
The Fall/Winter term also started off strong, with Evan Osherow being elected to Godol. Three freshmen were elected to the board, proving that Portage Trail was quickly becoming a very young chapter. Though PT was not at a high point, it could not be said that they were at a low point. It would be better said that they were struggling, trying to find their identity. They were on a roller coaster, and eventually found the end. Regional Convention, planned by Akron’s own Matt Burgoon, was a success for Portage Trail. Though they didn’t sweep the awards banquet, they managed to come home with every single ISF award, as well as many programming awards. The term was finished up with a laess than perfect 8th Grade Overnight. Luckily, an anxious group of AIT’s still ended up joining the chapter.
Going into the summer term, some Alephs took a look at where Portage Trail was. It was agreed that the chapter had a lot of improving to do before they were at the level he chapter had once been at. Brian Reiss was elected Godol, and he had one goal in mind, “To have fun.” He looked at BBYO as a place to be fraternal and hang out, not somewhere to act like politicians and do everything for awards. The chapter also sent 7 members to summer programs, four to CLTC and three to Israel. PT had a huge class of anxious AITs by the end of the summer and even though they were young, PT was on the rise. Again, PT won the Henry Monksy award at IC. The term ended with a record attendance of 20 at Fall Fling.
David Kay was then elected Godol, and the timing couldn’t have been better. With a board consisting of sophomores, freshman and sophomore classes, a non-existent junior class and a fading senior class. But Kay’s dedication proved instrumental in the foundation of what PT had become. Attendance at programs was higher than ever, and programming was amazing. Every aspect of Portage Trail was at an all-time high. With the goal of chapter of the year in mind, Kay drove on. Portage Trail even won “spanky the spirit monkey” for the most fraternal chapter, and retained it from JC to RC. With record attendance to all conventions, PT was getting excited for RC. But first came the annual 8th grade overnight, which proved to be one of the best Akron had ever seen. RC was held and PT was let down. Despite a monumental term, they failed to receive much of the recognition during the awards banquet. They were, however rewarded the Fraternity award. Even so, they failed to win Chapter of the Year. But they didn’t care about a piece of paper. What mattered was where they had come from where they had been. But PT kept there heads held high, and drove on into the present. Before the summer term began, Aleph David Kay was elected Regional 75th anniversary chairperson, and Aleph Marc Sugerman was elected to coordinate the upcoming AIT/MIT. Pt had stopped looking back, and was once again on a path to success.
The summer of 1999 brought PT one of the most amazing terms in its history and probably the best summer term ever. Aleph Godol Marc Sugerman said at the beginning of his term, “I am going to do this term the way I want to,” and he stuck to his word. Marc made sure everything went smoothly, but he did do it his own way.
Possibly, the only problem this term was the numbers in membership. At the beginning of his term, there was an almost invisible freshman class. But near the middle of the term, something clicked and the freshman class of 18 began to become active. At the video game sleepover, Aleph Moreh Adam Glauberman recruited and registered 5 AITs right on the spot.
With no problems existing in the chapter, PT, the most fraternal chapter in ONR, was gearing to an unbelievable finish during the Fall/Winter term. Although we did not win Henry Monsky, PT was determined to reach their bigger goal, Chapter of the Year.
The Fall/Winter term saw a familiar face at Godol, Dave Kay was once again elected Godol of PT. Marc put Dave at a great spot to begin his term, everything was already set up for him. The term had no delay in beginning. The “how to be a player” program at the beginning of the term proved to be one of the best of the term. There we had 27 out of our 32 members there.
The entire chapter was pumped for Beau/ Sweetheart, which was in Akron, as great as Beau was for Akron, it hurt PT a lot as well. The coordinators, Dave Kay, Ian Kay, Adam Glauberman, and Michelle Stein all did a great job on the convention, but the chapter shut down for about a month in the process.
The chapter picked back up and became stronger than before. Getting ready for RC, the chapter put much time in for our goal, Chapter of the year. But before RC was the 8th grade overnight once again. With record attendance, all had a great time. Then RC, although we did not win Chapter of the Year and were shunned during awards, PT maintained the Most Fraternal Chapter award for the second straight year. The chapter was not torn apart by losing for chapter of the year, because two of our own, David Kay and Marc Sugerman were elected to Regional Board as S’gan and Moreh.
Coming off the second straight fraternal chapter award gave Aleph Godol Joe Weissfeld a great position to start out his term. The summer was amazing. Even with Joe gone to Kallah for a month, Moreh Ian Kay managed to plan programs and make sure the chapter continued to succeed. Sopher Terry Caston put out spectacular newspapers and kept the moral of Portage Trail high throughout the summer. Portage Trail received another Henry Monsky that summer at IC. The chapter also enjoyed winning their 2nd AZAA basketball title in as many years. Portage Trail was well on its way to a great year.
Adam Glauberman
After that tremendous year, Aleph Mike Oliver took over as Godol in the summer of 2001. He was forced into the position, and was not given much support. Portage Trail virtually shut down over the summer. There is not much to say for this period of our history, other than Portage Trail came home with their 3rd consecutive AZAA basketball championship.
The winter term of 2002 started off with a bang, with the election of Allan Weinberger to the position of Godol, and Aleph Aaron Minc as S'gan. Things looked great, with the new edition of the long awaited City Director Mia Osherow. Things went relatively smoothly, everyone was still on a high from winning Chapter of the Year 6 months earlier. Programming was still at large, and Portage Trail ruled all the conventions...until Regional Convention. Along with the election of Aleph Aaron Minc for Regional Moreh, Portage Trail was awarded numerous awards, including Most Fraternal, not Chapter of the Year. This broke the hearts of Portage Trail, and we were in shock. In addition to losing Chapter of The Year, Portage Trail was having internal office problems with "upper management". Parents and Mia Osherow were cracking down on policy, and sticking to the books with an iron fist. This made BBYO very not enjoyable for many, especially those who remembered what it use to be like. This is the start of the "PT Dark Age".
Spring term came along, and the newly elected board was put into place. Even though Allan Weinberger had just a mediocre term Winter term, he was re-elected. Aleph Seth Marks was elected as S'gan. BBYO was doomed to start, with an inadequate board, tough parents and staff, and poor morale from the recent loss of COY. This was obviously the PT Dark Ages, and pretty much nothing happened over this summer. Learn from the past, and learn from this mistake, otherwise it will be bound to repeat itself.
Aleph Seth Marks took over Portage Trail after the rough summer 2002 term of Aleph Allan Weinberger. Discouraged, he allowed the chapter to hit rock bottom. Soon, however, he realized that there was hope for Portage Trail, as members approached him and requested that PT make a comeback. The final three months of his term were spent attempting, in vain, to turn the chapter around. PT received very little recognition at Regional Convention that year, aside from the election of Allan Weinberger to Regional Gizbor. By the end of the term, Portage Trail was ready to flourish as they did in the beginning of the millennium, but was unsure of where to start.
PT was down. Membership was low, programming was at a halt, and no one seemed to know how to fix it. Aleph Brian Sugerman decided he was not going to run for Regional Board and become Godol hoping to turn things around. His S'gan at the time Eli Steinberger, and himself made a pack to turn things around and win Most Improved Chapter that year. Programming started to become more regularly, membership was up, and people were beginning to come to programs. Portage Trail won their fifth consecutive AZAA basketball championship, turning rumors of a dynasty into fact. At the end of the term, Brian passed the torch to Eli, but along with the other seniors stayed active, and wanted to see Portage Trail succeed.
Aleph Godol Eli “The Eli” Steinberger worked hard to continue with the goal that was set at the beginning of the year in what has become on of the pivotal terms in Portage Trail’s history. With more than a little help from S’gan Eric Nelson, Steinberger helped Portage Trail begin its climb to dominance throughout the region the right way, slow and steady. Using the same programming strategy that he used as S’gan in the summer, Steinberger made sure Portage Trail had consistent, well thought-out programs with high attendance. By doing this, Steinberger and his terrific board once again made Alephs want to come to programs, and Portage Trail was soon covered with active members who cared about the chapter. Along with the most monetarily successful Bowling for Bucks to date planned by Aleph Gizbor David “Nimble” Neumann and Aleph S’gan Nelson, Portage Trail enjoyed most memorably the “Capture the Hot Dog” and annual “video game overnight” programs. At Regional Convention 2004, the men of Portage Trail AZA received the Most Improved Chapter of the Year award, the goal they had set for themselves one year before. Steinberger was elected as the 19th Regional Aleph S’gan, and although Nelson and Aleph Adam Josephson failed in their respective bids for regional positions, there losses turned out to be tremendous gains for the chapter in the year to come.
In the summer of 2004, Aleph Godol Eric Nelson used his natural fundraising and leadership skills to take the chapter to the next level. The goal of Nelson’s board was to continue their recent success, and return the chapter to the point it was four years prior, when Portage Trail won the Chapter of the Year. The term started off with a bang. With 3 successful programs in which over 20 members attended, the term was off and rolling. The board then achieved its summer goal of having few, but well-planned and successful programs such as the memorable “Senior Appreciation Program” along with a “Wing Mastication” night that took in over $300. The finale of the term was one of the most memorable moments in recent years.
The PT AZAA basketball team was going for its 6th consecutive championship in a row on September 12, 2004. The team easily made it to championship game at Fall Kickoff in Toledo, but then fell behind 21-2 in the opening minutes against Exodus AZA. But, with the hard defense of Nelson and the clutch shooting of Aleph Ted Weissfeld, PT stormed back for the win to keep the dynasty in tact by holding Exodus to only eight points the rest of the game winning 42-28.
Godol Adam Josephson took reigns of Portage Trail for the fall/winter term of ’04-’05 with the help of fellow senior S’gan Brian Botnick. With the help of many others, Portage Trail maintained the level of excellence that fellow seniors Eli Steinberger and Eric Nelson had set. With programs like “The Big Lebowski Fest” with David Berger and the “8th Grade Overnight” with Hillel, as well as the recruitment of an enormous 12 AIT 8th grade class, Portage Trail had an excellent term. This brilliance was recognized at the Regional Convention in April, where Portage Trail took home numerous programming awards, such as Programming of the Year, as well as the grand daddy, Chapter of the Year. Alephs David “Nimble” Neumann and Dan Wise were elected as Regional S’gan and Shaliach, respectively. All looked well for the future, with a good mix of every age level and an exceptional fraternity between all Alephs.
There it is for you, my Brother Alephs. This is the history of our chapter, from the beginning to end, high times and low times. Some names you have recognized and some you may have not. But these were the alephs who came together just like us in the spirit of fraternity and tradition. Today they have spread themselves throughout Akron and throughout the world, and in twenty years we will be dispersed just as they are. But they had Portage Trail and right now, so do we. The present is fleeting rapidly and you will not always have the Aleph Zadik Aleph. All that is left from the past Alephs of Portage Trail are a few old newspapers and fading memories.
It is our history that we must remember. We must remember it so that we may continue tradition. And we must remember it so that we will always know what we have been given. We are a part of a chapter that has been part of the lives of hundreds of other Alephs. It is a great responsibility, but it is an even greater privilege. Never forget the history, but do it with no regrets. This is our heritage. This is our past.
This scrapbook is a constant reminder of not only our present, but also, more importantly, our past. I hope that there will always be an Aleph who feels responsible to keep it updated, because the alephs of the future need to know about our chapter now. There are years in the files, which have no articles, and have no pictures. These alephs, in a sense, have been forgotten. Don’t let this happen to you.
So now the end of this presentation. I hope that some of you have learned a little about what this chapter means to you. I hope that some have learned that you have been given four short years, so don’t waste a minute. Remember how it began, re-live how it grew, and continue working for the future. For tomorrow and today, this is our chapter.
