I was particularly moved as we celebrated the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's 50th birthday. I had no idea of the impact the RAC has had on human rights struggles, including civil rights work in the 1960's (the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act were drafted in the RAC's conference room), active opposition of the war in Vietnam, fighting for the freedom of Soviet Jewry, fighting to end apartheid, supporting freedom for Tibet, work for a national LGBT-inclusive Hate Crimes law, fighting Don't Ask Don't Tell, and fighting for marriage equality. Each hallway at the Biennial displayed posters describing social action programs at Reform congregations across the United States. Many BAJC congregants do a great deal of social action locally and abroad. As a congregation, we have done some wonderful things (Yasher koach once again to Bobbe for coordinating BAJC help with the overflow shelter this winter). Nevertheless, I don't think Tikkun Olam shines through our actions as one of BAJC's greatest values. Shouldn't it be? Is it because as individuals BAJC is not our community center and so we offer our help in other areas of our lives? Is it because BAJC worries about not having enough people to follow through on ideas? There may be many reasons, but let's see what we can do to say yes more, and realize Tikkun Olam as a central value of our community.
Youth engagement was a central Biennial theme. Did you know that by 12th grade, 80% of Jewish kids in the U.S. have no overt connection to Judaism? It is our responsibility now to ensure that these future Jewish adults have more than a 13-year-old's understanding of Judaism based on Hebrew School and occasional services. URJ President-elect Rick Jacobs will focus his tenure on helping youth find the value added to their lives from being Jews. I was heartened twice this week to spend time with older kids at BAJC—chatting while creating games for a Chanukah party, and last night singing and goofing around a bit during services. Many of our kids are highly skilled at creating community. We need to harness those abilities and give our teens opportunities to create Jewish community, and not necessarily in the synagogue. The URJ has $5000 Incubator Grants available for innovative programs, including those geared toward teens. Camping & kayaking Shabbaton? Series of trips to Jewish areas of Boston, New York, and Montreal? If you're interested in brainstorming, please let me know!
I encourage you to check out any of the video recordings from the Biennial: http://urj.org/biennial11/webcast/ , and particularly to read outgoing URJ President Eric Yoffie's sermon on the future of Reform Judaism: http://blogs.rj.org/
L'shalom,
Julie
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