“I have a voice. My voice is powerful. My voice can change the world.”
These words by Elana Arian are sung over and over by the teens attending the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar as they move through this very special weekend. L’Taken, in partnership with the Religious Action Center and the Union for Reform Judaism, is designed to both expose high school students to a variety of public policy issues and explore the Jewish values that inform the Reform Movement’s advocacy around these issues.
Our teens spent time learning about social issues and public policy that interested them, as well as how to present their ideas in the best ways possible. They took this learning and created presentations for our Georgia politicians. We were fortunate to present to Legislative Correspondents in the offices of Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Rich McCormick, and Representative Henry Johnson. The students presented on the issues of Israel, Antisemitism, Disability Awareness, and Reproductive Rights. The students were thoughtful, well-spoken, and prepared. The Correspondents treated them with attentiveness, taking notes and asking questions. It was extremely empowering for our young leaders!
But this weekend is not just empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders and community organizers, it is about bringing together Jewish teens from across the country - from California to Utah to New York, our teens met and made friends with other Jewish kids, Rabbis, Cantors, Educators, and Youth Professionals!
In addition, we had the opportunity to sightsee, play, and pray!
We were able to spend time at the Holocaust Museum, the National Mall (Air & Space, American History), the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. We also got to do a little shopping and eating in Georgetown and Pentagon Row.
Saturday Shabbat services were bookended by Friday night services and Havdalah. It was beautiful to see the kids praying together and the different traditions they all brought from their home synagogues and camps!
Rabbi Spike and I had the best time with our baker’s dozen of Confirmands. We are kvelling over the amazing job they did of lobbying their elected officials with the persuasive arguments they prepared. We are also overjoyed that they all came home having connected with each in a real and meaningful way. These connections make our community better, stronger, and healthier.
I cannot wait for next year!
Beth Blick
