LESSONS LEARNED AND MORE
By Keren Alpert, Rabbinic Associate
I was privileged to teach, along with Jason Charnas, our 10th grade Confirmation class. Their curriculum was "Judaism 101 or Everything You’re Supposed to Know About Judaism that You Haven’t Learned Yet". Obviously, the students didn’t finish learning everything we are supposed to know as Jews, but specific lessons included understanding the holidays as an adult, learning theories on how the Torah was written, what the Mishnah and the Talmud are, discussing Judaism and sexuality, understanding the roots of Zionism, including types of Zionist visions, and current events in Israel now, including how the K’nesset functions and modern Israel culture, how Reform Judaism began and what gifts Reform Judaism brought to this world, and finally what it means to be Jewish in America.
The 10th graders went to Washington DC as a culmination of their learning. This trip cemented the relationships formed in the classroom. And of course, the class wrote and prepared for their Confirmation service, which occurred on Shavuot. There, the students addressed what they can confirm about themselves as young Jewish adults.
Clearly, these students have a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Judaism, something they would not have gotten had they quit their religious education at the age of 13.
Here are some excerpts from what was a beautifully moving service:
"From preschool to yesterday, I followed the religious beliefs of my parents and other adults I trusted. Today it is time for me to follow Judaism as I believe. I think that G-d is a hands-off kind of guy. I think He lets life unfold around you, He doesn’t plan your next move…" Adam Boorstein
"Standing here today, I know who I am, even if I’m not sure why I live the life I do. Judaism has helped me find myself and has given me a place to call home." Brittany Beider
"My Jewish perspective may not be the same as most. Although I believe that the culture of Judaism is very vast, and goes back as one of the most ancient religions in the world, I don’t believe in all aspects of it. I respect the customs of Passover, but I don’t believe the story of the ten plagues or the splitting of the Red Sea. I enjoy the idea of a Bar Mitzvah, that a 13 year-old can lead a congregation in a service, but I don’t always agree with what is said in services. And I honor the religion by fasting during the High Holidays, but I don’t repent my sins to G-d, because I don’t necessarily believe in G-d." Jeremy Fine
"When peer pressures were trying to pull me in all different directions, the friends I have made that are part of the Jewish community, whether from Temple or my school, have helped to keep me level and on the right path. While I am still not sure about all my beliefs, this group of people is helping me to figure them out." Haley Harper
"I don’t really go to services often or believe that reciting prayers over and over again does anything. I do believe, though, that when I’m in a bad time in my life and have no one to turn to, I can ask G-d for help and He seems to get me through it." Alex Lambert
"Going on the D.C. trip and being a part of the services we did there made me realize that I didn’t have to participate in my religion, but I wanted to. I had always followed my parents’ beliefs, but when I was away from my family, I decided to experience Judaism on my own. I was able to form my own opinion and I could follow my own path…I now know that I want Judaism to be something that stays with me for the rest of my life." Maddie Monchnik
"If you look at Judaism fundamentally, it has some major problems. Like that pressing questions of why Adam and Eve weren’t immediately eaten by dinosaurs. And the Bible doesn’t explain how a man was swallowed, much less survived in a whale. Through my education, mainly this past year, I’ve learned that Reform Judaism isn’t about the technicalities, it’s about a much larger picture. I believe that the Torah is more of a moral guide book than a history text book. Right now is the time where I’m beginning to choose which things I want to take away from this big book of Judaism." Emily Novick
"I confirm my identity. Judaism has helped me find myself as a person…I know who I was, who I am, and who I want to be. I will carry Judaism as a symbol on my necklace, and also forever in my heart." Jourdan Paige
"Above all other teachings from the Torah, I believe in the simple principle that by being a good person, you shall choose the blessing and those who do wrong choose the curse…This is a crucial point in my life, where all the decisions I make from personal life to college selections will affect my future careers and goals. I endeavor to choose the blessing every day, so that the future for me and others is both enjoyable and rewarding…" Frances Rose
