The book of Numbers invites us into a scene of youth leadership amidst the trek of the Israelites in the wilderness. A youth runs up to Moses to report that Eldad and Medad are acting as prophets in the camp. Joshua, the up-and-coming leader, suggests that Moses restrain them. But instead, Moses questions Joshua’s desire to suppress Eldad and Medad’s voices, saying:
Which can be translated as, “Are you jealous on my account? Would that all of God’s people were prophets, that God put Divine spirit upon them!” In this important moment within our people’s formation as a nation, Moses advocates for a decentralization of power in which all peoples’ voices matter. In doing so, he challenges us all to build and maintain communities in which we share authority, authorship, and power; communities in which we listen at least as well as we direct.
In today’s world, we look around and see a real struggle for power, voice, and agency. How does one make a difference, and whose voices matter? In this week’s Torah portion, Caleb sets himself and Joshua apart by speaking out with confidence and hope about the journey ahead when the rest of the spies share only fear and hesitation back from their scouting mission to the land of Canaan. How do we summon the courage that we see in our ancestor Caleb, and how do we foster sensitive confidence in the next generation? Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to witness our youth making their voices and their values heard in a powerful way. I accompanied six of our tenth grade Confirmation students to Washington, DC to lobby in Congress and to engage in the political process at our nation’s Capitol. Thanks to the generous support of the Jack Grynberg Youth Memorial Fund and the Grynberg family, the students and I were able to have a transformative experience of civic engagement in Washington for the first time in HEA history.
“It felt powerful to know our voices as young Jews matter,” one teen reflected to me at the end of the trip. During our hour-long meeting with Congresswoman DeGette, the students had the opportunity to share their concerns about antisemitism, Holocaust education in public schools, gun safety, housing, and the environment. “We’re going to be on campus in a couple of years,” one student shared with the Congresswoman, “what are you and other members of Congress doing to ensure that we and our classmates will be safe?”
I was proud of the students’ preparation, their ability to articulate their opinions, values, and concerns, and their ability to listen and engage with the Congresswoman thoughtfully and respectfully. We walked into her office more on edge than ever after the horrific attack in Boulder just days before our meeting. While the trip had been planned months prior, it felt important and comforting to all of us to be able to step into the role of activism at a time that so many of us are deeply concerned about antisemitism, discord within our country, and the security of family and friends in the Middle East.
In addition to lobbying at the Capitol, we also visited the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Museum of African American Culture and History, the White House, and many monuments in the National Mall. We spent a long time viewing the exhibits at the Holocaust Museum and speaking with a survivor who was with us. We even gathered to say kaddish in the reflection room to close what was a powerful experience for us all. The students spent a restful and inspiring Shabbat with the Ohr Kodesh community in Silver Spring, MD, where they integrated with families through home stays and participation in Shabbat services and swimming at the community pool. Another highlight for the students was going to the Lincoln, Korean War, and MLK memorials at night after havdallah, where history literally lit up before us all. The students took time to pause together and contemplate the famous quotes of Reverend Martin Luther King on the memorial, including “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
As you can see, it was a packed trip. Over a closing dinner conversation at the airport, the students shared with me how meaningful the trip was for them to connect with their Jewish identity and Jewish community on multiple levels, to find their voices, power, history, and agency as Jews.
May we all continue to find and share our voices in times of challenge, and to empower the next generation to stand up and know they matter.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Coming Up!
Azamra + Dinner Friday, Jun 20th 5:30p to 8:00p Our Friday Evening Musical Shabbat service followed by a tasty kosher meal!
Tot Shabbat Shabbat, Jun 21st 10:45a to 12:00p A fun and spirited playtime and Tot Shabbat service.
Hochmat Nashim: Women’s Torah Study Group Sunday, Jun 22nd 6:30p to 8:00p Join a vibrant group of Jewish women led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman for a meaningful evening of engagement with Torah and one another.
Kavod on the Road Tuesday, Jun 24th 1:00p to 2:30p Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA.
Security Awareness Training Thursday, Jun 26th 10:00a to 12:00p HEA will be hosting a program for Colorado Jewish Women members, featuring Brian Maloney, Regional Security Advisor from the Secure Community Network (SCN), to provide training and awareness. HEA members are invited to attend the program as well. If you are interested in attending, please email Amy Karp or Carol Abrams.
Monthly Israel Updates with Amir Kaufman Thursday, Jun 26th 6:30p to 8:00p Finding it hard to keep track of what's going on in Israel? Join us for a monthly class that aims to cut through the noise. Led by Amir Kaufman, we'll be diving into the societal changes that are happening during the war. Join us to stay informed and thoughtful about our homeland.
Torah for Today Class Shabbat, Jul 5th 10:30a to 11:15a With Rabbi Mordecai Magencey, Ph.D.
Festo! Festo! Featuring Jacob's Ladder Thursday, Jul 10th 7:00p to 9:30p Festo! Festo! is a monthly Klezmer, Balkan, and World music concert and community jam session. This month's guest band is Jacob's Ladder. The performance will be at Hebrew Educational Alliance.
Shabbat in the Park Friday, Jul 11th 5:00p to 7:00p Join us for a family-friendly Shabbat celebration at Centennial Park. HEA Member Families: $10, Non-members: $15.
Azamra & Potluck Dinner Friday, Jul 11th 6:00p to 9:00p Join us for our Friday evening musical service and Shabbat dinner! NEW TIME: Appetizers at 6:00 p.m., the Azamra service at 6:30 p.m., and Potluck dinner at 7:00 p.m.at service.
