Shofar Iyar/Sivan 5771
Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org
June 2011
From the Rabbi’s Desk The young people who are confirmed at JFC each year are asked (by me) to speak at the Confirmation service about their Jewish identity. The subject is appropriate because, at Shavuot, when we hold the Confirmation service, we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Sinai, the event understood to lay the groundwork for Jewish identity. The confirmands always speak well and movingly (and they write these speeches entirely independently), talking about family experiences, summer camp, JFC and our Religious School. They mention grandparents, teachers, rabbis and counsellors. And they thank their parents for making all of these experiences available to them. It is always interesting to hear the students talk about their Jewish identity. And that has led me to think about YOUR Jewish identity. So I pose the questions to you, personally. Yes.. YOU. What factors contributed to your Jewish identity? Who was instrumental in shaping that identity? Where do you feel most “Jewish”? How do you express that identity? If you are a parent, please ask yourself these questions: How are you shaping your children’s Jewish identity? Do you express your Jewish identity in ways your children “get”? What experiences do you provide for your children to establish and solidify their Jewish identity? As Shavuot approaches, I invite you to think about the specifically Jewish memories you have. Do they involve synagogue activities or family experiences? Do they center on meals and “Jewish” foods? Do they conjure up arguments and disagreements, or happiness and celebration? If you had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah From the Rabbi’s Desk Service Schedule Next Month’s Oneg Hosts President’s Message Kids Ask the Rabbi Donations to JFC Yahrzeit/Annivs/Birthdays JFCAdults Early Childhood Center
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ceremony, what is the first recollection that comes to mind when you remember it? Was it a joyful experience or an ordeal? Aside from family, how many of the people who participated in that event are still in your life? How will your B/Mitzvah experience colour your approach to your own kids’ experiences? How does your Jewish identity relate to your career? To your political ideas? To your social life? To the organizations and causes you support? Does your Jewish identity contribute to your thinking on issues like abortion? the death penalty? civil rights? government responsibility? organized labour? social welfare? And here is a consideration that the confirmands don’t have to think about: what have you done and what are you doing as an adult, to nurture and grow your Jewish identity? Do you read books about Jews and/or Jewish ideas and issues? Do you read or think about Israel? Can you read Hebrew? If not, would you like to, at least so as to follow in the prayerbook? Do you own Judaica (candlesticks, Kiddush cup, seder plate, mezuzot, Bible, prayerbook, tallit, art)? How well does your Jewish radar work? Do you subscribe to any Jewish publications? I always think of Jewish identity as a work in progress, and I encourage you to think about yours, seriously. Would your answers to the many questions above surprise anyone? Do they surprise you? If you had to deliver one of our Confirmation speeches, what would you say? I invite you to share your thoughts on this subject with me. And I invite you to attend our Confirmation service on Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 pm, to hear what this year’s confirmands have to say!
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