Hi everyone!
Allison, Ellen and I are here in Washington DC at the URJ Biennial convention. This convention is for anyone who is connected to the reform movement at large and is filled with Rabbi's, Cantors, educators, lay-leaders, students and dedicated high school students who are active in NFTY. There are around 5000 participants, 25 from TBS including two NFTY students. Here we have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of different learning sessions and prayer experiences. We have heard absolutely phenomenal speakers including author Wendy Mogel and President Obama. I highly encourage you to read Mogel; she uses wit and humor to discuss raising the next generations. I was particularly please when she said how important it is to send kids outside! Obama gave beautiful words of Torah and learning as he gave a very genuine and relatable speech about saying "Henani: Here I am" to the issues facing society today.
The union launched it's new campaign for youth engagement to help create more programing to keep our youth engaged in synagogue life from birth through high school. It is so neat to have the opportunity to learn about other innovative programs that temples around the country are doing, but the more I have learned the more I have realized how lucky I am to work at such a treasure as TBS.
There have been a few sessions targeted on early-childhood programs specifically. I participated in a session called , "how the economy is affecting pre-schools" that viewed early-childhood centers through a political and economic lens which is something I have little experience with. I also participated in a Tot-Shabbat song session and Yoga T'filah yesterday and am excited to bring more songs and stories and movement to the Tel Aviv class!
It has truly been an amazing weekend filled with rich learning and a vibrant community. However, Allison and I both miss our classes and will be thrilled to see everyone on Monday morning!!
Have a wonderful rest of your weekends and see you soon!
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