CANTOR'S MESSAGE

The BAT RAC Trip

I just returned from a visit to Washington, D.C., with fourteen of our
students.  We attended a “L’Taken Social Justice Seminar” created by the
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC).  Celebrating its 50th
anniversary this year, the RAC “educates and mobilizes the Reform Jewish
community on legislative and social concerns, advocating on more than 70
different issues, including economic, justice, civil rights, religious liberty,
Israel, and more!”

For the entire weekend, students were exposed to public policy issues, and had
many opportunities to explore the Jewish values that inform the Reform
Movement’s advocacy around these issues. The ultimate goal was for the students
to write and present an effective and persuasive speech expressing their own
views to a member of Congress on Monday. For three days, prior to our visit to
Congress, students attended programs, and ultimately chose an issue about which
they are passionate.

In addition to attending programs on these vital issues, students attended
Shabbat and weekday (Sunday) services. We also visited the National Holocaust
Memorial Museum, the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and on Sunday,
students had free time to explore the many other museums and memorials located
on or around the Washington Mall.  We also celebrated Havdallah on the steps of
the Jefferson Memorial on Saturday night.  Each teen received a candle and we
chanted the blessings while gazing at the memorials, the mall, and the stars.  
It was truly a moving experience. All weekend, our teens mingled and made new
friends with Reform Jewish teens from across the United States.  

On Sunday evening, after a busy weekend of learning, touring, our teens began
preparing their speeches.  What a wonderful sight it was to see teenagers
spread out all over the hotel, in their most comfy clothes; laptops open,
working so diligently and seriously preparing their speeches.  This went on for
hours and hours.  Once finished, speeches were printed up by the RAC’s
legislative assistants.  

Monday morning, dressed appropriately, our students and their new friends from
all over the country, went by bus to Capitol Hill. Because BAT students come
from both New York and New Jersey, we split up for our House and Senate visits.
Our teens learned that not all Congressmen and women agree with our student
lobbyists and not all Congressmen and women are open to new ideas, nor are they
even happy to see those who express different views.  We learned how important
are votes are when choosing those who represent us.

Great job BAT teens!  It was my pleasure to be with you for the 2012 RAC trip
and I look forward to next year!

Cantor Marcy