Like many families, all of my children participated in Jewish summer programs this summer; two as counselors and two as campers. Anecdotes indicate, and studies have confirmed, the power of immersive Jewish experiences on shaping Jewish identity and promoting Jewish pride. Many Jewish youth will participate in formal Jewish activities with a frequency and intensity that parents don’t always see from their child at home or in school; such as daily tefilah/ attending minyan, participating in Torah study sessions, and singing/ dancing to Jewish songs. It is as if summer camp can take a child out of his/her element and preconceived notions and allow them to be more connected to their neshamas in an authentic way, without any being self-conscious or worrying about “what other kids might say”. Over the years parents have approached me with concerns about the development of their child’s Jewish identity. Inevitably my response would include my opinion that there are three primary contributors to a child’s Jewish identity: School, Shul and Home. Both School and Shul provide outlets and opportunities to cultivate a child’s literacy, identity and sense of belonging. But it is ultimately a parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child participates and takes advantage of the opportunities afforded by Shul and School. It is also important for parents to realize that they are the primary role models for their children. Parents are children’s first teachers and primary role models. We must embody the values and observances that we want our children to internalize. In addition to Shul, School and Home one can argue that summer camp is the fourth leg that helps solidify and strengthen Jewish identity. But if someone does not attend Jewish summer camp (and even for those who do) there is great value in incorporating immersive Jewish experiences into our lives. This can be accomplished outside of the summer and can be provided by other organizations, including Shul and School. And we can all benefit from immersive Jewish experiences, even those of us too old to attend summer camp. Parshat Eikev contains the second paragraph of the Shema. The pasuk states (11:19): “And you (plural) must teach your children to speak these words of Torah.” Britain’s Chief Rabbi Mirvis explains that this verse is a mandate on the Jewish community as a whole to ensure that there are institutions in our community, such as schools, shuls and summer camps that are tasked with educating the next generation of Jews and helping them connect to their Jewish identity. The Torah continues in the singular – you (in the singular) must speak these words of Torah, “when you are sitting in your home, when you are on the way, when you get up and when you lie down.” The Sefer Menachem Tzion teaches us that from here we learn that what children are taught in school needs to be matched by the home environment. So when we are sitting at home, when we are engaged in our daily pursuits, when we are also on our way outside of our home when we’re at work, when we are on a family vacation, we should be living a true and authentic Torah way of life, just as our children have been taught about when they are in school, shul and summer camp. One way for parents to fulfill this mandate is by bringing our children to shul for experiential activities and events that promote these values. One event that I want to bring to your attention is Musical Hallel and Breakfast, presented by the shul and the Youth Department, scheduled for Rosh Chodesh Elul- Sunday August 24. Minyan in the Sanctuary will begin at 9 AM (musical Hallel will begin at approximately 9:30 AM) Breakfast will be served in the Social Hall following minyan. Adults, children and families are invited to attend, and sponsorship opportunities are available (contact me for sponsorship information). This will be a great way to start your Sunday, a great way to start Rosh Chodesh, and a great opportunity for us to live our values and to instill them into the next generation
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