L'taken Seminars

Rabbi Segal and 10th - 12th graders participate in the L'taken Social Justice Seminar in Washington, D.C. as part of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

If you are a 10th, 11th or 12th grader (or know one) and would like to learn more about U.S. politics and speak with your congressional representatives … this weekend is for you. For more information, visit the Religious Action Center (RAC). Please contact Rabbi Emily Segal with any questions.

February, 2007

On the anniversary of President Lincoln's birth, twelve of our Temple Jeremiah teenagers argued for social justice in the halls of the Capitol.

Over four days in mid-February we participated in the L'taken Social Justice Seminar of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. This is an intensive weekend of study on issues of social justice, tikkun olam and policy. The program began with a wonderful Shabbat dinner and service with 280 participants from around the country. From there, we dove right into issues on policy including homelessness, universal health care, campaign finance reform, reproductive rights, immigration, economic justice, GLBT rights and hate crimes legislation, climate change and Israel. Study sessions allowed our young people to ask incisive and challenging questions of legislative assistants, rabbis and representatives of different organizations. We took time off to attend the Holocaust Memorial, Smithsonian Museums and WWII Memorial, as well as explore Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown. On Sunday night we chose different topics of interest to each member of our Illinois delegation and prepared lobbying statements for our meetings with Senator Durbin, Senator Obama and Congresswoman Schakowsky. Each participant had the opportunity to speak directly with their representatives on Monday. The discussion between our young people and the aides and staffers who develop our legislators' policy was dynamic, thoughtful and powerful.

Participating from our temple were Jordan Bell-Masterson, Andrew Blum, Megan Braun, Ryan Carr, Danny Chapman, Ariel Greene, Mark Hafter, Katie Lewis, Toby Sanders, Hannah Stonebraker, Jenny Vihon, Melissa Zimmerman and chaperones Alan Goodis and myself. It was an extraordinary experience and each of us enjoyed learning about the issues, getting to know one another better and making a difference in our nation's capitol. We had a wonderful time!

- Rabbi Michelle Greenberg (former Rabbi at Temple Jeremiah)

Some Comments From Participants:

"This was like nothing I've ever done before, and I can't wait to do it again." - Hannah Stonebraker

"I feel like I can call myself a better Jew, ready to stand up for my beliefs." - Jenny Vihon

February, 2006

In mid-February, 2006, four Temple Jeremiah teenagers, Megan Braun, Scott Breen, Ryan Carr and Jordan Bell-Masterson, along with Rabbi Michelle Greenberg participated in the L'taken Social Justice Seminar for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. This intensive four-day program included learning and analysis of social policy, Jewish study, prayer and a little touring of Washington, DC.

Although a blizzard slowed down our weekend a touch, we did manage to get out of the hotel to see the Holocaust Memorial Museum and Georgetown. On the last day of the Seminar, our young people lobbied Senators Obama and Durbin and Congressman Kirk on issues of minimum wage, civil rights, hate crimes legislation for gays and lesbians and reproductive rights. It was a worthwhile and inspiring weekend. As one of the Legislative Assistants told our young people, "You may not be able to vote yet, but this counts at least as much." Yesher Koach to our participants.

- Rabbi Michelle Greenberg (former Rabbi at Temple Jeremiah)

Some Comments From Participants:

"On the L'Taken social justice trip, I became more aware of the political issues the U.S. is facing and Jewish views on them. It was a great feeling to actually lobby these views on Capitol Hill and we made some great friends and saw sites along the way!" -Ryan Carr

"We learned effective ways to lobby and make our voices heard. The people we met were great and being in Washington made the lobbying experience real! The last day really brought everything we learned together. Thanks RAC!" -Megan Braun

"It was really cool to see how politics works first-hand. The best part was going on Capitol Hill to meet with out representatives. It was great meeting fellow Jews from all over. I learned a lot about different issues, too." -Scott Breen

"The trip was meaningful not only because of the political aspect, but the way that Judaism was tied to it. It was interesting to learn the Jewish perspective on many of the major issues we are facing today." -Jordan Bell-Masterson