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September 19, 2003
Youth can learn and lead
Some synagogues plan holiday programs for teens.
KYLE BERGER REPORTER
High Holy Day services can often be pretty mundane for the average
teenager so some synagogues in the Lower Mainland are trying to
adopt new programming to deal with the issue.
Rabbi Avi Berman, the youth director of Schara Tzedeck Synagogue,
said that this year, the synagogue will be bringing in several guest
rabbis and educators from Los Angeles and Toronto to lead a variety
of educational programs that will help give the teens an appreciation
for prayer. The programs will discuss topics such as why pray to
God, how to pray and the beauty of repentance.
"Sitting in the main sanctuary with little understanding is
pretty unappealing to the average teenager," Berman told the
Bulletin. "But if you understand why you're doing something
then you don't exactly have to connect to what you're doing in order
to be happy with what you're doing."
Berman said the sessions will take place during the parts of davening
that are considered to be more boring for teens. Refreshments and
a kiddush will be included.
Beth Israel Synagogue will also have a special program for teenagers.
However, they will be learning by teaching others in a unique family
service.
Created for families with children under bar mitzvah age, the service
will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The participatory service will offer explanations and explorations
of some of the traditional holiday prayers.
Also, on Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Beth Israel Hebrew
school will host an introductory session to the High Holy Day services.
The youth at Temple Sholom will be leading a junior service on the
first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. This service will
be for children from kindergarten to Grade 4.
Beth Tikvah Synagogue's young leaders will also be helping with
their shul's junior congregation service. The teens will help run
a baby-sitting program.
More information on these programs can be found by calling Schara
Tzedeck at 604-736-7607, Beth Israel at 604-731-1346, Temple Sholom
at 604-266-7190 or Beth Tikvah at 604-271-6262.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer living
in Richmond.
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