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11 Iyar 5768   May 16, 2008    Torah portion: Behar Lev. 25:1-26:2

Dear Friends:

          They have learned and they have taught. They have attended Camp Harlam. They have visited concentration camps and they have visited Israel. They have played in the Maccabee Games. They have been involved in SSTY as participants and leaders. They have connected with their peers throughout NFTY-PAR and taken on leadership roles on the regional level. They have been campers and counselors at Shaarai Shomayim Day Camp. These are the young people who are the members of the Confirmation Class of 5768.

          Have your children or grandchildren ever asked why they have to continue with religious school after their B’nai Mitzvah? Have you ever wondered why our congregation devotes so much of our financial resources to education? Have you ever wondered why a congregation as small as ours sends so many children for summers at Camp Harlam? Have you ever wondered why three or four of our students visit Israel every year? Have you ever wondered why, of all the Reform youth groups in Pennsylvania, we have had a representative on the regional youth board almost every year, at least for the past 15 years in my frame of reference?          

          Have you ever wondered who will be the standard bearers for Jewish life in the next generation?

          You can learn the answers to all of these questions at our services next Friday night, May 23, when seven of our young people, graduating high school this year, will be confirmed. Services begin at 7:30.

          There is a tendency in Jewish life to count the people who we lose along the way after B’nai Mitzvah. Certainly, we are sad to lose them. We need to rethink our focus, though. We need to celebrate the great accomplishments and contributions of these students who have been regular participants throughout their years at Shaarai Shomayim. The size of our Confirmation class varies from year to year, but there are consistent themes that emerge as we celebrate with these young people. I hope you will all celebrate with us and celebrate with these students. Make sure to bring your children and grandchildren. Make sure to bring your friends. My goal is that, along with the High Holy Days, Mitzvah Day, the Chanukah service, and Purimshpiel, the night of Confirmation will also be a night that sees our building overflowing—with people, with pride, with gratitude, and with the spirit of holiness pervading the entire experience.

          Of course, the Shabbat we begin at sundown tonight also promises to be a wonderful and meaningful one. Please join us tonight to pray with and celebrate with the members of our Sisterhood who will be leading our service.

           Shabbat Shalom u’m’vorach. Have a Shabbat of peace and of blessing.

Sincerely,

Jack P. Paskoff,

Rabbi