Every Kid a Twin

We know that Jacob and Esau were twins (though they were boys, not "kids"!!).

Well, our bar/bat mitzvah students - beginning with this fall's 7th graders - will be twins as well.

Many Diaspora congregations have "twinning" programs with congregations in Israel. I have the preliminary work with Rabbi Nof completed so that each of our bar/bat mitzvah students will be "twinned" with a bar/bat mitzvah student at Or Hadash in Haifa.

Initially this means a few letters, maybe some emails or photo exchanges. Pen pals with a Jewish focus. The connection could grow over time, depending on our willingness to expand our outlook.

Congregants at Or Hadash have invited out kids to visit them and stay in their homes. We could return the favor. Rabbi Bob Samuels (see earlier post) let me know that he's an excellent resource for families who want to come to Israel for their student's bar/bat mitzvah.

We have a local connection as well. Didn't I write in an earlier post that Rabbi Nof's wife grew up in Brockton? Her parents made aliyah four years ago. The parents of one of our preschool families have been friends for 40 years with the rabbi's wife's parents.

Connections? We got 'em!! Plus, the aunt of the rabbi is a member of the Reform congregation in Falmouth with which some of our members are also associated.

I believe that we all have work to do. Jews in Israel are becoming more Israeli, leaving Judaism behind. Jews in America are becoming more American, leaving Judaism behind. We have a common task, remembering that being a "light to the nations" requires a foundation in Jewish thought, practice and culture. It's not only ceremonies and rituals, as we all know too well. It's an orientation, a way of thinking and connecting, a way of making a true difference in whatever patch of life we find ourselves.

Beginning with where you are, with what interests you, find a way - ask for a way - work together for a way - to bring the riches of Judaism into who you are, what you do, how you see the world and do your work - how you make your life.

It's a challenge for all of us. In the tension between remaining individuals and joining in community, we can each discover the balance that enriches both.

There's plenty of talk around this topic - always has been, I guess - but like the Nike logo - there's also a time to "Just Do It!". I think that time is now.

Rabbi Heath