How do we teach the full story while fostering a love for our homeland? The Israel I grew up with – the Israel of the 6-Day war, the Israel of the Munich massacre, of Entebbe and the 1977 European Basketball championship – is not the Israel that resonates with young people today. Today’s youth are not as willing to take on Israel “hook, line and sinker” the way many of my generation did. They have easy access to information, form their own opinions, and want to be heard. They demand discourse, diversity and accountability.

How do we teach the full story while fostering a love for our homeland? Recently, I led a URJ Roswell Klal Yisrael Fellowship program Israel trip for a group of international Reform teens. We got to meet Rabbi Noa Sattath, Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC). Noa discussed how, in some of Israel’s religious neighborhoods, when an advertisement features an “exposed” female model (sometimes the only part ‘exposed’ being her face!), religious men hurry to cover it up.

How do we teach the full story while fostering a love for our homeland? Two years ago, I became a full-time Israeli Shaliach at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. For the past three summers, I’ve also served as the head of the Israeli delegation at URJ Camp Coleman in Cleveland, Georgia. My job is to strengthen the bond between Israel and local communities in the United States. Israel is clearly my home, but how can I help others feel closer to it?

How do we teach the full story while fostering a love for our homeland? Growing up in Israel, I visited almost all the places that groups from Birthright, Masa and other organizations visit – many times. During those visits I was with fellow Israelis who, like me, didn't find much significance in being at these historic sites. Masada, the Western Wall and the Dead Sea had always been a natural part of our horizon. That changed when I led NFTY in Israel and URJ Kesher Birthright trips.

How do we teach the full story while fostering a love for our homeland? Think of your favorite sports team. A team you would jump to defend in an argument. For me, it’s the Washington Capitals. Now, imagine being at your team’s games. Surrounded by fans from both sides, cheerleaders, and even a couple of merchants. Your team scores a goal and the arena erupts in cheers. Think of your favorite sports team.

We encourage our youth to be leaders and want them to succeed and excel. But what happens when the stress to achieve takes away the joy from their social lives and their ability to recharge? Should we consider giving our teen campers dedicated time to do SAT prep in summertime? 

How can our teens “find themselves”? Read about one congregation’s approach to a service learning journey to Haiti, building homes for the locals, celebrating Shabbat together, and discovering what a transformational Jewish experience can really be.

Our younger youth look up to their older siblings wearing camp t-shirts at the congregational “Camp Shabbat” and wonder – what’s this all about? Learn how one congregation designed an integrated program that gets the kids writing letters home during the school year.