Giving some advice to the big guys at Federation

You know those ice cream socials that Hillel's plan, or the get-to-know-you parties that Jewish institutions sometimes plan to ENGAGE young Jews? Like the ones where it kind of feels like a high school dance that the parents planned so that the kids wouldn't go to a real party?

Well, part of the reason I wanted to start the Moishe/Kavod house is so that I could meet people without having to go to those awkward gatherings. I wanted a Jewish community that felt non-institutional, where I as a young person had a say, where my good ideas and good heart where as valuable as my purse strings. I wanted to find a community whose goal went beyond getting its members to produce Jewish babies, though if some Jewish babies come out of the deal, I'll be the first one to eat bagels at the bris. Or babynaming.

Anyway, this week, we have had two interesting experiences that lead me to believe we are on to something. First, the Federation called me and asked to meet and learn more about what we are doing. It turns out they are making a strategic plan, and like the way our house has been growing in all sorts of directions by giving young people real responsibility, training leaders, and connecting with interesting social justice campaigns, art opportunities, and creative ritual. So we met, and had an amazing conversation about how to democratize the Jewish community, make it more welcoming for young people and progressives, and allow for more avenues for leadership and growth.

Then, next week, folks from our house (and other people Ben helped organize) are having a meeting with the head of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the political arm of the federation. They will talk about how to improve Jewish Muslim relations in Boston, which haven't been great recently. As young Jews with relationships with the Muslim community through our dialogues and joint social justice work, we are able to provide a unique perspective to the JCRC, and help create the political will to allow its leaders to do the right thing.

In both cases, it is exciting to feel that the institutional Jewish community not only doesn't feel threatened by our non-institutional work, but also encourages it and is seeking our advice. By operating independently but also work with institutional leaders, we have the potential to build power for Jewish young people and progressives and push our institutions to reflect the values those young progressives hold.