At last year's Yom Kippur services, I experienced a wonderful moment when we called in the children to participate in the Torah parade (hakafah). At that moment a whole new group of young families came in with their children holding their hands or their babies in their arms. In an instant it became clear: not only does CBI have deep roots in this community, but we can extend far into the future for generations to come.
My sense that we are a multigenerational congregation has grown and strengthened over the past year. One day I may be lunching with the Senior Sages, the next day I may be involved with the Menchkins, religious school or teens.
I was especially gratified this Yom Kippur to see so many of our CBI teenagers participating in our Yom Kippur services, and taking off from school for the holy day. There were many teens making aliyot, helping to lead the Avinu Malkenu, carrying the Torahs, participating in the teen forum with Daniel Veidlinger, and just hanging out - some of them for the entire day.
I was barely off the plane to Chico when people warned me that "most" of our teens (and their families, too) drop out after Bar Mitzvah. I hope that we have proved this wrong. Most of our B'nai Mitzvah now continue to Confirmation Class and participate in BBYO. We had our first Confirmation service last spring. Some teens volunteer at the Religious School or attend Jewish summer camps. This all gives me great naches, because I know that right here in Chico they have developed a strong Jewish identity and observance which they will take into adulthood.
On Simchat Torah, I rejoiced again. At many congregations, the fun holidays like Simchat Torah, Chanukah and Purim are just for the children. Some people call it "Pediatric Judaism." At CBI teens, adults, and people of all ages were celebrating and dancing with the Torah. We experienced Jewish joy for all ages.
A number of lay leaders and volunteers have made sure that we have programs addressing the needs of various age cohorts. Nadine Tochterman calls all of our Senior Sages for their monthly meetings. First the Leitners, and now the Halimis, have guided our BBYO group. Under the direction of Fran Halimi, our religious school now serves kids from preschool to Confirmation. Lisa Rappaport and a dedicated cadre of young parents have done wonders developing our Menchkins program from a small play group to a holistic education program for young families. Arielle Danan started the Tweens and Rhonda Zisle has chaperoned them. In the broader community, our college youth are also served: CBI member Bryan Rowes directs our Hillel organization for Jewish Students, and Jed Wyrick now directs Jewish Studies, founded by Sam Edelman. Women of all ages come together in our Sisterhood, led by Bev Paull. (I am still optimistic that we can have a Brotherhood as well!)
One age cohort whose needs we have not yet addressed is young adults, singles or couples, past undergraduate college years and pre-parenthood. One graduate student at CSU told me that he looked at our website and saw pictures of people of all ages, except for his own age. We can't criticize ourselves too harshly for this. The young adult community is one that is under-represented in most Jewish communities. They are often not too interested in joining a synagogue until they have children of their own. In the meantime, they can drift away from Jewish involvement. Generally, only large Jewish communities have the funding, staff, and resources to adequately address the needs of this group. Nevertheless, if we want to insure Jewish continuity in our area, we must attempt to do more to serve the needs our 20-30-somethings.
Recently, more young adults have come through our doors and shown an interest in our congregation. I have met others when performing weddings or working on campus. We should explore the creation of a social group for young Jewish singles and couples. But like all the other groups, it will take the involvement of at least one or two dedicated lay leaders who want to make it happen.
Our programs may be on a smaller scale than in the big city, but the quality of our communal and educational experiences rivals that of much larger congregations. It is wonderful to see our members from infancy to age 90 and above coming together as a Jewish community! Let's celebrate the fact that we are truly becoming a multigenerational congregation.