Today is May 19, 2012 - 27 Iyyar 5772
The Jewish Youth Directors Association Conference
By Tamar Schwartz
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Jewish Youth Directors Association (JYDA) Conference in New Orleans. Together with twenty-one other youth directors and advisors from across the country, we shared our experiences, troubles, triumphs and visions for the future of our Jewish youth.
One of the highlights was that the group took part in Habitat for Humanity, where we dug into the ground to create the foundation of a house being built on Olive Street. We learned about Hurricane Katrina and its devastating effects on the Jewish community.
There were many Shabbat-friendly programs that were shared, and games that we had a great time playing. We spent Shabbat at a beautiful synagogue, Shir Chadash, where Rabbi Ethan Linden welcomed us with open arms, and fed us some of the best chulent I’ve ever had!
Mike Hirsch, one of our region’s Divisional Directors, was officially discharged as Vice President of JYDA. METNY is proud of all that he has done for both JYDA as well as for METNY and Rakevet Division.
In addition, it was great to be at the convention as our METNY Kadima Coordinator, Rebecca Kane, was installed as Treasurer for JYDA. It has been a pleasure working with both Mike and Rebecca, and we look forward to seeing them continue in their leadership roles in the future.
I had such an incredible experience participating in all of the team building and leadership training exercises. It was great getting to know all of the other youth leaders from around North America and hearing about the different experiences they have in their own chapters and regions. We spent some quality time on Bourbon Street where I realized that despite our differences in age, experience level, and places of origin, we were all there because of our deep commitment to the Jewish community and the future of Conservative Judaism.
I strongly encourage all Jewish youth leaders to attend the JYDA conference. It is important to know that there are thousands of us out there experiencing very similar things, and it is helpful to feel like a part of that community. There are many lessons and activities I have taken back to my region, and I look forward to staying in touch with the many colleagues I was lucky enough to meet.
All the best,
Tamar
