Beth Israel starts young adult group

By MATT NEIDICH

article created on: 2008-10-15T00:00:00

Congregation Beth Israel’s new 20/30 something group, Jews Next Dor (not a typo—Dor means generation in Hebrew) has opened its doors to all who are interested in participating in fun, informal and inclusive monthly Shabbat services.
 
The first two services have connected young people, both newcomers and long time Portland residents. JND also will host other special events and networking opportunities to socialize with young Jews in the Portland community.

“In the past, the involvement of young people in Jewish life was seen as a ‘problem’ for the Jewish community to solve. Now we know that, far from being a problem, their energy and enthusiasm is an asset to be embraced,” said Rabbi Michael Cahana, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel. “I am proud that (CBI) has provided the opportunity for those in their 20s and 30s to create their own vibrant prayer and cultural programs, and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching their success. We are all stronger for their efforts.”

A handful of Jewish young adults began meeting over the summer to create a service specifically for Jews in their 20s and 30s. They consulted and partnered with CBI’s leadership to create the service, but the services were led by the people for whom they were created. Guitars and drums in hand, Rayna Dushman and Julie Lipson led both prayer services with additional service contributions from other participants. They held their first service on Sept. 5, and their second service on Oct. 3.

“The planners all come from such different places,” Lipson said. “We ended up a nice mix of modern and traditional prayer music, and I think that’s exactly the point of JND. We are just creating what we know. We want this to be a service by us and for us, and we know Adon Olam, but we also know Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song.’”

“What appeals to me is the opportunity to get involved, and the fact that everyone gets together afterwards,” said Sarah Barasch, who lit the Shabbat candles at the start of the services. Barasch, who is temporarily living in Portland for an internship, discovered Jews Next Dor on Congregation Beth Israel’s website.

Jews Next Dor’s events are open to anyone, including non-members. The group plans to hold Friday night services on the first Friday of each month at 7 p.m. in Shemanski Chapel at CBI’s campus in NW Portland. The group will also construct a Sukkah at the PSU Farmers’ Market Oct 17-18 in the South Park Blocks downtown. For more information, contact Sophie Bloch at CBI, 503-222-1069.