What I Said (& Didn’t Say) on NPR

 
I was honored to participate in a panel of millennial clergy on NPR’s On Point last week. Ray Suarez wanted to know: why would we choose this path when our peers are so clearly moving away from religion? I challenged the premise. 

 

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It’s true that young Jews are moving away from many institutions. But they are searching for and creating communities that speak their language, share their values, and of which they are proud.

In the short time since we founded Detroit Jews for Justice, we have had no problem engaging young Jews. I am continuously humbled by the hunger for ritual, learning, community, action, and means to express their authentic Jewish selves. They were knocking down the door before the current political crisis, and all the more so now.

But the truth is, we can’t keep up. Just in the last few months, we welcomed 50 new leaders. However, we can only truly engage as many leaders as our infrastructure can support.

We need you to help us rise to meet this need.

To support the continued engagement of these 50 leaders, we are looking for 50 supporters to commit to $18/month. Can you become a monthly sustainer?

When I listen back to the interview, I notice how animated I became when talking about the work DJJ is doing -- I am so proud. I can’t wait to see what is possible with increased support from our extended community.

If you are in town, we would love to see you at our BBQ this Sunday! To tune into what we’ve been up to, check out our blog. And you can show support by forwarding this email to a friend who may be interested in our work.

I am so grateful to be part of a community that draws deeply from the well of Jewish wisdom and culture to help us be:

more awake,

more connected,

more resilient.

more brave.

Thank you for making it possible.

Onwards!

Rabbi Alana Alpert

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P.s. To get more of a taste of the Purim extravaganza highlighted in the interview, check out this awesome video. Rabbi/Jedi picture at left is courtesy of the event as well.

 

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