 |
|
|
Step 1. The Israelites were groaning under the bondage and cried out…
Adolescents should cry out for peace, ending strife, freedom (personal or others).
— Katherine Haves
When God heard the Israelites cry out, God did not immediately ease their pain because that would have been too easy. The Israelites would not have learned anything.
— Charles Sporn
Step 2. But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and free the Israelites from Egypt?”
Moses was a worthy leader because he was able to make decisions under pressure. He listened to God, was patient with the people and focused on what he had to accomplish as a leader. — Jamie Rucinski
Step 3. God led the people roundabout, by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds.
It was important for the Israelites to take a long journey through the wilderness because this journey allowed them to find God and hear God in a different environment where their minds were clear. — Danielle Greenberg
It was important for the Israelites to take a long journey because they had to learn what path to take. — Matt Smerling
Step 4. Then the Lord said to Moses… “Tell the Israelites to go forward…so that the Israelites may march into the sea on dry ground.”
Crossing the Red Sea and rejoicing by singing “The Song of the Sea” show that faith and unity are valued highly in the Jewish community. Both singing prayers and celebrating bring the Israelites closer to each other and to God. I would expect a community that I join to have fair values and fair judgment. — Rikki Wolff
Step 5. You shall seek out from among all the people capable individuals…and let them judge the people at all times.
It is better for everyone to take responsibility for the well-being of a community because with everyone working together, we can make more of a difference. A community is not defined by one leader; thus, to make a difference, everyone needs to contribute what he or she can.
— Taylor Bloom
By studying for my confirmation I have taken responsibility for the Jewish community. My friends and I have learned more about Judaism and what it means to be Jewish. We can pass on our knowledge to future generations. We have assumed the responsibility of making sure Judaism will be around in the future. However, we also have taken responsibility for the present by volunteering and helping out in our community and for those less fortunate.
— Max DeLott
Step 6. The world stands upon three things…study, worship and acts of lovingkindness.
Acts of lovingkindness help me identify with being Jewish the most of these three pillars. It makes me happy to be able to make others happy. It also makes me feel useful when I do something to help others. — Lauren Kaufman
Step 7. Now then, if you obey Me faithfully and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all the peoples.
It is important to the Emanu-El community that teens were so involved in organizing the Purim Carnival because it shows that teens are valuable contributors to their community.
— Sam Gotts
It is significant that the teens’ booths were the most substantive of the Purim Carnival because it shows that teens take Judaism seriously. Therefore, we are able to educate others on Jewish topics while incorporating a lot of fun into the process. — Evan Griffith
Step 8. The Moment at Sinai
Today marks the end of the confirmation program. Our students stand before the Emanu-El community feeling a sense of what it means to take ownership of their Jewish lives. They have identified some Jewish responsibilities that call out to them. In their final session, the confirmation students expressed that it is their Jewish responsibility to:
- Take care of others
- Be respectful
- Study
- Educate others
- Help the weak
- Be humble
- Be in touch with nature
Back to Confirmation Program
