By Ramona L. Brand, Director of Youth Learning
Justice, Hope. and Memory
At Temple Beth-El Religious School, teen students and community senior citizens meet twice a month for learning and relationship-building as part of an Intergenerational program called Better Together.
During November and December, the Better Together cohort explored themes of Tzedek (Justice), Hatikvah (Hope) and Shared Stories (Memory) under the direction of local artist Holly Berger Markoff. See photos above and below of students and adults
Her inspiration came from her participation in a call from Hebrew Union College for artists to create a new ritual object reflecting the vision of Rabbinical student Dr. Andrew Mandel and his desire to have accountability and reflection around the idea of being “shomer Tzedek, a guardian of Justice.
Holly’s entry, entitled Justice Knows No Other was exhibited at the Heller Museum in New York in 2023.
As our special guest program artist for this semester, Holly considered the challenge of making multiple boxes with almost 30 participants.
She expanded on the idea of Justice and extended it to Hope and Shared Stories to encompass Better Together’s mission of L’dor V’dor learning and experience.
Teens and Seniors began the project by learning and discussing three pieces of Pirke Avot. The Tzedek box was paired with Rabbi Tarfon’s quote: “It is not your obligation to complete the task, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it” Pirke Avot 2:16.
The Hatikvah Box was paired with Rabbi Hillel’s quote: “If I am not for me, who will be for me? If I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, then when?” Pirke Avot 1:14.
The Shared Story box was paired with Rabbi Ben Zoma’s quote: “Who is wise?…one who learns from all people. Who is honored?…one who honors others.” Pirke Avot 4:1. Discussing in pairs or small groups, the teens and seniors examined the meaning and application of the quotes and reinterpreted them with personal meaning. These interpretations were dropped into their blank boxes.
The magic began when Seniors and teens used their artist imagination and transformed plain wooden boxes into beautiful pieces of art. Using papier mache, paint, jewels, art transfers, modge podge and other art supplies each box became a unique representation of Tzedek, Hatikvah and Shared Stories.
The boxes are intended to collect stories of Justice, Hope and Memory in supporting the ancient pursuit of a more just society and building a better world, and will be place in our school, our synagogue and one will be rotated among our Better Together members to take home.
Participants are asked to anonymously record acts of Justice they have accomplished and place them into the Tzedek box; acts of Justice that they are committing to for the time ahead into the Hatikvah box; and acts of Justice they have observed others doing into the Shared Stories box.
To expand on learning from one another participants are asked to record their age in the corner of the slip of paper. Once a year these boxes will be opened and read aloud to illustrate the power that each single act of justice has when combined with others in the community.
Fittingly, we will launch our boxes over the weekend of Jan. 18 -20 in celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
Observing the interaction of creative collaboration between the teens and Seniors was inspiring. For a number of our participants working with art was a reach outside their comfort zone.
For others art was a natural extension of their creative thought. The spirit of encouragement, observation, thought and experimentation between the generations concluded with all proudly sharing their final projects.
The fall semester for Better Together has been filled with the sweetness of learning and imagining together, with a number of creative projects and explorations of Tikkun Olam.
We are looking ahead to the winter and spring when we will deepen our connections with each other, Jewish practice, learning. and friendship over the next several months.
Better Together is a program developed by a well-respected national foundation and we gratefully acknowledge their support.
Young Family Shabbat: Friday, Jan. 3 / Open to the Community
This month’s theme is DINOSAUR SHABBAT
Date: Friday, Jan. 3 – 5:30 p.m.: A lively 30-minute service is followed by a Family Friendly dinner
Location: Temple Beth-El, 3330 Grove Ave. 23221 / Okun Chapel
Dinner is complimentary but kindly RSVP for dinner to Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org
Enjoy a musical Shabbat with Rabbi Rachel Salston and Ramona Brand. Songs, stories, movement and more engage the littles and parents alike. A family friendly dinner served directly after services with time for socializing with friends. A fun-filled service designed for the Wiggles.
Young Family Shabbat alternates months between Friday nights and Saturday mornings. See the remaining year’s schedule below:
Friday, January 3 /Saturday, February 1 / Friday, March 7, / Saturday, April 5 / Friday, May 3 / Saturday, June 7
January Religious School Calendar
Sundays: 12,19,26 / 9am – 12noon/ grades Pre-K through 10
Wednesdays: Jan. 8,15,22,29 / 4:15- 6:15pm/ grades 3-7
Interested in our Religious School! For more information or to schedule a visit email r.brand@bethelrichmond.org
