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Temple Beth El Confirmation Class: Working to Make a Difference

05/28/2019 01:13:58 PM

May28

Michelle Gustafson

As a teacher in the Temple Beth El Jewish education program, I have had the privilege of knowing a great many thoughtful, smart, and caring young people. This year’s Confirmation Class is no exception. As they prepare for their ceremony in June, it has become clear that these students care about extending their own personal Jewish experiences, but the focus goes beyond solely their own interests.

Like many confirmation classes, this is a group who has known each other for years, studying together in religious school, experiencing each others’ b’nai mitzvah, and supporting each other throughout. I’m proud to say that I have known all these students for many years, and they are truly remarkable.

The confirmation ceremony is very special to the Beth El community. Its intention is to commemorate the Jewish life these students have chosen to live, a life that extends beyond b’nai mitzvah, typically at age 13. These young people are currently students at Midrasha, or they work at Beth El in the religious school program as madrichim. Still others are completing independent study into Jewish life, or they hold leadership positions within our Temple Youth Group.

Regardless of the many ways that qualify them, what is common about all of these students is their incredible empathy. During a day-long retreat, as a group this class decided that their confirmation ceremony would include the bar mitzvah of one of their classmates who had yet to celebrate this simcha. In addition, their class gift to Beth El, a bowl & pitcher for washing, speaks to the students’ sympathy for mourners who enter Temple and interest in caring for them with this meaningful gesture.

Temple Beth El’s Confirmation ceremony is a choice we give our teenagers to make. When asked to explain why they chose to participate in this ceremony that celebrates the continuation of their Jewish lives, this is how some of the students responded:

”It shows everyone how awesome we are.”--Ben Gustafson

“Confirmation allows me to feel connected to my faith and my peers in a meaningful way.”--Zoe Byer-Wein

“It [preparation for Confirmation, to include a day-long retreat] has been a great experience for all of us, because we have all known each other for a very long time, and we all want to continue our Jewish path together.”--Ian Staresinic

I believe Ian’s comment states it best: our community’s future must care for each other in order to take care of themselves. Jewish values of tikkun olam and tzedakah are being lived through the example of this confirmation class.

TBE Confirmation Class of 5779

Zoe Byer-Wein
Ben Daly
Ari Greenlee
Benny Gustafson
Jessie Kahn
Aviva Kinsey
Ben Magenheim
Nikko Schneiderman
Ian Staresinic

April 19, 2024 11 Nisan 5784