By Becky Oliver

“This is my home.”

On Erev Shavuot, this phrase was repeated over and over by our graduating seniors as they spoke to the congregation. Many years ago, we made the decision to eliminate 10th grade confirmation and focus solely on a 12th grade graduation service. This shift allowed for a graduation ceremony that was filled with reflection and marked a true transition in their lives, rather than one we created.

Every year each of our 12th grade graduates speak in our sanctuary about their Jewish experience at Temple Beth Avodah to share their wisdom and learning. Every year, we realize that it is not the innovative programs that make the difference, but the feeling of connection that impacts them. Every year, we wonder how we can convey this message to younger families who are beginning this journey, many of whom are already counting down to their exit from synagogue life after B’nai Mitzvah.

While this year once again included the inspirational senior speeches, we added a new component, one that changed the nature of the speeches as well as the kavanah, the intention, of the service. Our grade 5 students, who were graduating from their program and beginning the next phase in their journey, were present to listen to the seniors and have the torch of Jewish teen leadership (literally) passed on to them. As the seniors each gave their Havdalah candles to the 5th graders, there was a palpable shift in the room.

Everyone recognized that this was a moment of transition in the life of the congregation. Our 12th graders acknowledged that while this was and always will be a home for them, it was time for them to create space for the 5th graders to grow and learn and lead. In this moment, our 5th graders were accepting the responsibility, not only to begin studying for their B’nai Mitzvah, but to use their voices and their actions to become the next set of teens who lead our congregation.

One of the greatest challenges is truly demonstrating to pre-B’nai Mitzvah age families the value of Jewish engagement after age 13. We can talk about innovative programs, deep learning, and fun activities until we are blue in the face, but ultimately, people crave meaning and connection on a deeper level. All of those programs are only as good as the relationships they inspire and the growth they cultivate for those involved.

The challenge: don’t just articulate this idea, but demonstrate it and allow people to feel it on a fundamental level. By bridging our 5th graders and our 12th graders, along with their families, we were able to illustrate the gift that Jewish learning and engagement can be. Through their tears, laughter, and love, our 12th grade students lived the value of l’dor v’dor and inspired the next generation of teen leaders in our community.

As our seniors said “goodbye” to their current relationship with the community, they inspired the 5th graders to say “hello” to their new relationship and leadership in the community. I think one of the graduating seniors said it best and so I will end with his words, instead of mine:

“This temple is a true sanctuary, as it offers a place where I feel safe, where anyone is more than ready to have a conversation because they really care about me… To the 5th graders here: I hope that as you listen to these speeches you’re finding something that can be yours. This place will always be a home for you.”

Becky Oliver is the Director of Education at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, MA.