Where have the young people gone?

Where have all the young people gone? This is my version of the song written by Peter, Paul, & Mary with the title "Where have all the flowers gone". 

My daughter Lindsey was with me in Temple recently and was asked many times by others these questions:   “Where are you now?”,   “What are your plans”, “What is Evan doing” just  to mention a few.   It was nice for Lindsey to see how much our peers care about her.  They genuinely are excited to see her.

It strikes me that once our children complete their B’ Nai Mitzvah and are confirmed, we don’t celebrate them again.  We ask why our youth don’t stay connected to our Temple or for that matter, often are not part of any Temple in their 20’s.  I know that we can change that!  I challenge each of us to find out how to celebrate our youth's accomplishments beyond these two religious accomplishments. 

Here are some ideas off the top of Paula and my heads (two heads are better than one). 

1. A note of congratulations when they graduate from High School. 
2.  Shabbat in a box  to take with them after High School.
3. A call or note from the Rabbi and President when they graduate college or get their first professional job.
4. Send them something when they have their children.
5. Dedicate one of our services each year for our children.

Please join me in establishing some traditions that connect our youth to Temple Sinai in whatever State or Country they are.  Let me know if you are interested in getting together with a few others to settle on some ideas to implement.  Let me know if you are willing to research ideas.  Let me know if you agree that this is important.

Email me timpaula@comcast.net or call me 238-6569.