Introducing InterAct

Our Talmud teaches: "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." Our congregation embraces this teaching with depth, creativity and commitment. Any number of social action opportunities are available through the temple: volunteering with the Waukegan school district, B'nai Mitzvah Tikkun Olam projects, Feeding the Homeless, our ongoing tzedakah drives, numerous Religious School volunteer projects and so many more. By working together to bring justice, security and hope to different groups, we build our own congregation, strengthen our larger communities, develop and hone our skills and fulfill the potential of traditions.

We are introducing InterAct a dynamic project to build leadership skills through social justice, social action and peer cooperation. Designed for post-Confirmation high school students and continuing through the college years, InterAct participants have the opportunity to develop and implement a project of their creation to effect change in an under-served community. With guidance from community leaders, elected officials, business people and artists, our young people will be able to fulfill their values through this project.

InterAct begins with team-building and leadership development. Then participants identify a current issue (i.e. health, Darfur, teen drug use, climate change) about which to take action and advocate. This is done through research, discussion and team work. The participants fundraise, teach, meet with legislators, work with their high schools and the synagogue and develop community awareness on their topic of choice. As they work together and build coalitions with community resources, a hands-on volunteer program is developed which participants attend. This may be volunteering in the Gulf States to help restock local clinics or visiting South Africa to learn more about HIV and to bring supplies, games and joy to young people, working with the AJWS (American Jewish World Service) to build a school in Thailand or volunteering with a church in southeastern Virginia to rebuild following the devastating tornados. Throughout the program, speakers from businesses, charities, the government and other sources are invited to discuss leadership development, choices and social action.

Participants will be empowered to make decisions, work together, teach our community and role model tikkun olam. Their creativity, personal experience and values will be necessary for this program to succeed - their dedication will breed success. Through small group leadership skills development, team-building and solving a significant problem, we will develop a sense of purpose and connection to this supportive Jewish community and to one another.
As participants progress into a university or wherever post-high school plans take them, they will con-tinue to be a team. We will stay in touch and help one another with our next steps. We will do a Birthright Israel trip together and find alternative spring break opportunities. When we return to the North Shore, we will meet for a winter break soup kitchen visit or summer cruise on Lake Michigan. InterAct will be a mentoring opportunity by which our young people will continue to learn and lead.

InterAct is possible due to a generous donation of seed money and congregants who have already agreed to help guide and teach. We would be thrilled if more of our congregation became involved in InterAct as advisors, donors or teachers. And certainly, encourage your post-Confirmand to become a part of InterAct.

To learn more about the program and how you can be involved please feel free to be in touch.

Rabbi C. Michelle Greenberg

Re-printed from the June, 2008 Covenant