THE SOCIETY FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM:
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 2002 SHJ Youth Conclave

Undaunted by snowstorms, venturing forth from the security of home and friends, forsaking the warmth of Arizona and Florida, the excitement of Americas capital, the attractions of historic Boston and Philadelphia, and the cosmopolitan flavor of Toronto, young people, Humanistic Jews, joined the teens of Detroit in the frozen climes of Michigan for Teen Conclave 2002. Some came alone, uncertain and fearful, yet courageous and bold. Others came seeking answers to their questions about Humanistic Judaism. And those who had attended last years conclave, couldnt imagine how this years could equal it. But their responses show, it did:

For me the highlight of the conclave was enjoying the great people and getting to know them better through Gregs (Advisor Greg Epstein) service, Havdala, and the initiatives (the team building skills). And of course, the best and funniest part was that I was the only person to bring flashlights, and since Greg and Mara (Advisor Mara Sands) forgot Shabbat candles, my flashlights were the candles.

It was really great how everyone got so close in such a short amount of time. I feel like everyone there became my best friend.

Highlights: Initiatives, Friendship Circle, Midnight Ultimate Frisbee Game, Shabbat and Havdala services.

Youth Conclave 2002: what a fun experience! It was my first conclave and my first humanistic activity since my bat mitsva almost three years ago, but what a way to return to the movement! I really enjoyed meeting people from around the country (and Canada too) and participating in Havdala services and discussions about the Middle East and the meaning of life. Great leaders, great new people, great fun. I really had an awesome time and hope to return next year.

The highlight for me was going outside one night with a mattress and pulling people around on it or getting pulled myself. We tried to go sledding but there werent any hills we could use. Eventually we went inside and all lay on a blanket and played a game you usually never hear of except at girls slumber parties. It was amazing.

I did think that it was really amazing how a bunch of people who didnt really know each other bonded so fast. By the end of the weekend, I think we all had made some impressive friendships that will last.

Im not a member of SHJ, nor are my parents. Im very new to Humanistic Judaism, but I love it. I am of college age. So, a college student hanging out with a bunch of high school kids? You say to yourself, "Wow, she is so not cool." But that is where I find my happiness. After four and a half years of the Bnai Brith Youth Organization, I reached college and found myself missing something. Of course, I had the busy class load, jump starting Hillel, and writing for the newspaper to keep me busy, but there still was a piece missing. I attended the Teen Conclave, anticipating I would learn more about Humanistic Judaism and meet a few new people. My anticipation was nothing compared to the experience I had. I had forgotten how spending late nights in the bitter cold can bring a group of strangers together. I forgot how bad camp food can be, but how much fun meals were. I forgot how icky it felt to not shower, but how great it felt to not care. I forgot how you could be involved with a group of people who loved you unconditionally. I remembered all of that and more at the Teen Conclave. Though I am new to Humanistic Judaism, this welcoming group of people made me feel right at home. And I did. I look forward to more involvement with the SHJ teens. My youth group years shaped who I am today, and I only hope SHJ can do the same for its teens.

Humanistic Jewish teens can at times feel lost in the American"religious" stream. Participating in an SHJ teen conclave when I was 16 and later as a youth group director has served as a powerful reminder that we are, in fact, not alone but rather connected to amazing, like-minded souls. I urge SHJ individual congregations and donors to continue to invest in these young leaders.