An Open Letter to Recent High School Grads

So you’ve just graduated from high school. First of all, mazel tov! But… now what?

Moving from high school to the next phase of your life is an exciting time and there is much to do. Living away from home or attending college may be the first opportunity you have to make decisions about how you want to live and learn Jewishly.  Will you celebrate Jewish holidays away from home? How do you meet other Jews like yourself?

The Union for Reform Judaism wants to be there for you as you begin to choose your own Jewish path by keeping in touch while you are away from home. We’re committed to continuously engaging our youth and young adults (that means you!) in Reform Jewish life, and we don’t want to lose contact as you move on. We hope you’ll take a minute to confirm your upcoming plans and email address.

In doing so, you will be informed of various opportunities open to you, such as Shabbat programs, special holiday programs, Birthright Israel trips, alternative spring break options, advocacy seminars, and more. If you want us to, we will also share your contact information with our friends at Hillel, the Jewish campus organization, with whom the URJ is working closely to meet the needs of Reform Jews on college campuses. If you’re planning to attend college, we want to help you stay connected – and to connect further – with the Jewish community. With your go-ahead, we’ll ask the folks at Hillel to reach out to you once you’ve arrived at school, and they’ll be able to help you foster a meaningful on-campus Jewish experience.

We can also offer more personalized help, whether you’re headed off to college or the military or taking some time off to figure out what comes next. If you have any questions about how the Reform Movement can be helpful to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at lbarzilai@urj.org or (212) 650-4081.

http://blogs.rj.org/blog/tag/outreach/

We at the URJ know that leaving high school and facing whatever comes next can be a scary time, but there’s so much to look forward to. Post-high school life offers incredible opportunities to connect with Judaism and engage with the Jewish community, and we want to do all we can to help you capitalize on these opportunities. Don’t lose touch with us!

Know of a Jewish teenager who would benefit from reading this post? Please send it along! We have also created a letter for synagogue leaders to send to your congregation’s high school seniors and another you can send to their parents. Thanks for helping us spread the word!