This very special program is hosted eight times this year by the “RAC,” the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism. The RAC pursues social justice and religious liberty by mobilizing the American Jewish community and serving as its advocate in Washington.

We shared a bus with the KI [Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel] contingent, and Rabbi Rigler and I were particularly impressed with our driver, an ordained minister and amateur photographer from England, who now lives in Lancaster County, PA. He regaled us with fascinating stories of his extensive travels to various parts of the world, including having driven our bus to Alaska and back just last year! He was certainly the most intelligent and enlightening bus driver that we had ever encountered!

I’m proud to say that of the 21 individual URJ congregations represented from 13 different states nationwide (with no less than 5 temples from our Commonwealth!), we had the third largest group of youngsters from our 9th and 10th grades: 22 in all!

Nearly 300 kids (all 9 th-12 th graders), together with their chaperones, had descended upon the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA, to experience an intensive, exhausting long weekend devoted to Shabbat worship and study; learning about America’s intricate political process and how it operates; carefully examining the hot-button issues of the day and how they can be adjudicated from a distinctly liberal Jewish perspective; and – last but not least – armed with this invaluable information, lobbying our Senate and House members’ offices.

Following Shabbat dinner and services, the entire group was introduced to representatives from the National Coalition for the Homeless, who spoke to us about their individual, first-hand, personal experiences with homelessness! It was, to say the least, an eye-opener for our youngsters, many of whom were reduced to tears by what they heard.

Following our Shabbat morning service, time was allocated to a very important segment of the entire program: “Kesef, Koach and Politika: A Lobbying Simulation.” All participants explored – from two very different ideological perspectives – the two crucial issues of campaign finance reform and universal health care. It was truly remarkable to see what our kids learned in such a relatively brief period of time!

Shabbat afternoon was spent at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and thereafter the Beth Am group enjoyed a well-deserved meal in Georgetown! The entire group reconvened later that evening for a spectacular Havdalah service on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. Just try and imagine, if you could, more than 300 hand-held candles as they glowed against a cold night sky: awesome!

Back at the hotel, everyone continued with their exploration of various topics that included economic justice (hunger, minimum wage, and Katrina); reducing the rollback of reproductive rights; climate change and renewable sources of energy; gun control and gun violence; gay/lesbian rights; Israel and the peace process; Global HIV/AIDS crisis; education (the problems and pitfalls of our schools); and welcoming the stranger (immigration, refugees, and asylum). A tall order to say the least!

Throughout Sunday morning and afternoon, thanks to the help of the RAC’s Eisendrath Legislative Assistants (LAs), our youth began their lobbying assignments in all earnest! They were taught the ins-and-outs, the-do’s-and-don’ts of what it takes to be an effective advocate. Speeches were written, corrected where necessary, and re-edited into an impressive format that would form the basis of our lobbying the next morning.

Finally, on Monday, the long-anticipated opportunity of going to the “Hill” to lobby our Washington senators (Specter and Casey) and representatives! Suitably attired in business dress, our teens put on a command performance as they spoke confidently and persuasively before the senators’ own “LAs,” who promised that they would share our findings with, and deliver our concerns to, their bosses! Thereafter, I attended the session with other Beth Amniks who live in the 13th District represented by Rep. Allyson Schwartz. Regretfully, she too was out of town, but our meeting took place in her private office and we were well received by her LA.

Our young lobbyists were simply superb reminding the LAs, as well, about our commitment to Israel and requesting that our duly elected leaders continue their demands for the immediate and unconditional release of Israel’s kidnapped soldiers.

After lunch in the Longworth House Office Building Cafeteria, the Beth Am and KI delegations left for their last appointment before leaving Washington: a private meeting with Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Alito! Most of us had never before visited the Supreme Court of the United States, which is majestic in size and rich in ornamentation. We were given a fascinating and entertaining lecture on the history, architectural significance, and day-to-day functioning of the highest court in the land.

Then we were ushered into a separate, magnificently decorated chamber, where a docent spent some time explaining the large oil paintings of the previous chief justices adorning the walls. Eventually, Justice Alito entered the room, and we immediately rose to greet him. He spent about 15-20 minutes talking about his own legal background; his position (quite literally!) on the bench as the newest of the eight associate justices, and his work schedule. He was gracious enough to entertain some questions and kindly posed for the inevitable photos and hand shakes!

It was a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary weekend.

This was our fifth consecutive year at the “RAC.” It is by no means an inexpensive proposition, but there is no doubt in my mind that this experience will linger in the hearts and minds of our youngsters for many years to come.

You can be assured that Mimi, Marsha, and I were very proud of our 9 th and 10 th graders. May they continue to go from strength-to-strength.