A Transformative Weekend of Advocacy and Collaboration in Washington, D.C.
From December 13 to 16, Temple Beth Am, Temple Judea, and Temple Beth Sholom joined forces to provide an unforgettable experience for our teens at the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC). Twenty-seven teens from our three Miami-based synagogues came together for this powerful advocacy trip, learning, bonding, and growing as individuals and as a community.
The weekend provided our teens with an incredible opportunity to explore their role as Jewish leaders and engaged American citizens. It was heartwarming to see them forge new friendships, share laughter, and connect in meaningful ways across synagogue communities. As they traveled and learned together, it became clear how impactful this experience would be for their Jewish identity, personal values, and sense of responsibility.
Throughout the trip, the group visited some of Washington, D.C.’s most significant landmarks. Highlights included a visit to Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museums, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. These sites sparked powerful reflections on the lessons of history, the pursuit of justice, and the responsibilities we carry as citizens to build a better future.
The core of the L’Taken Seminar revolved around learning and advocacy. Our teens dove into pressing social justice topics, including economic equity, campaign finance reform, and homelessness, guided by discussions, and simulations. Many of our participants chose to focus their energy on key issues like reproductive rights, combating antisemitism, addressing gun violence, and fighting climate change. They learned not only the intricacies of these topics but also the legislative process—how ideas evolve into bills—and how to craft and deliver compelling lobby speeches.
A highlight of the weekend was the teens’ opportunity to visit the offices of Representatives Frederica Wilson and Maria Elvira Salazar on our last day, Monday. With confidence and poise, they shared their thoughts and advocated for change on the issues they felt most passionate about. It was a proud moment to see them bring their learning to life, standing up as leaders and changemakers. We were particularly moved to see the flag of Israel displayed in their representatives’ offices and photos of the hostages with the Bring Them Home slogan adorning the hallways. This visual reminder of the global Jewish community added an emotional and personal layer to their advocacy work.
Rabbi Aklepi and I were deeply inspired by the passion, maturity, and growth displayed by our teens over these four days. Their commitment to learning and standing up for justice was a testament to the power of Jewish values in action. We returned home energized and proud, knowing this experience has planted seeds for a lifelong commitment to advocacy and leadership.
We invite you to witness their incredible work firsthand at our Confirmation Shabbat on May 30, 2025, where some of the teens will share the speeches, they presented in Washington, D.C. We are so grateful for the partnership with Temple Judea and Temple Beth Sholom, and for the opportunity to support our teens as they make a difference in the world. This weekend was not only about education and advocacy but also about building community, forming friendships, and shaping future leaders.
Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, and to our teens for reminding us what it means to live our values and take action. Together, we are building a stronger, more just world.
