Religious Action Center

Grade 9:
Religious Action Center, Washington, DC

L'Taken Social Justice Seminar

Our ninth-grade program focuses on social justice – both generally and specifically. Students will not only learn about the Jewish imperative of improving the world; moreover, they will be exposed to a variety of ways in which to involve themselves as teenagers on the local, regional and national levels. In addition to exploring some of the local opportunities for advocacy and social action, students will travel to Washington, D.C. for a long weekend and join with other Reform Jewish teens throughout the country, who likewise are interested in developing voices to advocate for human rights of all kinds. Hosted by the Reform Movement’s social justice arm, The Religious Action Center, this weekend, known as “L’Taken” (“to perfect, improve”), prepares the students to be fluent in understanding the major issues of the day and the Jewish interpretation and responses to these issues. The culmination of the weekend takes place on Capitol Hill, as students have the chance to present position statements and lobby local and state House and Senate representatives and/or their staffers.