I'd like to share with you my most memorable Jewish experiences. You may think that the list will be pages long. And you would be right when it comes to wonderful, enriching, enlightening and inspiring Jewish activities.

But my most memorable Jewish experiences can be summarized in two words: Youth Group. During the late sixties, my world revolved around my temple youth group. I participated in all of the social activities, went on every retreat, went to summer camps sponsored by the Reform movement, served on the local and regional boards and learned to play the guitar so I could be a regional song leader.

There was nothing that empowered me more (even before I knew what being empowered was all about) than participating in the leadership, decision making, study, social action and creative services that NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) afforded me. Bringing a guitar on the bima, writing and experimenting with new liturgy, giving sermons from a different perspective were all innovations that Jewish youth were eager to share with Reform congregations that were searching for new ways to worship.

I was fortunate to have been part of the generation that brought about these changes. And I am grateful for the memories that remind me of that youthful drive to pursue something new and exciting. My Judaism was imbedded in my soul then and remains as strong today because those experiences kept me close to my Jewish roots and temple life.

Temple Micah's youth group offers your children the same kinds of experiences. For those whose children are too young to participate, the youth group doesn't seem to exist. It operates after religious school, so its presence isn't felt by the majority of members. But on Dec. 9, the youth group will be leading the Shabbat service. This would be a great opportunity for you and your whole family to experience Shabbat in a different way, and to see the energy that Temple Micah's adolescents derive from membership in this organization. It would be a good time to plant a seed in your children's minds about staying active in the temple, to show them excellent teen role models and to see for yourself what the future of Judaism looks like.

I plan on being there. I hope to see you.

Also in December, the Jewish Parenting Group will meet Dec 15 to discuss interfaith family life, how to bring more Judaism into family life through rituals, and the "December Dilemma" — a look at Christmas and Hanukkah.

That evening, the New Member Group will meet for dinner and a discussion with Rabbi Zemel and me. We will be focusing on Shabbat as we study the prayer book and its themes.

Tot Shabbat will be at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 16, followed by dinner and child-centered activities. And Kol Isha will be from 2-4:30 p.m., Dec. 18, as we continue to study the psalms.

I look forward to sharing these activities with you and your family.