Path to Confirmation

Hi folks,

We had a fun and thought-provoking Shevet Session on Wednesday with the theme “Money.” To me it was interesting that we had the least amount of physical activities of the last 5 sessions, yet the discussion flowed easily.

We started with “Pizza Economics-“ how could the group “buy” their dinner slices of pizza with unequal distribution of tickets, some of which were more than enough to get a slice while some were less than enough, and how the group decided what to do about it. Don’t worry- after the exercise, everybody ate!

We explored financial expectations of men, in our culture, in our families, and according to our friends.

We talked briefly about the history of the Jewish people and money-lending, and where some negative stereotypes- and as well as positive realities- come from.

We watched a few videos about income distribution within the US, poverty and class, and how the middle class is affected. We also watched two music videos about wealth by rap artist Drake (a Jew).

We considered whether money can buy happiness, and what the guys would do with $1 million (you might be pleasantly surprised!).

We closed with a review of some opportunities for giving tzedakah- e.g. to Temple Israel funds, some metrics for considering charities, and how to look for good charities through the website www.charitywatch.org. We didn’t have time to look at other rating websites, but please pass these to your sons- www.charitynavigator.org and www.givewell.org. The group decided to donate to the Cancer Research Institute. I made a donation from the group- see receipt below.

Our next and last session will be next Wednesday. The topic will be Sexism.

I mentioned this previously, but if the group wants to convene for another session, it would be on a Saturday or Sunday, as regular CJL Wednesday sessions will take place after next week. If you communicate with your sons and with each other about this and let me know that you’re interested, I’ll suggest some weekend dates that it could be possible for me and for the Temple.

Shabbat Shalom,

Steve