5767 years and still learning

OK, forgive me as I am going to blog about religion here, with nothing to do about security. So if you are not interested please don't read any further. One of the complaints we hear about organized religion in general today is that it just doesn't adapt to the changing times. We hear young people have faith, but are not turned on by going to church and synagogue. My friend Mitchell Ashley has made tremendous progress against this at his church, where Mitchell leads the church band playing contemporary Christian music at very progressive services.  This "Christian Rock" seems to have made Mitchell's church very successful in attracting young people and getting them involved in the church. 

Growing up Jewish, I don't remember our local Synagogue being a place that really seemed to be "with it".  My perceptions of all this changed today when I attended my 5 year old son Bradley's pre-school Seder at Temple B'nai Israel in Boca Raton. For those who don't know, a Seder is the traditional Passover meal and with Passover starting Monday night, they had a mock Seder at the school today.  I was amazed at how they used technology and media to make it relevant and fun for the kids.  First of all everything was put on powerpoint slides and projected up on the wall so everyone could read and sing along.  The graphics accompanying the words and lyrics were great and gave the kids something to look at.  Next the words to many of the songs and prayers were put into new melodies.  There was even some hip-hop/rap type tempos with prayers for words.  While I thought my grandmother, god rest her soul, would be turning over in her grave had she heard this, the kids were really into it.  They were up and dancing and reciting the prayers.  All of the pre-recorded songs were actually on an iPod that was plugged into the rooms stereo system.  Other songs were sung and played on guitars live in the room.

Instead of being told just sit there and behave yourself as I was as a child, here the children were encouraged to indulge themselves and enjoy the festivities.  The adults and children put on hats and costumes, used finger puppets and other props to act out the story. What was the real pay off for me, was that the kids liked it so much, they actually learned and knew the whole Passover story of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  It was very heartening to see that after 5,767 years the Jewish religion is still growing and adapting to stay relevant in our turbulent times.

In this holiday season, whether you celebrate Passover or Easter or some other holiday, peace and good wishes to you all.