Please enter your username and password below.
Alyssa Silva is the 2011 receipient of the Bryna Zehngut Mitzvot award. A dedicated member of Temple Emanu-El and of NFTY (The National Federation of Temple Youth), Alyssa shares her thoughts on receiving this honor below:
I have been honored as the 2011 recipient of the Bryna Zehngut Mitzvot Award. This award is revered in the Tucson Community, and highlights individual traits that are well respected within and outside of the Union for Reform Judaism. Bryna’s recognition as “a glowing example of a life dedicated to helping the less fortunate”, and a teacher of “kindness, compassion, generosity and true friendship” to her community and the many that her life of Tikkun Olam and mitzvot influenced and assisted, renders me astounded as to the magnitude that this Award truly means to me.
Many parents may be asking themselves, “How can I help my child/children to live a life that encompasses the rich traditions and values of Judaism?” Rabbi Cohon touched on this very subject at High Holy Days during the Rosh Hashanah Sermon of this year, 5771. He spoke of younger, non-Orthodox American Jews that “are not actively engaged in Jewish life” and with no intention of becoming connected. Rabbi Cohon went on to say that there are less college students attending HHD services, as well, and I absolutely agree with his conclusion that stated, “A part of why people in their teens and 20’s and 30’s aren’t attending synagogue as much on the High Holy Days is because it’s less of a priority to their parents that they themselves attend.” While looking at colleges to apply to this past year, I only sent in applications to schools that had reform services, and active, well attended Hillel’s. Of course everyone’s priorities are different and should be respected, however, Judaism is so much a part of whom I am that I would be unhappy if it were not a part of my college life.
When people ask me why I get excited about attending synagogue, joining youth groups, volunteering in the community, applying and/or interviewing for awards and honors, the answer is simple: My parents (and grandma) introduced Judaism to me, not just as a priority – yes, it came before sports (even in high school), slumber parties, and piano practice – but from as far back as I can remember they made it seem like I was the luckiest kid alive to “get to” (not “have to”) go to Religious School, enjoy the experience of Shabbat Services and celebrate the Torah. They would say with joy in their hearts, “Oh how fortunate you are to be Jewish!” I agree!
Tucson is a mecca of opportunity for Jewish teens! Here are a few of the many things post bar/bat mitzvah teens can enjoy; TOASTY (local URJ youth group), NFTY (Regional URJ youth group), BBYO (B’nai B’rith youth group), B’nai Tzedek, Hebrew High, Jewish-Latino Teen Coalition, Camp Swift Counselor. The JCC has events throughout the year that elicit teen volunteers; escort a Holocaust Survivor during Yom HaShoah Commemoration, work during Summer Camp, help during Fairs, or hang out in the awesome youth lounge, to name a few. Tucson also has amazing opportunities to involve the whole family; volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, visit the Stone Avenue Temple and support the Jewish History Museum, attend family events through the Jewish Community Relations Council or Israel Center, host Israeli teens, or help resettle Jewish refugees through Jewish Family and Children’s Service.
Our parents are our principal influences and most significant teachers. Create the enjoyment of all things Jewish, it’s never too late!
Alyssa Silva
Bryna Zehngut Mitzvot Award recipient
Temple Emanu-El • 225 North Country Club • Tucson, AZ 85716 • (520) 327-4501 • temple@templeemanueltucson.org
