More Jewish Young Adults Need Rabbis in Their Lives
By David Cygielman
From the great rabbinic sages who compiled the Talmud, the communal leadership of historic figures like Maimonides and Rashi, to modern Rabbinic leaders like Angela Buchdahl and Lord Jonathan Sacks, rabbis have played an important and key role in developing Jewish communal life. They help us celebrate simchas, grieve during tragedies, navigate social change, and make sense of Judaism’s laws, canonical stories, and philosophies. Beyond being thought leaders and translating thousands of years of Jewish wisdom, they are also our friends with whom we build trusting, warm lasting relationships. I want more Jewish young adults to experience the important and diverse role rabbis can play in their personal Jewish stories. I hope that we can dramatically increase the number of Jewish young adults who have personal and fulfilling relationships with rabbis today.
The Jewish community has made tremendous strides in enriching the lives of Jewish young adults over the past 25 years through investments in travel programs, educational retreats, and religious experiences. But as a whole, there is untapped potential when it comes to helping young adults forge strong relationships with rabbis. It’s time that we all start viewing rabbinic relationships for young adults as a necessity, and not a luxury.
