Blog

This past weekend, we had the amazing opportunity to take part in the Bernard and Audre Rapoport L'Taken Social Justice Seminar (L'Taken means "to repair" in Hebrew). This program, run by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), is all about giving teens a chance to learn about important social justice issues, explore how Jewish values connect to activism, and take real action by speaking with decision-makers on Capitol Hill.

Throughout the weekend, students learned how to write and deliver persuasive speeches on topics they care about and then had the chance to present them to their Senators and Representatives. This wasn’t just an exercise — past L’Taken participants have actually influenced real legislation! Students got to explore a wide range of issues, from climate change and reproductive rights to LGBTQ+ rights, antisemitism, and economic justice, before picking one that mattered most to them.

Our action-packed weekend kicked off with a beautiful Shabbat service and a delicious Shabbat dinner. The boys jumped right in with a hands-on economic justice simulation, where they had to navigate real-world challenges like low wages, language barriers, and lack of access to government aid. Their goal? Earn enough money through simulated work and side jobs to afford a nutritious meal for their family. Afterward, we wrapped up the night with a special treat — cake!

Saturday was a whirlwind! We started the day with a moving Shabbat service before jumping into a mock lobbying simulation, where students were split into groups arguing for and against equal pay. They had to convince a mock "senator" to take their side, getting a feel for how real advocacy works. After that, they attended their first of three elective programs, diving deeper into topics they might want to lobby for on Capitol Hill. After lunch, we headed to the National Mall, explored the National Air and Space Museum, and the sights surrounding the mall. For dinner, we split off for an amazing Italian meal in Georgetown, followed by some delicious Van Leeuwen’s ice cream.

After dinner, we made our way to the Jefferson Memorial for a candlelit (and chilly!) Havdalah service — a truly special way to close out Shabbat. Back at the hotel, students attended their second elective session with the fantastic RAC staff before winding down with a late-night ice cream sundae bar!

Sunday morning kicked off with the final elective program. Later, we returned to the National Mall to visit the Holocaust Museum, where students took their time absorbing the powerful exhibits. From there, we headed to Westpost at National Landing (formerly Pentagon Row) for a sushi dinner. That night, students finalized their lobbying topics: one group chose gun violence prevention, and the other focused on antisemitism. They spent the evening perfecting their speeches, practicing delivery, and adding personal stories to make their messages even more powerful. And while that might sound like work, it was some of the most fun we had on the trip. 

One of the best parts of the weekend was the opportunity to "network" with other Jewish teens from all over the country — an inside joke that quickly became a theme of the trip. Throughout the weekend, students met new friends, bonded over shared experiences, and of course, did some serious "networking" as they laughed, learned, and connected with others who share their passion for making a difference. Whether it was during meals, free time, or programming, they formed connections with peers in similar positions, creating friendships that will last far beyond this trip.

Monday was the big day! Dressed to impress, students headed to Capitol Hill to meet with staffers from the offices of Senator Eric Schmitt, Representative Ann Wagner, and Representative Wesley Bell. They delivered incredible speeches and had meaningful discussions, impressing the staffers with their professionalism and passion. All the staffers we interacted with even mentioned they would pass along their concerns and consider supporting their positions — proof that their voices truly matter!

Overall, L’Taken was an unforgettable experience. Our students left Washington, D.C. feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to continue the work of tikkun olam. We can’t wait for the next opportunity to advocate, learn, and grow together!

Check out all the photos highlights from this amazing trip here!