Rock The Vote
Teens learn firsthand about service
from political candidates.
Melissa Berlin
Teen2Teen Staff Writer
A
s I sat listening to Rabbi Aaron
Starr explain how the Jewish
nation has never truly been
governed by a single person, I examined
the panel of political candidates seated
before us. I was attending "Rock The Vote:
Candidate Forum" Oct. 22 with 75 teens
(and 75 parents). The eight candidates
were brought together by Congregation
Shaarey Zedek, Adat Shalom Synagogue,
ATID high school program, BBYO, Jewish
Experiences for Families (J.E.F.F.) and
Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education.
On the advice of his father-in-law Jethro,
Moses realized he could not solve all con-
flicts on his own; he needed the assistance
of judges. Israelite kings needed the assis-
tance of the prophets. While contemplating
the prospect that our modern government
follows relatively the same concept as the
government of our ancestral role models, I
studied the eight role models who lined the
long table on the stage in front of me.
Five men and three women reviewed
their notes. Faces of varying colors
reflected upon Rabbi Starr's words. Blue
eyes, brown eyes and green eyes surveyed
the audience. Perhaps prayers of differ-
ent languages, origins and beliefs were
being silently recited. However diverse the
appearance, opinions and history of each
candidate, each one has memories of mis-
takes, lessons, relationships and discover-
ies during their teenage years.
We have a small window of time to be a
teenager. These men and women remind-
ed me to make the best of it, not only for
myself, but for all teenagers.
Many of the candidates said they got
involved in social activism when they were
young. Volunteering and mentoring were
ways in which they learned to give back
to the world. Some of them remembered
discovering their love for improving the
world when they were very young. Others,
such as candidate Karen McDonald, did not
discover their zest for politics until they had
already explored other career paths.
However they discovered it, each
works to improve people's lives and make
America a better country. Most of these
candidates informed us that, upon taking
office, they vowed to themselves to devote
their lives to public service.
Rachel Morof asked U.S. senatorial
candidate Scott Boman his opinion of the
U.S:s role in assisting Israel.
"Israel is our friend;' Boman said, "They
are our trading partner. We are no more
to Israel than a friend. We cannot let them
depend on us; we can never become their
master. We must remain Israel's friend!'
This theory also applies to the position
of political leaders in relation to constitu-
ents. Politicians must not become our
masters, who make decisions without con-
sulting us. In order to prevent them from
forgetting our voices, we — the people
— must make our voices heard. As such,
we were strongly encouraged by Judge Leo
Bowman to constantly volunteer. Judge
Shaarey Zedek Jewish Family Educator Alexis Zimberg, Judge Wendy Potts, Judge
Denise Langford Morris, Judge Leo Bowman, Oakland County Circuit Court candidate
Karen McDonald, U.S. Senate candidate Scott Boman, Oakland County Treasurer
Andy Meisner, Oakland County Treasurer candidate Marty Knollenberg.
Wendy Potts urged us to finish
school and go to college.
Considering most teenagers are
not old enough to vote, our oppor-
tunity to influence government is
somewhat limited. However, that
is no excuse not to get involved.
"Kids have power," Oakland
County Treasurer Andy Meisner
told me. "When your voice is
heard, you are benefited. Too
many people have died for the
Sherri and Rachel Morof, 15, of Bloomfield Hills;
right to vote!'
judicial candidate Karen McDonald; and Rachel,
"Young people can sway an out-
14, and Marcy Wasserman of West Bloomfield
come' McDonald stated. "Become
educated about the process before
you're old enough to vote!'
the change we wish to see in the world.
Every person can do something to
Whether campaigning, volunteering or
change the world, no matter their race,
running for office, we are making a differ-
religion or age. Changing the world can go
ence. No matter our political party, we are
as far as working your way up to the presi-
all working toward the common goal of
dency, or it can be as simple as casting a
tikkun olam—healing our world.
vote for the candidate who best represents
your own goals. Most importantly, we
Melissa Berlin, 15, of Farmington Hills is a
must state our goals, loud and clear, to see
sophomore in the ATID high school program.
❑
Israel Advocacy
Local teen participates in StandWithUs
leadership seminar in Los Angeles.
Joey Jubas
Teen2Teen Writer
T
his fall, I had the privilege of being
one of 48 teens invited to partici-
pate in the first StandWithUs-MZ
Teen Internship seminar that was held in
Los Angles. StandWithUs is an internation-
al, nonprofit organization educating people
to become effective leaders in Israel advo-
cacy. Funding is from the MZ Foundation
in Oakland, Calif.
While attending this amazing leadership
conference, I learned how to be aware of
the misinformation often given surround-
ing the Arab-Israeli conflict, to counter the
anti-Semitism that unfortunately exists on
60
November 1 • 2012
college campuses, to promote discussions
about Israel and to present knowledge of
the facts that will correct common preju-
dices.
We were a large group of Jewish high
school juniors and seniors from more than
20 states. The fact that we were all there
for the same cause through separate back-
grounds and cities was inspiring. It was
incredibly validating looking around the
room and seeing teens from large Jewish
communities sitting next to teens from
small Jewish communities — all equally
determined to educate and encourage oth-
ers with the same excitement about Israel.
During the course of the year, I will work
closely with my regional group to plan pro-
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.
1
Teens from across the country participated in StandWithUs` leadership conference
in Los Angeles.
grams, deal with challenges and brainstorm
how to reach out to students and communi-
ties. I am proud to be able to speak up for
my homeland and open people's eyes and
ears to the truth. StandWithUs provides me
with opportunities to use my passion and
commitment for Israel in meaningful action
that can make a difference.
❑
Joey Jubas, 16, of Southfield Is a senior at
Akiva Hebrew Day School.