into "black gold" to enrich the temple
garden, while standing as a model for
the community to practice the mitzvah
of becoming Shomrei Adamah —
guardians of the Earth.
The concept of composting for the
congregation grew from the unit of
study on Adamah (Earth), where stu-
dents explored their local food system,
its unsustainable techniques and green-
er alternatives.
When Ty Petrie, an expert on com-
post in Detroit, joined the class to share
his knowledge, the students decided to
approach the temple's board of directors
to propose building a compost system
on Temple Emanu-El's grounds.
"If we don't do this, no one will," said
11th-grader Sam Hurwitz.
Taking Ownership,
Taking Charge
From start to finish, the class organized
and directed the process of their com-
post project. Students chose their roles
and responsibilities, each according to
their interest in research, curriculum
development, design, and building and
project organization. Sarah Finegood,
an 1 1 th-grade student and president of
Temple Emanu-El's NFTY chapter, pre-
sented the class proposal to the temple's
board of directors. The board's approval
was all the positive feedback the stu-
dents needed to spark their excitement
and confidence to move the project
forward.
A visit to the Detroit trash incinerator
with the East Michigan Environmental
Action Council (EMEAC) was another
influential experience. Students were
surprised to learn that the country's
largest solid waste incinerator is in
Detroit. EMEAC representatives and
youth discussed with students how
the incinerator negatively impacts our
environment and the health of residents
living nearby.
Stepping Out Of The
Classroom, Into The World
This youth-led compost initiative is just
one example of how to build skills and
knowledge through hands-on work,
which contributes to feelings of empow-
erment and ownership, and creates
deeper participation and engagement.
This year, students have explored
Jewish issues of sustainability in a four-
world's model: Earth (body), water
(emotion), fire (intellect) and air (spirit/
imagination). From visiting experts
teaching seminar-style to exploratory
trips into Detroit's communities work-
ing for change to direct hands-on proj-
ects, this year's students are active in a
whole new way for Temple Emanu-El.
"We introduced students to as many
contemplative practices as time allowed
this year:' Salinger said. "We see that our
over-scheduled, performance-driven
students need a release, a skill set that
can allow them to rest in the midst of
their high-speed, always-on lives.
"Jewish meditation, attention to
kavannot (intention) in daily life and art
as a practice of self-awareness building
are all part of what an engaged Judaic
curriculum can offer."
Temple Emanu-El's Young Adult
Program hasn't cracked the code on
engaging this over-scheduled and over-
stressed post-bar mitzvah set. They are
making strides, however, by incorporat-
ing student-led, project-based-learning
activities, guest speakers and facilitators,
and contemplative and experiential
learning modalities.
This group of students is helping the
Temple Emanu-El community learn the
meaning and action behind their favor-
ite Hebrew phrase: tikkun olam.
DEAR
NATALIE,
We are proud of you and your
accomplishments at the Frankel
Academy and are confident
your learning experience there
will serve you well as you
continue your education.
Your future is bright
and awaits you.
We love you always,
Grammy Nanny and Papa Joe
' 411f'
l/
DANIEL NATHAN
Congratulations Daniel, you
have worked hard and
accomplished a lot these
past four years!
We wish you a lifetime of
health, happiness, love
and success.
Good luck at U of M,
Go Blue!
❑
Carly Sugar is youth director at Temple
Emanu-El.
We love you,
Mom, Dad, Alec and Jack
Jackie Wenninger
We are so proud of you and
all of your accomplishments.
We can't wait to follow you
on your journey. You are
our shining star.
We love you to the moon and back
Dad, Mom, Zach,
Justin & Chynna
Temple youth conceived and led the composting project.
May 21 • 2015
109