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LJ GENERATIONS LJ GENERATIONS, formerly DOROTEINU, which means "Our Generations", is an initiative established in 1994 by the ULPS to find ways to ensure that our Synagogues are aware of, and are able to respond to, the changing needs of our ageing membership. Over the past ten years, Doroteinu has expanded its original brief into an intergenerational objective, and its current aim is to guide each community to a point where there is understanding and co-operation between the generations, so that members of all ages can achieve a fulfilling and productive role in congregational life. The annual Doroteinu Shabbat is an opportunity for all generations to join together for a special service in each Synagogue, to demonstrate our commitment to these ideals. THE COMMITTEE The LJ Generations Committee consists of representatives of most of Liberal Judaism's congregations, and acts as a centre of competence and as a clearinghouse for information. The Committee meets three times a year to review its work, to exchange information about intergenerational events in our communities, and to work together to plan future events. Specialist speakers are often invited to talk to the Committee about different aspects of its work. Committee recommendations are passed on to congregations, and many have been accepted and adopted. The Committee maintains close contact with all Liberal Judaism's congregations, and has collaborated with both Reform Judaism and Jewish Care. AWARENESS Every congregation should appoint a Doroteinu representative, preferably a member of the Synagogue Council. This is to ensure that the Council is kept aware of the activities of the Doroteinu Committee, and can benefit from feedback about intergenerational events that have been successful in other congregations. In 1997, the Committee published 'Recommendations to Congregations', which has been effective in raising awareness throughout the movement about the particular needs of the older generations and their potential as a resource. There is a commonality of interest in achieving best practice, and it is recognised that each congregation will approach these issues in its own way. As a consequence, most communities appreciate that the skills and experience of older members are an invaluable resource, and their participation should be encouraged whenever possible, especially since these are the very people with the time to become involved in community work. PLANNING
ACTION Experience has shown that there are specific actions that can bring the different generations together, while at the same time benefiting the community. Among these activities, the most popular appear to be the recording of oral history, where young people interview older members of the community, and using older people in teaching roles, to provide support where teachers cannot always give individual attention. Other activities can be developed to suit local circumstances. It should be emphasised that everyone involved in the life of their Synagogue should be aware that there are interactions and dependencies between different generations, and therefore should be encouraged to devise and support activities and initiatives which could ensure closer cooperation between different age groups. For further information email generations@liberaljudaism.org |
