Temple Israel holds graduation

On Tuesday evening, May 18, during the Shavuot Service, Temple Israel of Lawrence celebrated its 102nd Anniversary High School graduation.

The eight graduates of the temple’s high school program focused on political, economic and religious turmoil of our day as each addressed the theme in their individual sermons “Competing and succeeding in 21st Century America.” Many of these college-bound students have earned the prestigious title of Junior Ambassador, having participated in Temple Israel’s International High School Youth Exchange Programs with Israel, Germany and Italy, in partnership with the World Jewish Congress, North American Board of Rabbis, and Foreign Ministries of Germany, Italy and Israel.

These young adults are all college bound and will be attending universities in New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Michigan and Wisconsin. Temple Israel spiritual leader Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum referred to the graduates as the “Aristocracy of Jewish Youth,” who possess the intellectual and emotional strength, as well as the drive, to insure the future of Judaism and transform their world for the better. He spoke of their coming college years as an opportunity for both academic learning and personal growth and suggested that they be open to new ideas and experiences. Rosenbaum stated that they have spent the last 12 years, not only learning about Judaism, but more importantly, what it means to be a Jew in approaching the challenges that they will face strengthened by age-old and time- tested Jewish values.

The service began as the temple's officers, board members and past graduates, with great warmth, love and pride, escorted the Class of 2010 into the sanctuary. Following the service, Rabbi and Mrs. Rosenbaum sponsored a gala collation for the graduates in honor of Michelle Rosenbaum, incoming Director of Education of Temple Israel. She is a graduate of Hewlett High School, New York University with an