This is not the only time I have learned about a Jewish student leaving a high school environment and enrolling in community college to get away from hateful conduct.
Another issue, but not for younger people, is whether people are really welcomed when they go to a synagogue. Churches are very good at doing this in an organized way.
"Something else struck me about this essay: the loneliness of growing up without a strong Jewish community." Part of the problem is the lack of transportation access to Jewish community events and to how events are planned. This is a very radical idea, but it would really help if Shabbat services were held on Saturday afternoons, instead of early in the morning, and/or if there were Friday services that ended early enough so that people could ride back home on rush hour public transportation. There are often Jewish programs at night, and often in downtown Seattle. If you can't drive at night, or are too young for a license, or can't trust the safety of public transit at night, you're excluded. More virtual options would help. there are many events on Mercer Island. Again, this is a very transportation limited option. Online programs in which everyone can participate would also help bring together people who don't have a community nearby.
A very moving essay. Well done, Lyric. We're proud of you. Would be interesting to read some thoughts from her sibs and parents.
This is not the only time I have learned about a Jewish student leaving a high school environment and enrolling in community college to get away from hateful conduct.
Another issue, but not for younger people, is whether people are really welcomed when they go to a synagogue. Churches are very good at doing this in an organized way.
"Something else struck me about this essay: the loneliness of growing up without a strong Jewish community." Part of the problem is the lack of transportation access to Jewish community events and to how events are planned. This is a very radical idea, but it would really help if Shabbat services were held on Saturday afternoons, instead of early in the morning, and/or if there were Friday services that ended early enough so that people could ride back home on rush hour public transportation. There are often Jewish programs at night, and often in downtown Seattle. If you can't drive at night, or are too young for a license, or can't trust the safety of public transit at night, you're excluded. More virtual options would help. there are many events on Mercer Island. Again, this is a very transportation limited option. Online programs in which everyone can participate would also help bring together people who don't have a community nearby.