When writing and learning and studying: ask for help! Two heads are always better than one, and there is no problem in asking for help in finding readings, music, or other services to compare with. Even to make this packet I looked through a bunch of different resources to make my final product—and you can too. Here are just a few resources you can use to help you on your RC Journey:
Regional RCVP—That’s me! The Religious and Cultural VP’s job to help you with your services, programs, problems, anything! You can always call me up if you have any questions (my cell is 650-208-0224). My RCVP boxes have hundreds of services, and I have access to hundreds more with the North American RC network—in a nutshell, I can hook you up with some serious Jewish stuff.
Rabbi—Hey, that’s the person that spent at least five years in college studying about Judaism. They know their stuff. Not only do they usually have a massive library with lots of books, but they have actually read them and can guide you through reading text and commentary, as well all other things Jewish. They also know a thing or two about service leading, as they are the masters of it, leading one a few times a week.
The NFTY RCVP—Our NFTY RCVP this year is Ivy Cohen, and she is the RCVP above me, with even more resources than I have. If any of you want to be in contact with her I can most definitely get her in contact with you!
Other Learned People— there are many that have acquired a great deal of Jewish Knowledge and written services that are not currently RCVPs or Rabbis—one right here sitting with you! That’s right Jeremy Gimbel is only one example (and a good one) of a great resource to have. Many youth group advisors and other Jewish workers have had experience in the RC field, so just don’t be afraid to ask!
YOUR NETWORK—This is it: the first resource you should go to (and collaborate with anyway). Our resources only get larger if we share our services and findings with one another. That means whenever you’re writing a service, talking to our CWR RCVP network can prove to be a great help! In addition, one you finish a service and send it to the network, we can all benefit from it!
Books: I could start a list of books and it would never end, so instead I’ll tell you how to find the right books. First , when you pick a theme, decide where you need to go. If the theme is not a naturally Jewish idea, you may need to find outside resources in the local Library. Regardless to the theme, you can ALWAYS get from your synagogue’s library. Synagogues’ libraries have been overlooked, and in fact contain a great deal of resources to help you with your services. I have found my temple library to be my number one resource in writing services, but you must become comfortable with it. Ask your rabbi for suggestions, and then go for it! I know it’s a jungle, but it’s worth it. Also, if you are studying a certain topic feel free to ask me about certain books, or if you want to do a bit of Jewish reading just let me know!
Internet:
iTorah— written by NFTYites, it’s a weekly e-mail
Ten Minutes of Torah—daily e-mail about Jewish topics
Here are just a few websites to get you started...
www.nfty.org -- it's what we are
www.urj.org -- it's what nfty is a part of
www.wrj.org -- Women for Reform Judaism
www.ccarnet.org -- Central Conference of American Rabbis
www.rac.org -- Religious Action Center
Www.irac.com -- Israel Religious Action Center
www.sacred-texts.com/jud/ -- the sacred texts (big surprise)
Www.torah.org -- torah commentary and you can subscribe!!!
www.keshernet.com -- service templates
www.aipac.org -- American Israel Public Affairs Committee (lobbies for Israel)
www.arza.org -- American Reform Zionist Association
www.shamash.org -- good Jewish resource
www.jpost.com -- Israeli News
www.haaretz.com -- More Israeli News
www.jewishnet.net/subjects/institu.html -- of Jewish organizations
www.google.com -- It can find all those other websites I did not include. I know sometimes google can be frustrating, but the end IT WORKS!!!
