Although the “C” side to the RCVP side is the most neglected part of the position, in some ways it is the easiest part of the position to carry out.  First of all, Jewish culture definitely encompasses the topic of Israel.  Israel is not only a land of religion, but a land of our people rich with traditions and cultural customs.  From Israeli foods to Israeli dance to jokes about Israelis’ accents are all examples of using Israeli culture.  In addition, Jews have different cultures throughout the world, ranging from Ashkenazim to Sephardim to Ethiopian Jews and beyond!  Studying the different customs and traditions from all these areas can classify as studying culture. 

In addition, a part of culture many overlook is our own culture!  As I stated in the beginning of the packet, culture is made of the traditions and customs that make us who we are!  We, as Reform Jews in America, in California, and in NFTY CWR have our own traditions and customs specific to our region.  Talking about American Jewry or the development of NFTY tradition is just as legal to classify as Jewish culture!

One big part of culture is Jewish history.  The traditions and customs we’ve acquired are all based on history.  We have become the Jews we are today because of the history of our Judaism, so what way better to study culture than to study history?  This “study” could also take form in Jewish storytelling, a meditation, etc.  There are endless possibilities!