Overview of Peace Builders

By Laura  Berkowitz

 On Friday, July 19 Stephan Brandstatter, Susan Auslander and myself, Laura Berkowitz attended a Shabbat dinner hosted by Jerusalem Peace Builders.  This organization was founded in response to the September 11th tragedy, by Reverend Nicolas & Dorothy Porter. As they say on their website: “Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is an interfaith, non-profit organization with a mission to create a better future for humanity across religions, cultures, and nationalities.”  JPB brings together young people with Christian, Muslim, Druze and Jewish backgrounds from Israel, Palestine and the United States at rustic summer camps in Texas and Vermont to learn and practice communication and diplomacy skills.

The Vermont “campus“ is tucked away on a pristine 187 property that straddles Guilford and Brattleboro.  Participants live in cabins or yurts and often attend JPB three years in a row, so friendships are able to be developed and nurtured across cultures and religions.  The teens are guided by Program Director Jack Karn and Summer Institute Director Sarah Benazera.  

Upon arriving at Acer Farm, we were greeted warmly by Jack and Sarah and a group of 19 older teens who made sure to introduce themselves to each and every guest.  Since Norma and Mel Shakun’s grandson Rafael was amongst the participants, they joined in the evening’s festivities as well. The formal event began with an outdoor Shabbat service led by Rabbi Seth Linfield of the Long Trail School, Dorset, Vermont. Rabbi Seth welcomed individuals and small groups of students to lead various songs and prayers throughout the service.

After the service students helped Dorothy Porter in the kitchen to set out a delicious buffet dinner that featured haddock and vegetables, but included ample menu items to satisfy all dietary choices. Jack encouraged the students to seat themselves with the guests, thus we were able to engage in authentic 1:1 conversations on many important topics. 

I had a lovely conversation with a young Israeli who openly discussed his choice to be vegan and his aspirations for future work in diplomacy as related to the experience he was having with Jerusalem Peace Builders.  Stephan reported: "I found the youth to be very approachable, cordial and highly spirited. They eagerly engaged in conversation and were curious to hear each others’ thoughts. This being the next generation of potential leaders, decision makers and inhabitants of their respective regions, it suggests hope and positivity for all of our futures. Perhaps today’s Mid East leaders should go to a comparable camp and discover how to get along, listen and address differences."  

Once dinner was over and dessert served the campers drifted off to throw the frisbee and help with kitchen clean-up. By the time I departed around 8:45 p.m. the kitchen clean-up had become a dance party. It was indeed a privilege and joy to see these diverse teens naturally engaging together;  dancing, hugging, snuggling, and appreciating each other - a beautiful model for world peace!

Social Justice At BAJC

by Jim Levinson & Laura Berkowitz

Some years back our Brattleboro Interfaith Initiative developed the idea of a "carbon fast" which church members could do during Elul - one eco-friendly action a day. The idea has gone viral. Just Google on Carbon Fast to check it out.

But why should this idea be limited to the church goers?!? Why not commemorate the month of Elul - before the High Holidays (a time of reflection and preparation) with a BAJC Save-The-Planet-for-our-Kids action program.

This means that BAJC members and others would carry out actions during this month.

 Here are some examples:

 ·        Remove one light bulb from a light in your home (without creating an unsafe situation).

·        Ensure that your cell phone charger is unplugged when not in use. Many electronics and appliances   

       continue to draw power even when they are off.

·        Set a timer for 5 minutes before your shower, and see how your normal shower length compares.

·        Only run your washing machine when you have a full load. Using the cold water setting saves energy.

·        Take a walk in your community. Greet your neighbors with a smile. Listen to the birds, look at the 

       trees, and feel the rain, snow, or sun on your face. Rejoice in all creation!

 As we did when we brought the speaker on Human Trafficking, we would publicize our project and seek co-sponsorship with our Compassionate Brattleboro committee, and the Brattleboro Interfaith Leadership Alliance so that all of its churches might do the same during Lent. 

Let’s put BAJC on the Social Action map!