A resolution calling upon Jewish community centers and YMHA’s to make a “great effort to carry out their potential for Jewish programs” was adopted here at the conclusion of Canada’s first teenage conference, called under the auspices of the Canadian Council of YMHA’s and Jewish Community Centers. About 200 Jewish teenagers from Toronto, Ottawa as well as Montreal attended the parley.
The resolution urged that Center and Y programs “be extended to include many other things besides Jewish holiday celebrations,” and called upon teen councils to plan for year-round activities “to give teenagers the opportunities to learn a great deal more about their Jewish heritage.” Another resolution urged the delegates to continue discussions along the lines of the first draft after they return to their homes. The conference also voted to hold another, similar meeting next year, in Toronto.
The main theme of the conference was “How can Jewish teenagers live as Jews in a Christian world and avoid living in a ghetto?” Questions considered in relation to the theme were: “How does the Jewish community center help us to live as Jews,” “What does Israel mean in the day-to-day lives of Jewish teenagers in Canada?” and “How can Jewish education help?”
There were two panel discussions presented by groups of teenage delegates. Youngsters from the Toronto YMHA presented a report on a survey of fellow teenagers on the question “What Israel means to us?” The young people surveyed expressed, for the most part, a feeling of pride that Israel has become an established State, and voiced the opinion that it adds something to the security of the Jewish people throughout the world. They felt, however, that it does not really impinge very much on their own lives and that they don’t think about it a great deal in their day-to-day activities.
In a general discussion that followed this panel report, the delegates expressed the need for more up-to-date information about Israel and for greater clarity on the role of the Jewish state. The conference keynote addresses were delivered by Harvey Golden, executive director of the YM-YWHA in Montreal; and by Emanuel Weiner, executive director of Neighbourhood House.
A Montreal group presented a “fighting words” panel discussion on Jewish education. The young people agreed that Jewish education was important and necessary, but they felt that there was too much emphasis on routine matters and not enough relevance to their lives today. They felt that perhaps improved techniques in Jewish schools would help to give them a better understanding of their Jewishness, and they also expressed the desire for more informal courses and conferences. It was agreed that the young people of today would, in their adult lives, have to take a greater interest in community organization, school board activities, etc., in order to help bring about improved conditions in Jewish education.
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