What does it take for a teenager to stand in a senator’s office, look a legislative aide in the eye, and say, “This is personal”?

For the remarkable teens of Congregation Or Ami (Calabasas, California), it took courage, conviction, and a deep belief in the power of their own voices. This past week, a group of our young leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism’s L’Taken Social Justice Seminar. Over four days, they immersed themselves in the intersection of Jewish values and public policy, learning how to turn their beliefs into action.

They studied issues ranging from gun violence prevention and LGBTQ rights to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, and they prepared to advocate—not just in theory, but in the halls of power, before the very people who shape our country’s laws.

An Experience That Empowers

This transformative experience was made even more powerful by the incredible team at the Religious Action Center, whose thoughtful programming provided the framework for our teens to learn, explore their values, and find their voices. The RAC staff ensured that each student felt prepared to advocate with confidence, giving them the tools to turn passion into action.

But the true power came from the teens themselves.

“My Voice is Powerful. My Voice Can Change the World.”

On Sunday night, after a day of deep learning, our teens sat together, fueled by junk food and passion, drafting the speeches they would deliver on Capitol Hill. As we gathered in song, we kept singing the words of Jewish composer Elana Arian:

“I have a voice. My voice is powerful. My voice can change the world.”

These words became their anthem.

Because for them, advocacy was not an abstract exercise. It was deeply personal.

When Advocacy Becomes Personal

One teen stood before a legislative aide and described the terror of being in lockdown at Agoura High School when two students brought guns onto campus. Another shared their experience of having a swastika drawn on their arm by a classmate, and then a different teen recounted the pain of hearing Holocaust references hurled as insults, turning their history into a weapon against them.

And others, with deep love for their Jewish homeland, spoke about their connection to Israel and the need for continued support and security.

With remarkable poise and confidence, they stood before the offices of Senator Alex Padilla and Congresswoman Julia Brownley and demanded to be heard.

And they were.

Legislative aides leaned in, listening intently. They asked questions. They took notes. They promised to report back.

A Tradition of Justice

Our tradition calls us to this work. The Torah commands: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof”—“Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Not wait for. Not hope for. Pursue.

This is what our teens did. They took their pain, their passion, and their Jewish values, and they pursued justice—not just for themselves, but for their peers, their community, and the world.

They embodied the call of our prophets: “Learn to do good; seek justice; correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:17). They understood that Judaism is not just about prayer and study but about action.

Guided by Dedicated Leaders

Throughout this transformative experience, our Or Ami teens were led by Andrew Fromer, our Youth Engagement Coordinator, and Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway. Their leadership helped shape an experience that empowered our students not only to find their voices but to use them with purpose.

I had the privilege of flying in for just 36 hours—right after a Bar Mitzvah—to be with them. And let me tell you: witnessing these young leaders advocate with such passion left me humbled and inspired.

Investing in the Future

Because of the generous support of the Myron and Nancy Dembo Social Justice Initiative, the Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation, and the Rabbi Kipnes Discretionary Fund, these young leaders – Tali Allsbrook, Holden DiSante, Jonah Pasternak, Lily Plonka, Joshua Praw, Talia Sitomer, and Hannah Tirsch – had the opportunity to step into the role of advocates and changemakers. Their voices matter. Their actions matter. And this week, they made a difference.

But their work isn’t done. Neither is ours.

As a community, we must continue to nurture and uplift our young people, ensuring that they always know their voices belong in the rooms where decisions are made.

Because if this trip showed us anything, it’s this: when our Or Ami teens speak, the world listens.