Rabbi Zippel strives to make the sessions fun – despite their sometimes serious themes. He often jokes with the teens and offers them candy and treats.
“They are reminded by many different staff people that they have to change – that they need to improve their behavior,” he says. “The message they get from me every week is ‘I love you.’ There is a tremendous amount of preciousness that is concealed within you, and the only reason why I come here to see you is because, out of my love for you, I want to help you tap into it.'”
He asks that all the teens begin and end their days with short, traditional prayers, including the Modeh Ani upon awaking.
It’s a prayer of thanks. It’s a prayer acknowledging God. It’s a prayer rejoicing in the gift of a new day.
* * * * *
The Jewish Community of Utah is a very diverse one indeed, with approximately 1,200 Jewish households, representing every walk of life across the Jewish spectrum.
State Capital: Salt Lake City
State Nickname: The Beehive State
State Motto: Industry
State Flower: Sego Lily
State Bird: California Gull
First Shul: B’nai Israel Temple (Salt Lake City), the first permanent Jewish house of worship in Utah was built in 1883.
Basketball Team: Utah Jazz