The Confirmation ceremony in Judaism is a recent addition to tradition, established by the Reform movement in the late nineteenth century. In that sense Confirmation is akin to a graduation . Our students have been involved in formal Jewish education for many years. Over half of this class has been in school at Congregation Shalom since kindergarten. Others have studied at other religious schools before coming to our program.
Confirmation is truly a celebration of their accomplishment.
They are, at the simplest level, confirming their past studies and their understanding that the pursuit of Jewish knowledge is ongoing. Jews never stop learning about Judaism and about the world. For that reason, the theme for this year's Confirmation service is very apt. Many of the students will respond to this theme at their service. None of us is every fully formed in our idea of God, and our response to God.