Inking our Future: Temporary Tattoos and Online Shelters

Last weekend I traveled to San Francisco for a family Bar Mitzvah. I made it a long weekend, taking time off work on Thursday and Friday. As a Jewish communal professional who has been closely following the news, actively monitoring various social media platforms and engaging in numerous strategy meetings throughout the day over the last two weeks, I felt the need for a break to disconnect. Additionally, as a Jewish mother of two teenage boys, I also needed that time to re-connect to my kids and husband who live busy, over-programmed lives as well.

There was a temporary tattoo station at the Bar Mitzvah party, and it turned out to be a huge hit and quite amusing considering the traditional Jewish stance on tattoos! It seems like everyone got tattoos at the event, including me! I chose a fish design on my wrist, my younger son went for a gaming character on his cheek, and my older son opted for a large Star of David tattoo on his forearm.

At 15 years old, as expected, he didn't seek my permission before getting that particular tattoo; he just went ahead and did it. When he proudly showed it to me, I very gently expressed my concern about having it in a visible area, especially with everything happening in Israel. With all the confidence of a 15-year-old boy, he responded, "No, Mom, I'm proud to be Jewish, and I think I want to get another one of these when I turn 18!" Oy, the adventures of parenting!

In my role as the Director of Development at Lost Tribe, a global Jewish nonprofit that uses social networking to find and engage Jewish teens, I have firsthand insight into the types of experiences young Jewish teens are having. Our children, your children, and kids everywhere are inundated with a constant stream of social media content, including news, images, videos, and everything in between.

One of my good friends recently texted me and asked if I was following my son on Instagram. She shared, "You should be very proud of him because he's sharing these incredibly thoughtful pro-Israel and pro-peace messages." Despite my fears as a Jewish mom, as a Jewish professional, and as a Jew, I'm tremendously proud of the confident Jewish identity that my sons are embracing.?

My sons have found a sense of community both within our family and their local Jewish community. They have a safe space to ask questions and engage in discussions about challenging topics. It's important to recognize that there are many other young Jewish individuals in our city, in YOUR community, our country, and around the world who lack that supportive community and may be struggling to make sense of it all.??

Lost Tribe provides a digital Jewish community that's accessible to everyone. It's a space for all young people, whether religious or not, whether they have a strong community behind them or are feeling alone. Through Lost Tribe, young individuals can connect with each other and receive support from our vetted group of young Lost Tribe influencers.

In this community, via Tik Tok, Instagram, Discord and more, they can discuss a wide range of topics, from their favorite video games and kosher sushi restaurants, to their favorite music and best fantasy football player. They can engage in real-time conversations with Israelis, discussing joy, sorrow, and the challenges they face. It's a platform where young people can freely express themselves and connect with others on various subjects.

Lost Tribe is an online digital community that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring there's always a place for conversations, support, and connection. Within this vibrant community, you'll find a mix of emotions – tears, laughter, and a strong sense of belonging. It's a space where a genuine community thrives around the clock and around the world..

During my visit to San Francisco for the family Bar Mitzvah, I encountered something entirely new to me – driverless cars. These vehicles operate like a taxi or an Uber, but without a human driver. It struck me that this represents the future, and it's a change that's here to stay. There is no going backwards. While it may initially make me feel uncomfortable, I recognize that it's a change I'll need to adapt to.

We are all faced with the need to adapt. In conversations with friends, peers, fellow parents, and Lost Tribe stakeholders, it's evident that screen time is a shared concern. I, too, share these concerns, but recognize that there's no reversing the trend. The reality is that today's teen community predominantly resides on their phones, immersed in gaming, apps, and social media platforms. While it's far from an ideal situation, it's the world we live in, and I've come to embrace this reality. Thank goodness for Lost Tribe!

I take pride in being part of an organization that isn't hesitant to champion change, that is pioneering a unique path by addressing the needs of a population that is not being served by other organizations in a way that they need. In today's world, Jewish teenagers, including my children, are constantly exposed to a chaotic environment filled with antisemitism and hatred. Lost Tribe stands as a powerful force countering this negativity with positive Jewish content, uplifting messages about Israel, and a commitment to promoting love and peace.

We departed San Francisco after an incredible and revitalizing weekend filled with family, love, and community. My son confidently wore a short-sleeved T-shirt in the airport, proudly displaying his airbrushed Star of David tattoo. I remained vigilant, feeling anxious throughout our travels home, but thankfully, everything went smoothly.

As we look ahead, we recognize that there is a long road ahead of us, and I'm profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of the Jewish community. I'm truly proud of my children and their resilience. I'm especially thankful for Lost Tribe and its commitment to being there for Jewish teens.??

When the conflict erupted, Lost Tribe was there for Jewish teens, and has been there for them for the past few weeks, responding immediately within the first hour of the crisis, offering support, knowledge and a safe space for their questions and concerns.??

I would love to tell you more about Lost Tribe. We're doing something special that sets us apart from everyone else. We are meeting teens where they are, in the digital metaverse! This is Lost Tribe's moment in time.?

After taking time to disconnect from the news and the world, and taking time to connect with my family, it’s my privilege to connect you to the significant and critical work of Lost Tribe.?