Teen Program
The BJ Teen program includes teens from across New York City who focus on Jewish programming and social action, allowing them to build deep friendships and community. Our programs stimulate and challenge our teens, providing pathways to live consciously and to be involved with the Jewish community and the greater world.
Through their interest in leadership, service, and Jewish values, our teen leaders serve as role models and are committed to strengthening teens’ connections to Judaism, social action, and social justice.
BJ members are invited to participate in one of two ways—either by purchasing programs individually or in the Teen Bundle.
Opportunities to Participate
Hitoreri
Hitoreri, our monthly teen-only Kabbalat Shabbat & dinner, is a BJ teen tradition. Teens participate in a mindfulness-style Kabbalat Shabbat service led by one of the BJ rabbis; we leave behind the hectic energy of the school week and transition into the peacefulness of Shabbat. This is followed by a delicious Shabbat dinner and plenty of down time for the teens to catch up and hang out.
Teen Executive Board
Members of the BJ Teen Executive Board advocate for their peers and serve as role models for incoming BJ teens and younger generations, creating a safe space for BJ teens to come together.
Service Learning
Throughout the year, teens take part in a number of service opportunities chosen by the Teen Executive Board. Previous days of service include volunteering with JDC Entwine, Midnight Run, Visions Services Adventures, and more.
Ozrim
Ozrim (helpers) serve as classroom aides for Kadima@BJ and as service leader aides at weekly Shabbat Family services. This hands-on experience working with students in an educational setting is a great way to give back to your BJ community. Community service hours are awarded to participating Ozrim, and returning Ozrim can elect to be paid. Ozrim form important relationships with their students, and are invaluable to our community.
Immersive Experiences
All our immersive experiences include community building retreats and Shabbat based programs, in addition to international service learning trips internationally and educational domestic trips.
Moving Traditions
Moving Traditions emboldens teens by fostering self-discovery, challenging sexism, and inspiring a commitment to Jewish life and learning.
Teen Bundle
BJ Teens offers dozens of fun, thoughtful, and educational programs throughout the year. We’d love for your teen to join us at all of them!
Our Teen Bundle for 2023-2024 includes:
- Access to all Hitoreri dinners and programs
- Fall Teen Retreat
- Discount for immersive experiences (domestic trip for 8-10th grades or international trip for 11-12th grades)
- Fee reduction of $100 per teen for families with multiple teens who register for the Bundle
Please note that immersive experiences (domestic trip for 8-10th grades or international trip for 11-12th grades) are an additional fee.
Registration for the BJ Teen Bundle and various programs are ongoing, but please note that we are hoping to have most of our information finalized by Monday, September 8, 2023 as it will help our team better prepare for all our amazing programs throughout the year.
Explore Teen Programming
Service Learning Opportunities →
Upcoming Events
Hitoreri
Hitoreri, our monthly Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner for teens, is a BJ teen tradition. Teens ...