Teen Program
Teens from different schools across the city come together through their interest in leadership, service learning, and Jewish values.
Our youth leaders are great role models committed to strengthening teens’ interest in Judaism and social action/social justice. Our programs stimulate and challenge our teens, providing pathways to live consciously and to be involved with the Jewish community and the greater world.
Our teen community is grounded in participation, immersion, volunteering, and activism. 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
The purpose of the BJ Teen Executive Board is to elevate and advocate for the BJ Teens and collaborate with the Assistant Director, Youth & Teen Engagement on improvements for the BJ Teens Program. They strive to be role models for incoming BJ teens and younger generations. By showing up through their actions, they model what it means to be a Jewish teen at B’nai Jeshurun, specifically in the transition from B’nai Mitzvah to the BJ Teens Program. They create a safe space for BJ Teens to come together for holidays, Shabbat, group learning sessions and trips, tikkun olam, and fun. Each year, the BJ Teen Executive Board Tzedek Committee works to respond to the most pressing ongoing current events through programming, fundraising, and collaboration with the larger BJ community.
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 Met Council, Riverside Park Conservancy, Midnight Run, Habitat for Humanity, and more.
Ozrim
Ozrim (helpers) serve as classroom aides forat 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 theyour 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 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 with the option to register for multiple programs at once through the Teen Bundle or for individual programs.
If you know your teen would like to participate in numerous programs this year, we encourage you to sign them up for the BJ Teen Bundle. Payment for the Teen Bundle can be completed in installments and scholarships are also available. Contact Laura Schultze for more information on these opportunities prior to registering.
The Teen Bundle includes:
- Access to all Hitoreri dinners, programs, and retreats throughout the year
- Discounted fee 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 no matter how your teen registers, immersive experiences (domestic trip for 8-10th grades or international trip for 11-12th grades) are an additional fee.
