Jewish teenagers looking to connect with their heritage and each other have several programs to consider that will help them reach that goal. Applications are now being taken for the Asher Strobel Leadership program, given at Englewood’s East Hill Synagogue. Students participate in a series of 10 classes on public advocacy, issues in Judaism, and public speaking, followed by a five day trip to Poland over President’s Day Weekend. The course begins September 7th and is open to all Jewish teens in the Englewood community. Non-members of the shul can participate by becoming Associate members. The cost per child for the entire program is $1500, plus $500 to become an associate member. Now in its third year, the program was initiated in memory of Asher Strobel a’h who tragically passed away at 21 years old (see JLBC July 17, 2014). Rabbi Zev Reichman, spiritual leader of East Hill Synagogue, said that what makes this program so special is its vibrancy. “What has happened this summer, the resurgence of anti-Semitism, is all the more reason to strengthen our connection to our history and pride in being Jewish. The trip to Poland is a life changing experience. There is not only great sadness there, but also great strength.” For an application, call East Hill Synagogue at 201/569-4008.
In Modern Orthodox families, where day school/yeshiva tuition is a major issue, and students have had to switch to public schools, there are some alternatives available. High school sophomores and juniors who want to learn more about Judaism, Israel and how to speak about these topics to their peers can enroll in the Young Leadership Program given by the Bergen High School of Jewish Studies in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Partnership 2Gether initiative. Galeet Lipke, Community and Medical Task Force coordinator, said the Young Leadership Program teaches teens how to speak up about Israel to their peers and introduces them to American and Israeli leaders who make presentations to the group. In previous years, the students met with Israeli ambassadors and Natan Sharansky, and had events and trips with other Young Leadership groups including StandWithUs.
The students also meet Jewish teens who visit from Nahariya, the Partnership’s sister city in Israel, and selected students will travel to Nahariya later in the year. Bess Adler, principal and course instructor, said the curriculum also includes Jewish text study, games and activities. The course meets Sunday mornings at Maayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls from September 14 to May 17. Adler said the course is geared to students from all backgrounds of Judaism from non-affiliated to Modern Orthodox. Applications are available on the JFNNJ website http://www.jfnnj.org/page.aspx?id=264084 and must be submitted by September 2.
The Jewish Youth Encounter Program matches teens from Jewish High Schools who want to share their Jewish education with students from the third to seventh grade who want to learn more about Judaism. Dr. Deborah Rapps, the director, said the program was designed to turn around the negative memories many unaffiliated parents have of their own Sunday school experiences. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters teach Hebrew reading and language, under rabbinical supervision, to students preparing for their bar/bat mitzvahs. The students have classes in Torah and Jewish holidays. Activities include a monthly mitzvah day with all the families and two Shabbatons where the students spend time with their Big Brothers/Big Sisters. JYEP participates in the world-wide Shabbat program, based on the initiative in South Africa encouraging everyone to celebrate one Shabbat together. The program also meets Sunday morning at Maayanot. Currently JYEP has enough Big Brothers/Big Sisters but student registration is still open and more may be needed. For more information, contact Dr. Deborah Rapps, Director, JYEP at [email protected]
CTeen is where Jewish public school children go in Teaneck to stay connected. Rabbi Michoel Goldin, the Assistant Rabbi at Chabad, created a Sunday morning group, originally for students with no Jewish background. The group has grown to include children who have had some day school education but for various reasons are now in public school. Rabbi Goldin said they learn the aleph-beis, parsha and holidays and discuss Judaism and their world view. “Every Jewish child should have a connection to their roots, and to other Jewish teens,” he said. For more information on Chabad Sunday Teen Learning contact [email protected].
By Bracha Schwartz
