Teen Resources
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Teenage years are significant for developing a strong Jewish identity. This hub of opportunities for teens is intended to help foster a deeper connection to their Jewish identity and community.
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Interested in volunteering with the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey?
Summer Programs
Yallah! Israel offers a variety of teen summer programs that help Jewish teens explore their progressive Jewish values from new angles. Participants can choose from four unique trips: the classic Israel tour, or one of the specialty programs focused on eco-sustainability, science and technology, or sports.
For students in grades 11-12
Ramah Israel Seminar
Ramah Seminar is a six-week travel program in Israel from the Ramah overnight camps in North America. Participants will explore the many facets of Israel, while hiking and touring the country, engaging in challenging discussions, meeting with influential leaders, spending time with Israeli teens, and participating in hands-on, experiential learning.
For rising 12th Graders
BBYO Passport is the leader in travel for Jewish teens and their families. Journey to Israel or explore a world of meaningful travel opportunities on five continents. All programs embrace pluralistic Jewish values and provide opportunities for inspiration, connection, and community.
For students in grades 9-11
Teens will learn how the history of Israel and its people allowed the country to become a global leader in innovative social and environmental approaches, and how these approaches are rooted in the values of Judaism. Participants plant trees, spend time on farms, work with disabled soldiers in the Negev, and help beautify a Bedouin community.
Grades 10-12
Young Judaea offers summer trips to Israel that allow teens to see Israel up-close and personal. From social entrepreneurship and volunteer opportunities to chances to see the natural and man-made beauty of Israel, teens will develop a personal connection to the country and people, as well as to their peers.
For students in grades 11-12
NCSY offers incredible summer options to fit every need. From hiking and volunteering in Israel to sports camps in the United States and journeys to the heart of Eastern Europe, everyone, no matter what your teen’s Jewish background is, can find an NCSY summer experience that will change their lives.
Grades 5-12
On a USY Summer Experience, teens will gain independence and a better sense of self, form lifelong bonds of friendship across North America, and repair the world in local communities through volunteer work and service.
Grades 7-11
This international education program brings Jewish teens and adults from all over the world to Poland on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built during World War II, and then to Israel to observe Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). Participants will gain a better understanding of the Holocaust and how to lead the Jewish people into the future, vowing “Never Again.”
Grades 10-12
Leadership Opportunities
Collaborate with teens across North America while learning, educating, mobilizing, and connecting around Israel! Teens will create resources, learn from educators and professionals and grow their relationship with Israel.
This education and advocacy program for teens empowers young Jews to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people. LFT helps high school students develop a strong Jewish identity and trains them as advocates for Israel, and to be voices against antisemitism.
Participants will have the opportunity to further their knowledge, plan innovative Israel programs with their peers, and play a vital role in ensuring that teens in their community are connected to Israel.
Join fellow high school students and educators for an empowering virtual series directed at young people about confronting hate and bigotry in today’s world. Teens will have access not only to exclusive panels for students ready to make a difference but to every panel at the Summit.
Every year, this pluralistic group of 26 Fellows embark on a transformative, deeply personal journey in which they learn to see the world through a lens broader than their own. Fellows explore the rich tapestry of Jewish texts and ideas, using them to spark conversations, engage with stimulating existential questions, and achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and one another. They also expand their perspectives through intensive encounters with a parallel group of Israeli peers.The Fellowship begins with a free, immersive summer program in Israel, and continues with monthly virtual experiences and a winter and spring seminar in the U.S.
In this activism module, teens will learn about the vocabulary of Israel activism, practice how to respond to tough questions, learn about the current state of antisemitism, and the difference between what it means to be critical of Israel and anti-Zionism. These online sessions, taught by activism experts, delve into key subjects in building the future leaders of the Jewish community and preparing them for campus life.
This immersive leadership program invites a select group of Jewish 10th and 11th graders from 6 continents and 32 communities to step up, lead their communities, and repair the world.
JFSNJ Madrichim Program
The Madrichim program includes 9th and 10th graders from Congregation Kol Ami and Congregation Beth El. Students will hear from speakers on a wide range of topics such as classroom management, differentiated instruction, Jewish values, and leadership. They will be able to use this skill set in the classroom and beyond in their future professional employment opportunities.
Organizations & Youth Groups
BBYO is the leading pluralistic teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. For 90 years, BBYO has provided exceptional identity enrichment and leadership development experiences for hundreds of thousands of Jewish teens.
Local Contact: snussbaum@bbyo.org
NFTY is a movement that builds strong, welcoming, inspired communities through teen-powered engagement. Together, NFTY participants pursue tikkun olam, personal growth, youth empowerment, and deep connections, all rooted in Reform Judaism.
Local Contact: nftypar@urj.org
USY inspires Jewish youth to explore, celebrate, and practice ethical values, Jewish living, Zionism and community responsibility based on the ideology of the Conservative movement.
Local Contact: brichman@uscj.org
NCSY is committed to providing a safe space where teens can celebrate their Jewish heritage; embrace Torah and tradition, develop a positive Jewish identity, acquire invaluable leadership skills, connect with dedicated Jewish role models, and learn to live passionately Jewish lives. NCSY is affiliated with the Orthodox Union.
CTeen empowers teens to actualize their inner infinite potential, while cultivating a strong sense of mission, Jewish pride, and love of G‑d. CTeen is affiliated with the Chabad movement.
Young Judaea is the oldest Zionist youth movement in the United States. For over 100 years, Young Judaea has brought together thousands of Jewish youth from across the country and around the world – of every religious, cultural, and political persuasion, through a shared commitment to Jewish values, Jewish pride, and love of Israel.
Tzofim, or the Israeli Scouts, is a youth movement for Israeli, Hebrew-speaking children in North America. The youth-led movement has about 25 shvatim (chapters) across the country. High school students plan weekly activities that are held in Hebrew for kids in 3rd – 9th grade.
Judaea is truly unique in its ability to offer a fun, safe, social environment that also includes a distinct focus on education, leadership, and social action.
Teens and their families can use this site to search among more than 400 programs that appeal to different passions, interests, and backgrounds. From specialty programs focused on surfing and the arts, to social action projects and international travel opportunities, and so many more, there’s a perfect experience for every Jewish teen.
High School Academic Programs
BBYO is the leading pluralistic teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. For 90 years, BBYO has provided exceptional identity enrichment and leadership development experiences for hundreds of thousands of Jewish teens.
Local Contact: snussbaum@bbyo.org
This is an extraordinary, once in a lifetime experience for Reform high school students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades to learn about the land of Israel and its people, exploring ideas and complexities while creating lasting bonds with friends and fellow Israelis.
Using Israel as its classroom, Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY) provides 10th-12th grade students with a transformative experience. By combining the academic structure of a school with the values of the Ramah Camping Movement, students explore their Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people as they travel across Israel.
Upcoming Events for Teens
Community Service/Social Action
Employment & Internship Opportunities
This is a year-long program for student leaders in 11th and 12th grade who want to proactively impact their local schools and communities. Leventhal Interns learn about Israel, how to effectively combat antisemitism, and gain leadership skills.
The Wiesenthal Government Advocacy Internship will expose students to public policy, legislation, and advocacy to combat antisemitism, fight bigotry and stereotyping and ensure proper legal and de-facto treatment of minority communities.
Scholarship/Financial Assistance
For students looking for a post-high school Israel experience, Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) has scholarship award applications for money toward Israel study.
Families may apply for the One Happy Camper program, a one-time incentive grant of up to $1,000 per child to attend a Jewish overnight camp for the first time.
Jewish Federation of Southern NJ Financial Assistance
Teen Israel or Leadership Programs
Families in need of financial assistance to send their teenager, in grades 9-12 to Israel for three weeks or more, may apply to receive a scholarship to participate in an organized Israel experience. Eligible programs must be sponsored by a recognized Jewish organization. This financial assistance program is generously funded by the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey’s JFund.
Jewish Federation of Southern NJ Financial Assistance
Jewish Overnight Camp
Families who are in need of financial assistance to attend the JCC Camps at Medford may apply for annual financial assistance here.
Families in need of financial assistance may apply to receive a scholarship for their child to attend a Jewish overnight camp. Eligible camps must be affiliated with a recognized Jewish organization. This financial assistance program is generously funded by the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey’s JFund and the BJBI Youth Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc.
Dream Israel is a new initiative helping to provide all Jewish teens with the life-changing opportunity to study abroad in Israel while also giving back to the Jewish State. In exchange for fundraising for a philanthropic cause in Israel, students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade can earn a grant of up to $7,500 towards their academic program with Alexander Muss, URJ Heller High, Ramah TRY, or USY High.
RootOne’s goal is to maximize the number of North American Jewish teens who experience Israel first-hand and to ensure these experiences make a great impact on each teen.
Post High School/Gap Year Programs
Birthright provides young Jewish adults with opportunities for transformative and immersive shared experiences in Israel and a foundation for ongoing Jewish connection.
Young Judaea Year Course is the largest gap year program in Israel. Participants live in Israel for nine months, earning up to 30 college credits. Together with academic studies, participants strengthen their independence, maturity, and positive value systems, building the skills to thrive and succeed – socially, academically, and as members of their communities.
Masa’s mission is to empower a new generation of connected, committed, and inspired young Jewish adults.
Aardvark Israel brings 17-21 year olds from around the world to Israel for life-changing year and semester programs.
For teens ages 18-19 (post high school) interested in having a unique Israel experience, coordinated and planned by Maccabi World Union.
Hevruta Gap-Year Program invites Israelis and North Americans to establish a joint community founded on discourse and values in the heart of Jerusalem.
BINA Gap Year in Israel is a life-changing 10-month Israel gap year program! Be immersed in Israeli society with Israelis. Engage in meaningful volunteering in Tel Aviv. Study Jewish and Israeli culture from a secular perspective. Travel. Make lifelong friends.
Kivunim offers an academic Jewish gap-year program for North American high school graduates based in Jerusalem, Israel with programmed field trip visits to 11 countries and over 50 cities and villages significant to the historical and contemporary Jewish global world.
Nativ, USCJ’s gap year program for Jewish high school graduates, is dedicated to creating and inspiring the Conservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow.
Questions about our teen resources?
Please contact Iris Snyder
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