Sacred Choices: Adolescent Relationships
and Sexual Ethics is a comprehensive curriculum designed for congregations
and camps to use to teach sexual ethics to teens.
Our teens live in a culture in which the societal boundaries about what is
sacred and what is to be “saved” for adulthood or marriage have changed. They
are continually confronted by pressures to conform and participate in activities
and behaviors for which they may not be physically or emotionally ready. In few
places where teens spend their time are there opportunities to talk
openly and honestly about such issues or to develop their
own sense of personal sexual ethics. The synagogue is a natural place
for these conversations to take place.
Podcast: Jewish Sex Ed - Listen to an interview with Rabbi Laura Novak Winer and Rabbi Jack Abramowitz in this podcast produced by the Religious Action Center.
Available now:
Middle School Module: a set of curricular materials for use in congregations and camps, consisting of 5 lessons for adolescents in grades 6-8 and 3 lessons for parents. The curriculum comes with a Congregational Implementation Guide. Learn more...
High School Module : a set of curricular materials for use in congregations and camps, consisting of 7 lessons for adolescents in grades 9-12 and 1 lesson for parents and 1 lesson for families. The curriculum comes with a Congregational Implementation Guide. Available March 2008 . PREORDER NOW!Learn more...
Under development:
Guidelines for Addressing Sexual Activity in Youth Settings The Union is in the process of developing a statement on Guidelines for Addressing Adolescent Sexual Activity in Youth Settings (camps, youth group events, confirmation class trips, etc.) that may be adopted by congregations as well. The Guidelines will include corresponding training materials to support youth professionals in the implementation of these Guidelines. Available Spring 2008. Please bookmark this page and check back for updates on the development of the Guidelines.
"That our kids need our guidance and support is indisputable. Judaism has something to say to them. It tells them that they are created in the image of God, and each and every one of them is unique, of infinite worth, and entitled to respect. It tells them that the guiding principle of sexuality in the Jewish tradition is K’doshim tih’yu—“You shall be holy,” which means that sexuality is linked to blessing, commandment, and God."
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie President, Union for Reform Judaism November 19, 2005/ 17 Cheshvan 5766
Available now:
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie
Read the entire sermon
