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9 Programs Empowering Jewish Teen Leaders

Ellie Rudee
If you know a teen looking for an unforgettable experience that combines leadership, Jewish values, and community, look no further! Here are nine incredible programs to consider for the coming year.

Inspiring Teens to be Tomorrow’s Leaders

Matt Ghan
Over the weekend of January 17-20, over 250 teens from 11 NFTY regions - the largest NFTY event since 2020 - were welcomed to URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, CA for a weekend of connection, joyful Jewish moments, social action, and fun.

It’s Time to Drop the Nostalgia

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman
"Stop being nostalgic for the past and start helping to build what is already happening, because it's happening, with or without you. And we want you with us."

Teens, Power, and NFTY – Growing our Reform Youth Movement

Michelle Shapiro Abraham, MAJE, RJE
A few weeks ago, I had the joy of being at the "NFTY-GER Ball," one of the many NFTY events being run by Reform teen leaders across North America. A room full of teens gathered at Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains, NJ to dance, laugh, get to know one another, and celebrate Jewish life.

Building a Meaningful Jewish World: A Lesson in Expanding Temple Youth Group Programs

Aaron Wiener
During the COVID pandemic in southern California, we saw our Jewish communities weaken. From our camp spaces disappearing to our teen youth groups (TYG) struggling, many of us stopped programming and decreased in membership, while a few of us thrived the best way we knew how - by joining forces. For us, as youth directors, advisors, and educators, we knew this was the way to keep teens inspired and engaged with one another.