Related Blog Posts on Israel, teens, and Youth Engagement
URJ and Israel: Post-October 7th Updates and Resources
Our hearts are with the people of Israel and the civilians in Gaza at this difficult time. See our statements, actions, and tools relating to this conflict.
A Shabbat Message
This week, as Shabbat approaches, we gather in community to pray for the shelter of peace in Israel and at home.
Embracing Jewish Identity, Learning to Lead: The Lifelong Benefits of Working at Summer Camp
The recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses has sparked concerns among students, parents, and communities. As the challenges faced by Jewish students navigating higher education persist, there is a growing need for safe spaces that celebrate Jewish identity and foster a sense of belonging.
New URJ Survival Tool for Jewish Teens
Learn about the URJ's new tool for helping students and parents to get answers about incidents of antisemitism.
Strength, Stress, and Support: A Portrait of American Jewish Teen Well-Being
How are teens really doing? In the spring of 2024, BeWell, the mental health and wellness initiative of the Jewish Federations of North American (JFNA), in partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (The Network), conducted the first national study of American Jewish teenagers to explore how their communal involvement, interpersonal connections, and perceptions of themselves as Jews relate to their overall wellbeing.
Inspiring Teens to be Tomorrow’s Leaders
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.
Teens Leading Change: The Power of NFTY on Fostering an Innovative Spirit
NFTY has long been a catalyst for teen leadership and social change. Two remarkable teens, Maccabee Anderson and Lucy Targum, embody the innovative spirit and commitment to being the change they wish to see in the Jewish world and beyond.
This Year, Will We Turn our Mourning into Dancing?
While Psalm 30 promises that God can turn our "mourning into dancing," as we prepare for Simchat Torah this week, this year the tradition of dancing with the Torah scrolls feels like too big of a leap.
Leader of the Reform Movement in the USA has not Stopped Being Disappointed Since the War
Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on October 7, 2023 and how it affects American Jews.
The Collab: Connecting Teens, Cultivating Leaders
At The Collab, these teens met new people, learned about social justice issues, and shared their traditions with one another.