Youth Groups at the J

BBYO – B'nai B'rith Youth Organization - Evergreen Region
Involving more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences

Meetings
Mondays, 7:30 p.m. – Stroum Jewish Community Center Mercer Island location

For more than 80 years, BBYO has provided exceptional identity enrichment and leadership development experiences for Jewish teens. Now more than ever, BBYO's programs in 60 communities across North America provide innovative opportunities for teens to connect with one another, take part in community service projects, navigate the college admissions process, and travel the world. These experiences provide each participant a network of lifelong friends and a perspective which adds value and meaning to life.

The Evergreen region of BBYO has approximately 350 members in multiple chapters throughout the Northwest, including Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, and Boise; each chapter includes volunteer adult advisors to provide guidance and support. An additional 250-300 Jewish teens participate in BBYO-sponsored programs each year.

Jews in unaffiliated communities are encouraged to become members and to enjoy the benefits of a national Jewish youth program. These members are invited to attend all regional and international programs.

Regional program participants, including those from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and non-affiliated backgrounds, join together in religious observance, sports, social events, leadership development, cultural activities, and community service projects.

In the Seattle area, BBYO meetings are scheduled every Monday evening, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at the Stroum JCC on Mercer Island.

Perhaps the most important lesson that one learns from BBYO is that "you get out of it what you put into it." As in life, involvement in the development process, participation in the program, or taking on leadership roles is the best way to take advantage of BBYO.

If you'd like to join BBYO and live in Alaska, Washington, Oregon or British Columbia, contact BBYO Regional Director Matt Lemchen by email or at 206-232-7115, extension 241.

Regional Director: Matt Lemchen mlemchen@bbyo.org, 206-232-7115, extension 241

http://www.bbyo.org/

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The Jewish Student Union
JSU's hugely successful teen lounge program comes to Mercer Island. JSU (The Jewish Student Union) is the premier organization in Seattle for public school outreach. JSU has teamed up with the SJCC to bring to you a fun safe environment where teens have a place they can play video games, ping pong, do homework, or just hang out. Throughout the year there will be special programs, movie nights and speakers to spice things up. And as always with JSU there will be food every week. Too good to be true? It gets better. It's free!  No membership costs, and no fees, the JSU nights are open to all. 
High school (9-12 grade) Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.
Middle school (6-8 grade) Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.

 

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Sephardic Religious School

The Stroum Jewish Community Center welcomes the Sephardic Religious School to our Mercer Island facility every week for classes and events.

The Sephardic Religious School is a supplementary school co-sponsored by Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation, Congregation Ezra Bessaroth and the SAMIS Foundation to provide Jewish education to those families who do not choose Day School Jewish education. These congregations represent those Jewish families who have immigrated to Seattle from Turkey, Greece, Morocco, Rhodes and Spain. Sephardic Religious School is the only "Sephardic" school serving the Greater Seattle Jewish Community. (The Seattle Sephardic community is the third largest in the United States.)

The Sephardic Religious School serves the children of both synagogues as well as families with other synagogue affiliations or no synagogue affiliation.

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Community High School of Jewish Studies (a.k.a. Hebrew High)

The Community High School of Jewish Studies, a.k.a. "Hebrew High," holds classes weekly at the SJCC Mercer Island Location

The school, part of the Jewish Education Council (JEC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, is a supplementary educational program where Jewish high school students can connect with Jewish friends, continue (or even begin) their exploration of Jewish learning and culture and be a part of a unique Jewish high school experience.

Classes range from the classic to the contemporary, from serious contemplation to lighthearted fun. Classes may be interactive, hands-on, discussion-based, or revolve around texts, films, food, yoga or crafts. The program focuses on both traditional and more-unusual aspects of Judaic Studies in addition to providing an opportunity to experience and explore original and creative approaches to history, culture, issues and traditions.

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Northwest Yeshiva High School

Northwest Yeshiva High School students use the SJCC Mercer Island health, fitness and wellness facilities to satisfy their physical education requirements.