J Teens

Giving Initiative for Teens

The Giving Initiative for Teens (GIFT) is part of a national program to teach teens about grant-making, non-profit management, fundraising, and Jewish values. The program encourages engagement in the community and empowers teens (9th to 12th grades) to be part of the grant-making process from start to finish, as they work together to raise and allocate funds to distribute to local non-profits. GIFT runs from roughly September to June, with applications for the upcoming school year opening each spring. Learn more >>

Maccabi Games

JCC Maccabi is a long-standing JCC tradition and the SJCC is excited to jump back in after a couple decades. We hope to participate in JCC Maccabi Israel, the first-ever JCC Maccabi program in Israel. It will combine one week of Maccabi Games (an Olympics-style competition) with a 13-day tour of Israel. Families interested in the US option in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, can join teams from around the country. Email me at AmyL@sjcc.org if you’re interested and we’ll be in touch!

Teen Peer Groups

These peer groups are safe spaces for 6th-9th graders to talk about how Jewish values and traditions help guide them during their teenage years. Teens can select into the group that fits their gender identity: Rosh Hodesh (girls), Shevet (boys), and Tzelem (non-binary, gender-fluid, gender-questioning). Through the guidance of a trained mentor, each group meets monthly to connect relevant teen issues with Jewish values — all while having a good time and fostering new friendships. Learn more  >>