Join a group of peers to talk about how Jewish values and traditions help guide you during your teenage years. Now, more than ever, having a supportive community will help teens through challenging times.
If you’re interested in Teen Peer Groups for 2023, please contact Jackie Kleinstein
Rosh Hodesh
Who: Jewish girls in 6th-9th grades
Questions: Contact Jackie Kleinstein
Rosh Hodesh uses Jewish teachings and practices to give girls a place to feel safe, articulate their feelings, consider the impact of gender on their daily lives, have fun, and be “real” with their peers. Together with their leader, the girls draw on Jewish values to explore topics such as body image, friendship, relationships, family, school, stress, and anything else on their minds. Through discussion, arts & crafts, creative rituals, games, and drama, the girls delve into the issues impacting their daily lives. Join this supportive and welcoming group of young Jewish women!
Shevet
Who: Jewish boys in 6th-9th grades
Questions: Contact Jackie Kleinstein
Shevet is a curriculum-based program led by an adult mentor who discusses topics related to manhood, Jewish study, understanding wisdom, violence, as well as issues around sexism and how to treat women and girls. Teen boys who participate in Shevet groups tell us that they enjoy spending time in a “guy space,” where they can explore what masculinity and being Jewish means to them. The boys report that the experience offers them a more “honest,” “relevant,” and “cool” way to participate in the Jewish community. In Shevet the guys decompress from their stressful lives and that they balance clowning and horseplay with deep discussions of what Judaism has to say about the ethical challenges of their everyday lives.
Tzelem
Who: Trans, nonbinary, gender fluid, gender-questioning 8th & 9th graders
Questions: Contact Jackie Kleinstein
Each month the Tzelem groups focus on topics such as healthy relationships, stress, belonging and identity; sessions also include opportunities to meet other teens and Jewish trans adult mentors, and to discuss issues around transition and gender expression. The teens explore the issues through games, art, discussion, and by drawing on Jewish teachings.
Teen years can be a challenging time. It’s when teens are asking life’s big questions, like who they want to be and become. It’s a time when friendship and mentorship are needed most, and when the values and support of Jewish community can be a positive, guiding force.
That’s where Rosh Hodesh, Shevet, and Tzelem come in. The SJCC is partnering with Moving Traditions, a national nonprofit that emboldens teens by fostering self-discovery, challenging sexism, and inspiring a commitment to Jewish life and learning. Together, we create a small, safe group experience within our community and inspire teens to openly explore the fundamental questions of identity and society. Through the guidance of a trained mentor, the groups connect relevant teen content with enduring Jewish values—all while encouraging a good time and fostering new friendships. Together with the guidance of Moving Traditions, more Jewish teens are growing into adulthood with confidence, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to Jewish community.
Spots will be capped at 15 teens in each group and are first-come, first-serve. For more information, contact Jackie Kleinstein.
