Thank you for supporting Teen Scholarships at BJ:

Your gift will support our teens as they continue to build their Jewish identities beyond B’nai Mitzvah. Teen Scholarships supplement costs for programs, immersive experiences and trips, and Moving Traditions, as well as any other costs associated with our program.

As part of the B’nai Jeshurun Teen Program, teens from schools all over the city come together through their shared interest in leadership, service learning, and Jewish values. Our youth leaders are great role models committed to strengthening teen interest in Judaism and social action/social justice. Our programs stimulate and challenge our teens, providing pathways to live consciously and to be involved with the Jewish community and the greater world.

Testimonials of participant teens:

By Sophia Adelman (9th grade):

To me BJ is not just a community, but a family I feel that I have been welcomed into. The teen program was there for me when I needed it the most, and the friendships that I have formed being a part of the program are friendships I am truly thankful for. The blend of kids from different areas and schools makes for a diverse and welcoming community that welcomed me with open arms. I have not only learned about Judaism through being a member of the BJ community, but I have learned what I value and who I want to be as a Jewish young adult. BJ has widened my view of the world by going on trips and retreats, and has enhanced my connection to both Judaism and my sense of community. I am proud to be a BJ teen and this community has shaped me into the woman I am today.

By Orli Rose (10th grade):

My year has consisted of staring at the Zoom screen and reminiscing about the times where COVID wasn't the topic of discussion at every family dinner. Last summer, I spent a lot of time thinking about how—without my summer at camp—I could continue being an active member of the Jewish community. After hearing about the BJ Teen Zoom hangouts during quarantine, I was hooked on the teen program because it is the exact thing that has helped me to connect to my Judaism when I felt like it would be impossible during these times.

Around a year ago, I ran for and was elected to be part of the BJ Teen Executive Board, which has been something for which I am so grateful. Every time we have a meeting, I am so excited to hear about how my friends have been doing through exciting ice breakers and enticing breakout rooms. Our meetings are filled with constant chatter, whether it's in the chat or in discussions. The content of what we do is one of the things that makes me the most proud to be a part of the teen program, because we find a good balance in creating activities meant for fun, while also spending a meaningful amount of time working on projects to better our immediate community, as well as the global one.

The people who choose to be active members of this community really do uphold the values that we pride ourselves on and show it in practice. Everyone I have ever met from BJ is so kind—even when I joined this community not knowing anyone, I was welcomed with open arms. This is a safe space and one where I feel super comfortable to be myself and express my Judaism in the way that works for me. Because of the space that BJ has been for me, I am comfortable with how everything has played out: I know I will always have a Jewish community that appreciates me for me.

Teen Trip to Arizona:

BJ Teens enjoyed a transformative trip to Arizona where they experienced first-hand the situation at the border with Mexico. To read some of their post-trip reflections, please click: https://www.bj.org/immigration...

Thank you again for your support of BJ teens. We are grateful for your generosity.

Teen Scholarships at BJ

Supporting the Growth of Jewish Identities

Team Members