As the 2025-26 school year approaches, J-LOFT (Jewish Learning Opportunities for Teens) is proud to announce the opening of enrollment for its largest and most dynamic year yet. Rooted in a vision of inclusive, engaging, pluralistic, and meaningful Jewish education, J-LOFT continues to expand, welcoming Jewish teens from all backgrounds across MetroWest Boston and beyond.
Whether you’re affiliated with a synagogue or exploring Jewish identity on your own terms, J-LOFT offers a warm, welcoming community where every teen is encouraged to discover their voice, deepen their connection to Judaism, and build lasting friendships.
What Is J-LOFT?
J-LOFT is more than a supplementary Jewish education program — it’s a vibrant, teen-centered hub that combines thoughtful learning, social connection, leadership opportunities, and unforgettable travel experiences. Open to students in grades 8-12, J-LOFT is designed to meet teens where they are, nurturing curiosity, community, and character through an expansive menu of offerings.
The program is a collaboration of several local synagogues and is based at Congregation Beth El in Sudbury, but participation is open to all Jewish teens — regardless of synagogue membership or affiliation. This model allows teens from across the Jewish spectrum to come together in one dynamic, supportive space.
Program Highlights for 2025-26
What started as a shared initiative among a few congregations has blossomed into a growing regional resource for Jewish teen life. Each year, J-LOFT introduces new courses, programs, and partnerships, reflecting both the changing interests of its students and the evolving needs of the community. For 2025-26, we are delighted to offer the following opportunities:
J-LOFT Meetups
Held bi-monthly on Sunday evenings, Meetups are the heart of the program. Teens select from a variety of rotating elective courses led by some of the region’s most dynamic Jewish educators. Topics range from ethics and social justice to Israeli culture, Jewish arts, and modern identity. Not less important — all Meetups include a delicious, “homemade” dinner by the J-LOFT teens!
Travel Opportunities
One of the hallmarks of the J-LOFT experience is its exceptional lineup of travel programs that bring Jewish learning to life. These trips go beyond tourism — they are immersive, values-driven adventures that deepen Jewish identity, build leadership, and foster cross-cultural connection. Each trip is carefully crafted to align with specific age groups and educational goals, offering a progression of experiences from 8th through 12th grade.
- New Orleans Service Trip (8th-9th Grade)
Designed for younger high school students, this domestic service-learning trip introduces teens to tikkun olam (repairing the world) through hands-on community work. Teens travel to New Orleans, where they partner with local organizations on housing, food insecurity, and environmental justice initiatives. Along the way, they explore the city’s rich Jewish and civil rights history, all while building strong bonds with their peers. The trip balances meaningful service with cultural exploration and fun, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to social responsibility. - HiBuR Israel Exchange (10th-11th Grade)
The HiBuR (Hebrew for “connection”) Israel Exchange is a highlight of the J-LOFT calendar. This two-way exchange program partners MetroWest teens with peers in Haifa, Israel. Participants travel to Israel to experience daily life with their Israeli host families, attend high school, explore cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and bond through cultural and educational programming. In return, Israeli teens come to Massachusetts, creating lifelong cross-cultural friendships. This program fosters deep global Jewish connection, mutual understanding, and a powerful sense of peoplehood. - L’Taken Social Justice Seminar in Washington, D.C. (11th-12th Grade)
In partnership with the Religious Action Center (RAC), this powerful weekend in the nation’s capital invites teens to engage with social justice through a Jewish lens. Participants attend interactive workshops on current legislative issues such as climate change, immigration, or racial justice. They learn Jewish texts and values related to these topics, prepare policy speeches, and then meet with congressional offices on Capitol Hill to advocate for change. It’s a profound opportunity to use their voices as Jewish leaders and citizens. - Journey to Berlin & Warsaw (12th Grade)
This senior-year capstone experience is a deeply moving journey into European Jewish history. Teens explore the rich cultural legacy of Jewish life in Berlin and Warsaw, and confront the memory of the Holocaust with visits to memorials, museums, and former ghettos. Guided by educators and historians, students reflect on resilience, identity, and responsibility. It’s a trip that fosters maturity, empathy, and a powerful connection to Jewish heritage at a pivotal moment before graduation. - Shabbaton (All Grades)
A program-wide weekend getaway, dedicated to making connections, relaxing, celebrating Shabbat, and coming together as a community. - Service Learning & Leadership
Teens have multiple opportunities to step up as change-makers — whether through leading community service days like the MLK Day of Service, joining the teen advisory council, or shaping the future of J-LOFT itself.
Register Now: Early Bird Rates Through Memorial Day!
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open, with early bird discounts available through Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re a returning J-LOFT family or considering joining for the first time, now is the time to secure your spot in a growing and inspiring community.
Visit jloftboston.org to learn more and register today.
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