As we creep closer and closer to 2023, there are even more opportunities to connect with our network of teen educators and engagement professionals. Check out the list below, and let us know if there’s something we’ve missed!

Opportunities to Connect and Learn

  • Mind Matters at the Museum of Science (CJP Teen Engagement Network): Thursday, 1/5, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Explore the Museum of Science’s visiting exhibit, Mind Matters, for a look at mental health, followed by a discussion with CJP and BaMidbar about our role as Jewish communal professionals in building flourishing, resilient, and thriving communities.
  • From Stressed to Resilient: Lunch and Learn with Dr. Deborah Gilboa (Temple Shir Tikva and CJP Teen Engagement Network): Wednesday, 11/30, 12:30-2 p.m. Do you feel fatigued by the stresses you’re managing? Exhausted even? That’s totally understandable. You’re dealing with so much. You want to be able to handle this level of stress without feeling winded, tired, sore. Learn how to build connections, set boundaries, and manage discomfort. Jewish professionals are invited to join Dr. G for a lunch and learn!
  • Mental, Emotional, Social Health for Experiential Educators Virtual Course (BaMidbar): Thursdays in December, 8-10 a.m. Jewish professionals are uniquely situated to create positive environments where not only Jewish learning, but also mental health and wellness, can flourish.
  • Facilitating Difficult Topics and Conversations: Fostering Civil Discourse in our Classrooms & Communities (Hebrew College): Ongoing. In a series of three workshops, grounded in Facing History philosophy and pedagogy, we will explore tools and techniques to build the conditions for civil discourse and difficult conversations in the classroom and beyond. This series of three 90-minute workshops is open to anyone interested in exploring and engaging in the topic. Following the workshop series, Jewish educators are invited to participate in a community of a practice to explore facilitation challenges and difficult conversations in school settings.
  • Coffee & Conversation: Setting Program Goals & Measuring Outcomes (CJP Teen Engagement Network): Thursday, 12/8, 10-11 a.m. Is your organization setting attainable goals and soliciting feedback from participants in order to continue to improve? Did you know that you can use the 14 Outcomes that Positively Impact the Lives of Teens  as a framework to quickly and easily measure impact? Join CJP for a conversation on setting program goals and measuring the impact and outcomes of your programming, as well as an opportunity to connect with each other.
  • Light the Way: Parenting for Wellbeing (Moving Traditions): Wednesday, 12/14, 8-9:15 p.m. As we approach Hanukkah, a time of light, too many of our teens are struggling to maintain their mental wellness in the face of renewed academic and social pressures as the pandemic recedes. Some are finding a way to channel their concerns into positive change for themselves and their communities. Join Moving Traditions and Dr. Betsy Stone as we examine ways we can support the teens in our lives, shine a light on these pervasive issues, and help our youth find their way.
  • Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights (Jewish Arts Collaborative): Thursday, 12/15, 5-10 p.m. Since 2015, JArts has brought the Greater Boston community together to celebrate Hanukkah at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights reaches thousands of people each year. Our program partners with local artists and communities to create an unforgettable evening of performance, education, craft and artistic engagement for all ages.
    • PS: Join the CJP Teen Engagement Network for snacks and a drink as the program wraps up! Learn more and RSVP.

Resources & Support

For Your Teens

  • Tzelem Boston (Moving Traditions and The Tent at Temple Israel): Tzelem is a monthly group for trans, nonbinary, gender expansive, and LGBTQ+ Jewish teens. Tzelem offers a safe, supportive space to make new friends and explore relevant topics. For LGBTQ+ Teens: Begins Sunday, 11/20. For Trans/Nonbinary Teens: Begins Sunday, 11/27.

  • Winter ExtravaGANNza (Gann Academy): Saturday, 12/17, 7-9:30 p.m. Join your camp and school friends for a night of wintery fun at Gann Academy’s second annual Winter ExtravaGANNza dance! Created exclusively for Boston-area Jewish 6, 7 and 8th graders, grab your friends and spend the night playing carnival games and winning fabulous prizes, enjoying a french fry and mac and cheese bar and hanging with friends and letting loose with DJ games.

Quick Links

Let’s Connect

Interested in connecting with a member of our team? Reach out to Leah or Brett to set up time to share successes, talk through challenges, discuss opportunities for partnership, or just grab a cup of coffee.

Does your organization have a program or resource you’d like shared in these monthly posts? Post it on JewishBostonTeens.com! Learn more about using the site here.