Life can be hectic for today’s teens. Between school, sports, and all those extracurricular activities, their Jewish connection can take a backseat.  But at Temple Judea, we believe the real Jewish journey continues past the B’nei Mitzvah.  That’s because here, Judaism is more than just a belief system. It is a practice, a choice: a verb. And while our Religious School students have laid the foundation with their hard work learning Torah and preparing to lead a service, our 8th to 12th graders now get to put their knowledge to use while continuing to embrace the fun side of being Jewish. You see, at TJ, being a Jewish teen is about living your Jewish values, celebrating your Jewish identity, and participating in a vibrant Jewish community of your peers.  

If we learned one lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the importance of a consistent, reliable community, especially for our kids. When a community is dependent on specific activities, it can easily fade away.  Temple Judea provides genuine connections that go beyond school or sports seasons: a constant and supportive community where teens can feel involved, accepted, invested, and inspired - no matter what challenges they face. 

The good news is that we have plenty of opportunities for post-B’nei Mitzvah teens to explore their Jewish identity and connect with their community at Temple Judea. Through our Judea Teen Journeys (JTJ) Program, we offer a range of meet-ups, classes, programs, educational trips, and work opportunities so our teens can choose what resonates with them and fits their schedule. Ready to learn more? If you’re a parent of an 8th to 12th grader, we invite you and your teen to register for a special Zoom session on Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30pm. Find out how Temple Judea can encourage your teen’s Jewish identity and friendships. Together, we'll foster a strong and committed Jewish future, ensuring that the values and traditions which have sustained our community for generations will continue to thrive for generations to come.