Teen Educational Network
Find Jewish programs for teens and youth
Find Jewish programs for teens and youthCongregational schools locally offer teen educational initiatives, below is an intro to some of these opportunities. Note that some are open to all teens in the area while others require membership or fees to participate.
Jewish Education
Adath
Ten@Adath is the congregation-based experiential learning program open to grades 9-12, providing a dynamic space for teens to deepen their Jewish identity, expand their learning and connect with ancient wisdom in the world around us.
Beth El
Beth El Synagogue offers the Heschel Society, a select group of exemplary high school students who are interested in Philanthropy, Social Justice, Social Action, and Tikkun Olam. They also have a teen Moot Court program.
Bet Shalom
Bet Shalon’s high school chug (elective) meets weekly with clergy for conversation on teen issues, current events, social justice, community service and more. Optional gathering for dinner as well with the youth group. Bet Shalom also has monthly social events and/or service projects to engage this age group. For more information, call 952-426-6649.
Shir Tikvah
Through STiFTY (Teen Youth Group at Shir Tikvah) High-schoolers gather regularly for educational programming, social time together- all planned by teens, for teens. Email for More Information.
Temple Israel
Temple Israel’s JEWL (Jewish Experiential Whole-Person Learning) High School Years program provides opportunities to deepen connections with peers and Temple Israel’s clergy. Learners build their personal Jewish identities as teens while tackling the challenges of being a citizen of the world.
YOUTH GROUP
Most Jewish youth group opportunities are open to all. Mix & match, participate with friends.
Jewish Student Union (JSU)
Open to Jewish teens of all backgrounds and levels of observance. JSU (Jewish Student Union) public school clubs serve as a great Jewish resource to students while helping to promote Israel advocacy, Jewish education and pride. JSU currently helps to facilitate clubs in 11 public schools, including Armstrong, Hopkins, Minnetonka, St Louis Park, and Wayzata High Schools.
United Synagogue Youth (USY)
USY, the youth group of the Conservative movement, stands for United Synagogue Youth. There are 17 regions around the United States and Canada which comprise International USY.
The Reform Jewish Youth Movement’s NFTY
NFTY – The Reform Jewish Youth Movement, has offered thousands of young people the opportunity to explore and live Reform Judaism through teen-powered weekends and engaging social justice ventures.
B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO)
Youth teen movement- BBYO events are planned by teens, for teens and programming ranges from fun activities like ice skating and camping overnights, to communal Shabbat celebrations and leadership trainings.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Louis Herman Israel Experience Fund
Scholarship available to Minneapolis residents between the ages of 15 and 18 who are registered for a qualifying Israel program.
Isadore & Molly Boroff Israel Scholarship
Scholarship available for Minneapolis-based Jewish men and women ages 18-30 for Israel experiences.
MORE FOR TEENS
Minnesota JCC
Teens ages 15 and up have access to join fitness at the MN JCC, along with many other JCC offerings for teens (for example- 3,000 Jewish teen athletes, ages 13-17 and representing communities from across the globe, come together to experience the magic of JCC Maccabi, the world’s largest Jewish youth sports event).
Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) teen fellowship
JCRC’s Youth Fellowship for Jewish Identity and Leadership is a single school year program designed to empower Jewish high school juniors and seniors to explore and embrace their history, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a deep sense of pride, meaning and joy in their Jewish identity through interactive sessions and field trips- learning how to articulate their own narratives and advocate for their community.
Start a Genesis Mitzvah Fund
Mazel tov on your bar or bat mitzvah! Now is the perfect time to make the world a better place. Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation (MN JCF) can help you start with your own Genesis Mitzvah Fund – or GMF for short. When a GMF is open, loved ones can give money directly to a fund. Your fund will earn interest and grow (tax-free). Then, teens can choose where to gift charity dollars using a simple giving app!