Students in our JTJ Program can continue their Jewish education by participating in Wednesday night dinners and classes that are both fun and engaging! Our 8-9th grade students can choose between "When "Jew" Wish Upon a Star: Jewish Values and the World of Disney" and "Hot Topics: Where Jewish Tradition Meets the Modern World." Meanwhile, our 10-12th grade students have the opportunity to take a college course for 3 general education credits, thanks to a partnership with American Jewish University (AJU). In "Controversial Jewish Texts," teens will explore adult content and sharp values tensions to explore the essential question: can I call something "sacred" even when it doesn't align with my values?

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Temple Judea provides several leadership opportunities for teens, including working as Madrichim to support our teachers & staff either with Camp Sababa (while in session) or, during the school year, with one of our religious school programs, monthly family programs, Beit Midrash, photography + videography, or dreaming up a new way to share talents with our community. We love getting to see teens show up as their best selves as they lead our younger students or campers in small group activities and experiences. Participation in our Madrichim programs are free, and teens can gain community service hours for volunteering, plus receive ongoing training with our Assistant Director of Education. Returning 11th and 12th grade Madrichim (16 yrs. old or above) may apply for a paid position in place of receiving community service hours.

This year we are offering two trip opportunities! Students in grades 8 & 9 are invited to participate in an Civil Rights trip to the South. Through Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, teens will walk in the footsteps of activists who played a pivotal role in the struggle for Civil Rights. Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC on a trip that connects hundreds of Jewish teens and teaches them how to use their unique voices and stories to advocate for change in the halls of Congress. Part-learning, part-bonding, part-sightseeing, this trip culminates by lobbying our elected representees on Capitol Hill. These trips carry an additional cost, but scholarships may be available upon request.

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Kids & teens who sing -- share your musical talent and vocal skills with the Temple Judea & larger Jewish community! The CITs help lead Friday night Shabbat services (generally the 2nd Friday of the month). Coaching on Jewish repertoire through the mentorship of Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot and the cantorial team will enhance your performance abilities. Temple Judea is also a proud supporter of HaZamir: the International Jewish teen choir, which unites Jewishly identified and musically talented teens from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and levels of religious observance. HaZamir high schoolers in the Los Angeles chapter will have the opportunity to learn and sing Jewish choral music at the highest musical standard and perform with other members from 35 chapters across the United States and Israel on the world’s greatest stages. In weekly rehearsals, regional gatherings, and the HaZamir International Festival, HaZamir teens study Jewish text and history, grow as leaders, cultivate a deep connection to Israel, and create enduring friendships that transcend geographic, political, social, and denominational differences. Interested? Contact us.

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Our 8-12th grade teens are invited to eat & schmooze with a member of the Clergy or staff at Temple Judea once a month on selected Sundays from 12pm-1:00pm. Bring nothing except your love for food and need for socialization, and we will arrange the rest. The fee for this program is $180 ($20/session). Teens are also encouraged to participate in fun & social events where they can connect and socialize in an informal Jewish environment. Our teen leadership plays a pivotal role in helping staff develop a vision for the future of Temple Judea's teen programming. These leaders will be role models, share event information, plan events, and advocate for their peers. Teen leaders may earn 3-5 hours of community service per month. Want to know more? Contact us.

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Our Confirmation program supports our post-B'nei Mitzvah teens as they begin making Jewish choices for themselves. Students can become eligible to become Confirmands between 10th and 12th grade, as long as they have actively participated in at least three programs from 8th grade onward. Confirmands will meet periodically to learn in community during the Spring semester, culminating with a celebration of these students and their Jewish journeys at a peer-led Shabbat service in late Spring / early Summer.

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