Bringing teens together to explore all aspects of Jewish life.

Building lifelong friends and connections

Congregation Shalom offers fun, meaningful and interesting activities for our community’s teens. Our teens continue to build upon the strong connections and friendships they made in younger years by learning, praying and yes, even playing together. There is also a strong emphasis on helping our teens find opportunities to make a difference in the world. These programs are for teenagers in grades 8-12.

Chai School

Following their B’Mitzvah year, students in 8^th, 9^th and 10^th grade enroll in our Chai School, which meets on Wednesday evenings. The night begins with a pizza dinner, and is followed by fun and exciting opportunities to explore new topics and ideas while spending time with their friends and classmates. The course offerings vary each year. Examples of past classes include playing the ukulele through Jewish music, learning about the Holocaust, creating Stop Motion videos with Jewish values, learning about what it is like to live in Israel, and so much more. Classes meet for three six-week sessions through the year. 

Confirmation and Kesher

In grade 10, our students engage in a more in-depth exploration of God, personal theology and Jewish identity. This program culminates in the ceremony of Confirmation. For teens in grades 11-12 we offer a monthly program which we call Kesher, which means bridge in Hebrew. Our goal is to help our students develop a bridge towards their future independence. Together we explore the relationship between current events and the Jewish idea of Tikkun Olam or Social Justice. Conversations give each student a chance to share their personal feelings and insights into issues that are important to them. We also talk about their future paths and other issues that are important to young people.

Madrich Program

Students that enjoy working with younger kids can opt to be an assistant teacher for Religious School and/or Hebrew School.

Shabbat Shaband

Calling all musicians! Students have the opportunity to be part of our teen band which plays during Friday services a few times a year.

Shalomites

The Shalomites, our teen youth group, offers social and fun opportunities for teen-led programs. Some examples of programs include their creative Shabbat services, ski trips and the annual Purim Carnival. Shalomites also participate in social action events during the year that support Congregation Shalom and the community at large.

Shalomites can participate on the regional level with the New England Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY-Northeast), where they can meet with Jewish teenagers throughout the New England area.