Unique opportunities for 8th-12th Graders

Jewish life after bar/bat mitzvah should be more than just “showing up”—it should be personal, relevant, and a place where teens feel they belong. Our teen menu has something for everyone: deep learning, real-world experiences, leadership opportunities, and ways to make an impact in and beyond our community.

The Academy

Our “classic” Religious School experience—updated for the way teens learn and think. We meet once a month on Sunday evenings to tackle the topics that shape Jewish life today: Israel, antisemitism, Jewish identity, life on college campuses, tikkun olam (repairing the world), and the traditions that connect us to generations past. Discussions are lively, honest, and relevant, because we know teens want to wrestle with big ideas, not memorize them.

YETI – Youth Engagement at Temple Israel

YETI is where the social and the purposeful meet. Through events, leadership training, and service projects, teens make new connections, step into leadership roles, and take part in shaping our Temple Israel community. Board positions are open to teens who want to drive programming and make their voices heard.

Teen Travel Seminars

Once a year, over Presidents Day week/weekend, we take our learning out into the world. These trips are immersive, emotional, and unforgettable—connecting Jewish history to the present in a way that can’t happen in a classroom.

• 8th–9th Grade: Journey to Georgia and Alabama to explore the Civil Rights Movement through a Jewish lens. Walk the Selma Bridge, stand in Kelly Ingram Park, and discover how Jewish and African American communities have stood together in the fight for justice.
• 10th–12th Grade: Travel to Prague, where Jewish life has thrived, struggled, and survived for over 1,000 years. Explore historic synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods, and the Holocaust’s impact through a visit to Terezin.
• Optional 5-day Israel Extension: Add an unforgettable layer to the Prague trip—Jerusalem’s ancient streets, Tel Aviv’s vibrant energy, and Haifa’s beauty.

Mitzvah Makers

Our social action intensive for teens ready to roll up their sleeves. We look at real issues facing our communities—both local and global—and take action through hands-on volunteering. Students work with several organizations across NYC and earn 20–25 community service hours each year.

Madrichim Program

For 7th–12th graders who want to lead from within. Madrichim serve as role models and assistants in our Religious School classrooms, gaining practical teaching skills through specialized workshops while earning community service hours.

Two Ways to Participate

• Academy All-Access: Join The Academy, YETI, Madrichim, and Mitzvah Makers with discounted registration for Travel Seminars.
• Pay As You Go: Select the programs that fit your schedule and pay individually.