Across the Bay Area, there are Dozens of Life-Changing Programs for Jewish Teens
Whether you’re looking for something to join throughout the school year, summer, winter break, local or abroad, we’ve got you covered.
North American and International Youth Movements
Find a youth movement that helps your teen connect with their Jewish identity.
Summer Camps (Overnight & Day Camps)
Is your teen looking to attend Jewish summer camp, become a counselor, or get involved in the camp community? Check out these options throughout Northern California.
Leadership & Tikkun Olam
Teens don’t have to wait until college to start making a difference. These programs are designed to help high school students become better leaders, learn community organizing, and hone their collaboration skills, all while practicing Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
Outdoor Exploration & Sports
There are many opportunities for Jewish teens to explore nature and sports, and find meaningful connections through Jewish values.
Travel: Domestic & International
Many Jewish teen programs involve travel components, whether flying to Washington, DC to learn about a cause they care about or traveling to Israel to volunteer with troubled Israeli youth. The options are endless.
Aryeh Adventures
Resources For Jews of Color
Our Teen Initiative is committed to embracing and building a multi-racial and anti-racist Jewish community in the Bay Area. We recognize and celebrate the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of Jewish people. These organizations offer community, belonging, and connection for individuals and families who identify as Jews of Color.
Be’chol Lashon
Be’chol Lashon (Hebrew for “in every language”) strengthens Jewish identity by raising awareness about the ethnic, racial and cultural diversity of Jewish identity and experience. Embracing the historical diversity of the Jewish people and, more importantly, the growing diversity of the community today is the most important step toward securing relevancy in an exciting American future.
Arts & Culture
If your teen is interested in the arts, don’t miss out on these unique Bay Area opportunities!
Jewish Film Institute (JFI) Social Change Fellowship
Immersive Jewish Studies
Dive into Jewish texts with these stimulating and thought-provoking Jewish learning opportunities.
Gap Years
Is your teen thinking about taking a year off between high school and college? If so, check out this list of popular Jewish and Israel gap year programs.
Synagogue Youth Group Chapters
Individual synagogues have congregation-specific youth movements that are affiliated with larger national youth groups. The map below offers information on temples you can reach out to that provide Jewish learning programs and classes for teens separate from the youth groups.
Jewish Day Schools
Whether your child came from a public school, another private school, or homeschooling, the Bay Area is filled with independent schools that excel at both secular and Jewish studies.
Brandeis Marin
Brandeis Marin is an independent, co-educational Jewish day school that serves K-8 students and their families in San Rafael, California. Their community reflects the diversity of the Marin Jewish communal fabric as well as the varied religious, cultural and socio-economic tapestry of the world around us.
Contra Costa Jewish Day School
Oakland Hebrew Day School
South Peninsula Hebrew Day School
Yavneh Day School
Yavneh is a progressive, independent, Jewish K-8 day school in Los Gatos. Their collaborative culture and student-centered approach to education create learning environments that are relevant to students’ interests while supporting the development of the skills and attributes needed to meet their own goals.