Teen Programs
Photo: Graduation 2023.
TIZZY
We like to use the name TIZZY to describe our overarching teen programs at Temple Isaiah. The “T” stands for “teen or temple” and “Izzy” is a nickname for Isaiah, which conveys our fun, friendly environment. There are many different ways for teens to engage and learn at Temple Isaiah.
OUR MISSION
Temple Isaiah’s integrated teen programs are built on the principle that every event and activity, whether in the classroom or not, should advance a certain set of common Jewish values. Each element of our teen program emphasizes some or all of these core values and complements and builds on other elements in a cohesive and cumulative way. All events and activities lead to our goal of nurturing Jewishly identified people of integrity and often include an element of fun.
CORE VALUES
We believe there is a powerful, dynamic, reciprocal relationship between the impact that our Temple Isaiah community has on our teens’ development and the impact that our teens’ experiences and contributions have on the rest of us. To recognize our Mission, the following core values are embedded in different ways throughout the offerings in our teen programs. We strive to evolve our programs alongside our community’s needs, and hope to be able to reach as many teens as possible by offering a wide range of opportunities that help then grow Jewishly, introduce them to things they have expressed interest in, and are as accessible as possible to meet the needs of their varying outside commitments and complicated schedules.
• Commitment to TIKKUN OLAM - social justice and social action
• Creation of KEHILLAH - a supportive, tolerant and interdependent thinking community
• Individual RESPONSIBILITY and ETHICAL decision-making
• JEWISH knowledge and spirituality
• LEADERSHIP development and experience
• Caring for the physical and mental WELL-BEING of ourselves and others
OUR PROGRAMS
Here are a variety of ways to engage:
THEME 1: EXPAND YOUR JEWISH MIND & SOUL
NOAR NIGHT (Teen School)
Grades: 8th-12th grade
Schedule: Wednesday Nights
THEME 2: STRENGTHEN YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS
AVODAH TEACHING ASSISTANTS AT JQUEST
Grades: 8th -12th grade
Schedule: Weekly from September - May
During JQuest: Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons or Sunday morning
CAMP KEFLI STAFF
Grades: 9th -12th grade
Counselor in Training (CIT): 9th Grade
Counselor: 10th Grade through High School Graduate
Schedule: 2 ½ Weeks at the end of Summer (options to do 1 or 2 weeks of camp)
LAFTY LEADERSHIP BOARD (LLB)
Grades: 9th -12th grade
Schedule: June (board for next year begins) - May (end of year)
Other: Elections for President. Other positions are open to 9th-12th graders
ISAIAH TEEN INTERNS
Grades: 9th -12th grade
Schedule: Varied, throughout year (July - June)
Other: Flexible tasks and schedule. Can help with our Youth Groups, teen High Holy Day Services, Kefli Nights, etc.
THEME 3: DEEPEN YOUR JEWISH CONNECTIONS
ANACHNU (7th & 8th Grade YOUTH GROUP)
Grades: 7th and 8th grade
Schedule: Varied, typically on weekends every 6-8 weeks & annual LA Trip
LAFTY (HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP)
Grades: 9th - 12th grade
Schedule: Varied, typically on weekends around once a month
THEME 4: CARE FOR YOUR WELL-BEING
ROSH HODESH FOR YOUNG WOMEN
Grades: 6th and 7th graders who identify as female
Schedule: Once a month, Sunday late afternoon
SHEVET FOR YOUNG MEN
Grades: 9th and 10th graders who identify as male
Schedule: Once a month, Sunday late afternoon
To learn more about our programs for teens contact Rabbi Alissa Miller at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Jacob Friedman, Youth Director at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at (925) 284-9191.
Youth Director position made possible by a 2021-22 East Bay Teen Initiative Organizational Supporting Grant provided by:
