Supporting Jewish Teens on their Journeys to Becoming Thoughtful, Passionate, Engaged Jewish Adults

In JTConnect’s yearlong programs teens continue their Jewish education, exploring all aspects of Judaism in a social and learning community. Students choose from a variety of elective classes and activities over the course of the year. Led by talented educators who understand the spiritual, intellectual and emotional needs of today’s teens, classes encourage introspection, thoughtful debate, active learning and fun. Programs are offered on a variety of days, times, and locations throughout the community. Program schedules are as flexible as possible to accommodate our teen’s busy lives.

JTConnect programs are open to all teens in 8th-12th grade.
You do not need to be a member of a synagogue to attend classes with JTConnect.

Sunday Mornings

JTConnect @ CBI

JTConnect offers classes for grade 8th-12th graders on Sunday mornings at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, from 10:00am-11:30pm. Kosher lunch is provided for all students from 11:30am-12:00pm.

Students in the 8th and 9th grades attend (2) classes each Sunday. This age group also participates in a Moving Traditions class taught by Rabbi Fleigel 1x per month.

10th grade students take part in Confirmation Class with Rabbi Pincus, this class meets from 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Teen Leadership Philanthropy Initiative (TLPI) is open to all ages, and meets from 12:00pm-2:00pm 1x per month

JTConnect @ Emanuel

JTConnect offers weekly classes on Sunday mornings from 10:30am-12:00pm at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford. Each semester students choose from (4) exciting courses that explore our connection to Jewish traditions and values, and challenges teens to think crucially. Classes @Emanuel are open to all teens in 8th-12th grade.

JTConnect @ FVJC

Teens meet 2x per month on Sunday Mornings from 11:00am-12:30pm at Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation in Simsbury. Students at FVJC are part of JTConnect’s yearlong TLPI program. Our Teen Leadership Philanthropy Initiative @FVJC is open to all teens in 8th-12th grade.


Monday Nights

JTConnect @ JCC

Meeting weekly on Monday evenings from 6:15pm – 7:45pm at the Mandell JCC.  Every week teens come together to build community, socialize with their friends, and learn with inspiring Jewish educators from our community. Students select classes from (6) exciting offerings at the start of each semester, and have the opportunity to dig deep into the important issues impacting our global Jewish community. Monday night classes are packed with fun and really good snacks – and are open to all teens in 8th-12th grade. A Kosher dinner is provided each Monday.


Teen Leadership and Philanthropy Initiative (TLPI)

Teen Leadership and Philanthropy Initiative (TLPI-Next) is offered at (2) synagogue sites (Congregation Beth Israel and Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation). TLPI-Next teaches teens that they can make a big impact on the world by developing their skills as young Changemakers.  Students learn about Jewish philanthropy and leadership throughout the year, and develop their own mission statements that guide their work. They train as young members of a “board” who embark on a sophistocated fundraising campaign together, and gain high level experience reviewing grant proposals, vetting nonprofit organizations, and making impactful grants together. This yearlong TLPI program is open to all students and is a fantastic leadership skills building experience.

@CBI our TLPI cohort meets 1x per month on Sunday afternoons from 12:00pm – 2:00pm.

@FVJC our TLPI cohort meets 2x per month on Sundays from 11:30am-1:00pm.