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.
JTConnect’s Monday Night Classes @ Beth El Temple in West Hartford: Our Monday night classes are so much fun to attend, and bring our largest group of teens together each week. JTConnect Monday Nights offer (6) exciting class options for our students, taught by talented and experience Jewish educators from our community. At 6:15pm students arrive at Beth El Temple and walk into a beautiful space setup for learning and socializing with friends. Students enjoy a Kosher dinner from The Crown Market, spend time catching and eating together. We begin our Jewish Learning & Leadership programing at 6:30pm promptly. Each Monday Night session begins with a brief community building activity, and then we roll into (2) periods of classes, each 35 minutes long. Students select their classes (1 per period, a total of 2 classes per student each Monday night) at the beginning of the semester (which coincides with the school year). JTConnect’s Monday Night Classes are mellow and relaxing, with music playing and wonderful staff who connect with students and prepare for the evening ahead. We always have awesome snacks, a great vibe, and we create a thought-provoking and social Jewish learning experience throughout each session.
Sunday Afternoon Classes @ Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford: JTConnect offers Jewish Learning & Leadership classes at Congregation Beth Israel on Sundays, and we have a dynamic schedule. We offer classes for 8th & 9th grade students from 11:30am-1:30pm taught by local educators. Classes rotate during the school year and give teens a chance to explore their Jewish identities and values together. 10th grade students at CBI participate in Confirmation Class with clergy at CBI, and join JTConnect for special events and programs throughout the year. In addition to Jewish Learning & Leadership classes on Sunday at CBI, JTConnect offers our yearlong Teen Philanthropy program (TLPI) for students of all ages, which meets 1X per month from 12-2pm. A Kosher lunch catered by The Crown Market is provided each Sunday from 11:30am-noon, and all students are welcome.
Sunday Afternoon Classes @ Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation – Emek Shalom in Simsbury: JTConnect @ FVJC is the 2nd site where we offer our yearlong Teen Philanthropy program (TLPI). This program is for students 8th-12th grade, and meets 1x per month from 12-2pm. All students who are enrolled in TLPI program learn and practice consensus decision-making, Jewish giving principles, developing a group mission statement, researching and vetting nonprofit organizations, sophisticated nonprofit fundraising principles, strategic grantmaking, and participate in multigenerational community celebrations that highlight their work. TLPI is a high level learning experience that students can and should participate in year after year. Students returning to TLPI@FVJC act as mentors for new cohort members, and take on special leadership roles throughout the program year as members of our Leadership Councils. This model for Jewish youth philanthropy is steeped in Jewish values, leadership development, and relationship building. Our TLPI program gives the FVJC teen community the opportunity to do something truly remarkable, and teens will build skills that will set them apart from their peers in the college application process and prepare them to be leaders post-high school.
Sunday Morning Classes @ The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford: JTConnect offers Jewish Learning & Leadership classes on Sunday mornings at The Emanuel Synagogue from 10:30am-noon, and we have a dynamic schedule that provides students with hands on learning and opportunities for self exploration. We offer classes for students 8th-12th grade taught by outstanding local Jewish educators. Classes rotate by semester and give teens a chance to explore their Jewish identities and values together. NEW THIS YEAR – TLPI@Emanuel: In addition to Jewish Learning & Leadership classes on Sunday morning @ Emanuel, JTConnect will offer our yearlong Teen Philanthropy program (TLPI) for students 8th-12th grade, which meets 1X per month from 10:30am-noon. We are excited to bring this high level learning experience to the community at The Emanuel Synagogue, and we look forward to sharing our student’s accomplishments and milestones as the year progresses.