A fun next step after b’mitzvah
Jewish Teen Culture Club is the new Jewish teen group at Congregation B’nai Torah in Westminster. We will meet twice-monthly on Sundays at the same time as religious school. This group is for teens who are looking for something deeper, more creative, and fun after b’mitzvah.
This is not “more Hebrew school.” Teens will explore Jewish music, art, ideas, culture, weird Talmud, and real-life questions. They’ll engage in thoughtful conversations with Rabbi Greg, guest teachers, artists, and one another.
And, the Jewish Teen Culture Club will have exclusive snacks, like pizza, donuts or bagels not available to the younger kids.
Fall schedule and tentative topics
October 4
When does Jewish law require someone to have an abortion?
Explore one of the most surprising and important differences between Jewish and other religious approaches to reproductive health.
October 18
What makes music Jewish?
What makes something “Jewish music”? A Jewish composer? A Jewish theme? Used in Jewish liturgy? Listen and explore how music shapes Jewish identity, culture, and spirituality.
November 1
Field trip to Feldman Mortuary in Denver
Tour the mortuary with Jamie Sarchie, who will explain Jewish death customs. Students will see the room where bodies are washed, and where the deceased lay prior to the funeral. The amount of respect shown to the deceased is amazing, and a great comfort to families. In addition, our Jewish teen group will have a chance to read Psalms, a tradition that’s having a rebirth in the 21st century.
November 15
Sculpture and hands-on art
Create something with your own hands while exploring Jewish themes through art with Marla Bender.
December 6
TBD
December 20
No meeting — Winter Break
Additional classes and topics for the spring semester will be shaped by the interests and ideas of participating teens. Possible topics include: Star Wars and Judaism, Demons and Magic, 1492, George Washington and the Jews, Israel in context, Jewish athletes, actors and cultural figures; Sex in the Talmud
The Details
Schedule: First and third Sundays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
First gathering: Sunday, October 4
Optional service hours: Help the younger students from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Service projects: Two hands-on service projects during the year
Student voice: Teens help shape the second half of the year
Cost: Free for member families and friends; $499 for non-members
Who is this for?
Jewish Teen Culture Club is ideal for teens after b’mitzvah who want a Jewish space that is thoughtful, creative, welcoming, and fun. Friends are welcome, whether or not they are Jewish. Member teens may bring a friend at no cost.
Join us and bring a friend
Come for the exclusive snacks. Stay for the ideas, creativity, friendships, and the chance to make a difference. And please bring a friend. Friends do not need to be Jewish, just curious and open.
