Teens

In Hebrew, madrichim means “guide,” which some Jewish summer camps call their counselors. In our Religious School, teens in grades eight through 12 volunteer as madrichim, helping teachers in the classroom. This opportunity allows them to continue to engage with the Jewish community after their b’nai mitzvah, while also developing important skills. To ensure growth, teachers and other staff give our madrichim feedback and guidance. Many of our younger students look up to their madrichim, who model continued Jewish involvement and positive Jewish identity.

We encourage our teens to volunteer both within the Stephen Wise community and beyond through programs like our on-site Next Step Men’s Shelter and Emergency Food Program, at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religious soup kitchen, and on other service projects around the city and on trips to other states. Our Religious School creates opportunities for teens to participate in text study and to celebrate Jewish holidays with fun and educational programs that engage with Judaism and build Jewish identity.

For more information on our teen program, parents and teens are welcome to reach out to Rabbi Rena Rifkin at rrifkin@swfs.org or (212) 877-4050 ext. 236.