May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma, raising awareness, and promoting access to mental health resources.
For Jewish communities, this month offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on how we support the emotional well-being of our youth—and to celebrate those leading the way.
The Urgency of Now: What the Research Tells Us
In late 2023, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), through its BeWell initiative, partnered with Stanford University to conduct a groundbreaking national study: Strength, Stress, and Support: A National Study of American Jewish Teen Well-Being. This first-of-its-kind research surveyed nearly 2,500 Jewish teens across 49 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., to better understand the emotional landscape of Jewish adolescence.
Key Findings:
- Jewish identity is a source of strength: Teens who said being Jewish is important to them reported higher levels of overall well-being.
- But it also brings unique stressors: These same teens were more likely to experience stress related to antisemitism and global tensions.
- Peer relationships matter: Teens cited friendships formed in Jewish programs as vital to their sense of authenticity and emotional safety.
- Adults need to catch up: Many teens felt that adults in Jewish spaces lacked a deep understanding of their lived experiences.
This study underscores the dual reality Jewish teens face: navigating the universal challenges of adolescence while also grappling with the complexities of Jewish identity in a turbulent world.
Honoring the 2025 Youth Mental Health Grant Recipients
In response to these findings—and in the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month—we proudly celebrate our newest grant recipients whose work is transforming the mental health landscape for Jewish youth. In late March, Greater MetroWest ABLE, a program of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, established a grant opportunity to support the emotional well-being and resiliency of teens/young adults (12-26 years). Funding from this Be Well Grant is intended to support programming directed at teens, young adults, their caregivers and/or professionals engaging with this unique community.
We congratulate Golda Och Academy and Bruriah at Jewish Educational Center for being recognized as this year’s recipients. These proposals include programming addressing the needs of:
- Bullying and the Bystander Effect, educating students on the dynamics of bullying and empowering bystanders to take proactive, effective actions.
- Executive Functioning and Organization, working with students in middle school and early high school, alongside their parents and teachers, learning practical tools for organization and time management.
- Building Resilience and Frustration Tolerance, introducing students to the skills to manage adversity and bounce back from challenges, equipping them with tools to build resilience and handle frustrations constructively.
- Jewish Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction to present a program for high school students, their parents, teachers and staff. Presenters will speak about making healthy choices and provide parents and teachers the critical information and tools that will enable them to recognize teen substance misuse issues and how to support teens in these situations.
- Balancing Technology with Our Lives, seeking strategies to manage technology use and maintain healthy boundaries in a digital age.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction Strategies, addressing and understanding stress and anxiety, as well as fostering a culture of emotional resilience and proactive mental health care.
A Community-Wide Commitment
These programs are made possible by generous donors and community leaders who understand that education is key to our success in supporting healthy and resilient teens and young adults. The BeWell initiative has invested in the mental health of Jewish teens and young adults, equipping communities with tools, training, and resources to meet this moment.
With Gratitude to Our Grant Funders
This vital work would not be possible without the generous support of our partners and funders. We extend our deepest thanks to Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) and The Eric Eliezer Levenson Foundation for Hope.
Your commitment to the mental health and well-being of Jewish youth is helping to build a stronger, more compassionate future for us all.
How You Can Help
- Support local initiatives: Amplify youth mental health programs in your area.
- Start conversations: Normalize mental health discussions in your synagogue, school, or family.
- Advocate for change: Encourage Jewish institutions to prioritize mental health education and services.
- Learn about youth mental health resources: Visit our local Youth Mental Health Resource pages at www.jfedgmw.org/mentalhealth
This May, let’s honor Mental Health Awareness Month by committing to a future where every Jewish teen/young adult feels seen, supported, and strong.