It’s rare to see teens in a room completely off their screens. It’s even rarer to see more than 100 teens completely focused on a shared mission. In a world dominated by the digital landscape, those of us who remember life before the incessant pinging of notifications know the profound impact of personal connections.
On September 15, six of Federation’s signature and pilot teen programing came together to break bread, form connections, and create community. With over 100 teens gathering in one space, the energy was palpable. The campus buzzed with excitement.
Finding a Sense of Self in a Big Community
As I walked from room to room, it was clear that something truly powerful was happening. We started with icebreakers. Just getting to know each other. This soon evolved into a place of sharing and vulnerability. One teen opened-up about the loneliness of living in an area without Jewish peers. Being in a room with so many Jewish teens really helped him realize there is a strong Jewish community he wanted to be a part of.
Another shared their feelings of fear surrounding their Jewish identity. In the last year, they kept quiet about being Jewish at school. But now? They felt inspired by other teens publicly combatting antisemitism.
Federation is building a place where our Jewish teens not only gain the knowledge, skills, and values to be a leader in our community, but they’re also getting a support network of peers that bolster their resolve, pride, and passion to being Jewish.
Here are my five takeaways from opening day:
- Building Community: We are one! If that has not been made clear by the outside world, I am reclaiming it for our own people. Am Echad, Lev Echad (one people, one heart). Our teens walked away knowing they are part of a community that cares for each other and is there for each other.
- Shared Moments, Lasting Connections: The simple act of sharing a meal turns strangers into friends. This gave them the opportunity to stay connected with teens from other programs before focusing on their individual cohorts. Although food is important (we are Jewish after all), it wasn’t about the tasty treats. It was about creating shared memories and opening doors to new friendships.
- The Power of Face-to-Face Interaction: I may be dating myself but there’s something irreplaceable about face-to-face interaction. Seeing each other’s expressions, hearing each other’s voices, and having an in-real time conversation adds a layer of depth to the connections being formed.
- Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Throughout the event, there was a noticeable shift as participants began to realize they were part of something bigger. When asked if they’d be back next time, they all wanted the other groups to join too.
- Lasting Impact: This was more than a one-time event. These relationships will be strengthened in the year ahead. Our teens will be coming back together for social action projects, outings, and ceremonies. This will give them the chance to stay connected.
In a time where we still feel the effects of othering, antagonism, and hate our Federation teens have discovered the value of personal connection and community. This gathering wasn’t just a kickoff but a powerful reminder of the bonds we share and the strength we gain from being part of something bigger. As these teens continue their year of growth as leaders, philanthropists, ambassadors, and advocates, the friendships they made will continue to support their individual paths. And, even more importantly, fuel the change they bring to our larger Jewish community.