Jewish Teens Thrive
Community Brit to Support Teen Resilience
We believe that our Jewish community cares deeply about teens and wants to help them on their journey to adulthood. We, Jewish organizations and institutions, have an immense power to help shape the adults our teens will become. Concerns about youth mental health and well-being are growing. Escalating levels of stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness are a daily struggle for many teens. We want teens to feel connected to their peers, to trusted adults, and to their community. We believe our Jewish community needs to make a cultural shift around mental health and wellness, creating a new path toward resilience. We have the ability to improve teen outcomes by bringing the community together and giving teens and their families tools for healthy development.
We commit to:
- Learning about new practices and programs that build teen resiliency.
- Evaluating organizational culture and engagement for opportunities to model and reinforce wellbeing.
- Taking active steps toward fostering teen resiliency through professional development, parent support, and direct work with teens.
- Sharing what we are doing with the greater San Diego Jewish community to support communal change.
- Supporting a community-wide Youth Wellness Summit for parents and educators this spring in April/May.
We are committed to being part of a community where Jewish teens thrive.
Wellness Coalition
Beth Jacob Congregation – San Diego
Camp Mountain Chai
Congregation Beth Am
Congregation Beth El
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Dor Hadash
Community Jewish High San Diego
Friendship Circle San Diego
Hillel of San Diego
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Ken Jewish Community
Ner Tamid Synagogue
Ohr Shalom Synagogue
San Diego Jewish Academy
SCY High
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School
Temple Solel
Temple Emanu-El
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
Torah High School of San Diego
Parent Podcast Club
Modeled after a book club, 10-12 parents meet regularly for a facilitated conversation connected to teen wellness and Jewish tradition, based on a selected podcast that everyone has listened to. For more information about how to start your own Parent Podcast Club, contact Wendy McCreary (wendym@jewishinsandiego.org).
Recommended by the Parent Podcast Club
Parenting In Turbulent Times
We know that navigating these times can be challenging for parents. Below is a video focused on youth mental wellbeing during times of crisis, drawing insights from Jewish agency professionals that will offer a unique perspective on cultivating resilience. The discussion centers on effective social-emotional strategies for enhancing resilience during turbulent times.
Contact Wendy McCreary (wendym@jewishinsandiego.org) if you would like to host this program at your Jewish organization.
Thank you to the following community professionals for your expertise and insight:
Julie Datnow, MFT
Liron Goldring, ACSW - Lead Resource Navigator, Center for Jewish Care at Jewish Family Services
Gabriel Nissan - Executive Director of the Ken Jewish Community
Rose Orlovich - Director of Education at Congregation Beth Israel
Rachel Shyloski, MSW - Camp Director, Camp Mountain Chai
Rabbi Adam Simon - Director of Advancement, Southern California Yeshiva High School and Youth Rabbi, Beth Jacob Congregation
Kavanah Cards Suggestions for Use
During our first Jewish Youth and Teen Wellness Summit, a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of San Diego and the Jewish Federations of North America's BeWell program, participants received a set of Kavanah Cards. These cards offer a unique journey of self-discovery and tranquility. Each card invites users to pause, reflect, and connect deeply with yourself and others. Through gentle guidance and thoughtful reflection, these cards become catalysts for reducing stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, inspiring users to explore new avenues of growth and self-awareness. Click below for suggestions on how to make the best use of these cards.
Federation's Approach to Teen Mental Health and Wellbeing
