Central Synagogue teens remain committed and engaged in Jewish life through weekly programming, community service opportunities, study trips and more.

CenSyn Teens strive to maintain and strengthen a community that explores the world through a Jewish lens, with an emphasis on nurturing social and intellectual bonds. Explore some of the ongoing offerings for teens below.

Repairing the World: Volunteering

Our young people engage in the work of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, through volunteer service opportunities, and social justice and community work. You can learn more about opportunities for Youth & Family here.

Teen Choir

CenSyn Teens who are passionate about music and love to sing are encouraged to participate in our teen choir. To learn more, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

College Packages

One of our priorities at Central Synagogue is maintaining contact with our college-age members while they are away from home. Prior to Jewish holidays, we will be sending care packages with treats. In order to reach out to the largest number of people, we need your help in collecting the most up-to-date contact information for the coming school year. Each August, we send out a form to sign up for these packages for yourself or a family member who is in college. For more information, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

Trips

Each year Central Synagogue Teens in grades 8–12 embark on trips throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and beyond. Our life-changing trips allow students to engage with both past and present communities and establish connections to Judaism and their peers as we explore and learn about cultures and places. Please note that registration for trips/events is only open to students enrolled in the trip’s corresponding program or seminar (e.g., “(e.g., the Civil Rights and rotating study trips are only open to students enrolled in the 8th- and 9th-grade Jewish American History seminar). 

Grades 8 & 9: Civil Rights and Rotating Study Trips

Alternating each year between our Civil Rights trip to Alabama and Georgia and a rotating study trip to another United States location, our teens hear first-hand accounts from civil rights activists and participants, visit museums and historical sites, and explore American Jewish involvement in the events and movements that have shaped our country. Through visiting these locations and discussing the evolution of Judaism throughout the country, we look at the ways in which current events connect our past to the present day.

Grade 10: Confirmation International Study

As part of Central’s Confirmation program, our 10th grade students explore the secular and Jewish histories of remarkable places beyond our home, as we broaden our understanding of living Judaism outside the United States. Each trip provides opportunities for students to visit a remarkable city, meet with Jewish communities, and deepen our connection to Judaism and the Jewish community. 

Grades 11 & 12: Canada

Our oldest students head north to explore Canada through a Jewish lens. There, we learn about the Jewish history and evolution of different Canadian cities, meet other Jewish teens, and celebrate Shabbat together.

Grades 9–12: The Religious Action Center (RAC) in Washington, DC

The RAC’s unique weekend seminar dedicated to civic action is an opportunity for CenSyn Teens to meet their fellow Jewish high schoolers from across the country and learn about the U.S. legislative process. Sessions include discussions on current issues and legislation, the role of the Reform movement in politics, and lobbying with our local representatives. 

Teen Trips to Israel

As the world continues to open back up to travel, we are looking forward to bringing back our Teen Trips to Israel. We will uncover the vibrancy and complexity of our Jewish Homeland alongside Central clergy, staff, and other CenSyn Teens. We hope to get this trip underway shortly. Stay tuned for more information!

This trip is open to all CenSyn Teens.