teen life

Teen Life at CBI is an inclusive, empowering way for teens to connect to Judaism. There are many ways to get involved!

C.H.A.L.L.A.H.: CHALLAH is an ongoing series of weekly classes hosted by CBI and open to anyone in grades 8–12. The program is designed to: Deepen knowledge through focused skill-building, prepare teens to enter the world as well-rounded young adults, help develop lifelong learners, and foster Jewish joy.

Shefa: שפע, or Shefa, is Hebrew for abundance, and it is a paid internship for teens on Abundance Farm at CBI. We offer several programs for teens who are entering grades 8-12. These programs are centered on Jewish justice values, meaningful work outside, and community building. To learn more visit www.abundancefarm.org/shefa.

ALMA: ALMA is the CBI religious school program, and it is open for students pre-K through 7th grade. See here for more information:  www.cbinorthampton.org/alma

Become a madrich/madricha! Graduates of ALMA are encouraged to become a madrich or madrichah (“guide” or “instructor”). This is a paid, part-time role as an assistant in the younger ALMA classes on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, or at some teen life activities. For more information, contact our office.

B’nai Mitzvah: Teens (or anyone!) may pursue a B’nai Mitzvah (coming of age ceremony) at CBI regardless of whether they are enrolled in ALMA. For for more information, contact Amy Stein or visit https://www.cbinorthampton.org/bnaimitzvah

Havurah: The Havurah Initiative supports teens and adults in developing small groups of homegrown, peer-led, Jewish gatherings. Each havurah (small group) is led by an individual “connector” and is organized around a theme. Havurot receive funding from the Grinspoon Foundation, including a stipend for the connector. Any teen can start a new Havurah! To learn more, visit https://www.cbinorthampton.org/havurah

CBI Community Life: In addition to teen programming, teens are of course invited into all other aspects of CBI life, including services, Abundance Farm, and our many ongoing classes, discussions, and other events. See the CBI calendar for the full schedule, or sign up for the weekly newsletter.

Please note: For all of the above, we hope that cost is never a barrier. Any families seeking financial support are encouraged to contact our office with the subject heading “teen program support.” All emails will remain confidential.