STeens

STeen Community

Formerly known as the Gesher Social Program, STeen is Shaarei Tikvah’s teen-driven initiative designed to build meaningful connections — to one another, to Jewish heritage, to the Land of Israel, to our local community, and beyond. This socially driven program empowers teens to take the lead: brainstorming, planning, and implementing events and experiences that reflect what matters to them. STeen is for 8-12th grades, and from the 9th grade, the students have the opportunity to join the board. 

STeen allows participants to take ownership of their experience. Teens can choose to serve on a committee that aligns with their interests — such as Tikkun Olam (service), Tzedakah (giving), Ruach (social programming), Israel, or Communications, or apply for a position on the STeen Cabinet, where they’ll have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and guide the program for their peers. Students applying for the Cabinet, meet with the Assistant Director of Learning and Family Engagement to help place them in a leadership role that aligns with their goals and empowers their voices.

STeen welcomes new ideas and loves working with teens who are excited to make a difference. In the words of one of our board members: “Gesher (STeen) is so much more — it provides a meaningful opportunity to engage with the Jewish community, contribute through acts of kindness, participate in and organize impactful events, and foster connections among high schoolers across grade levels.” 

Matzpen 

As our oldest students prepare for the next stage of their journey, Matzpen or “compass,” is a program designed to guide 10th–12th graders through an ever-changing world using the wisdom of Jewish tradition. With the support of our clergy and education staff, students will engage with Torah, explore middot (Jewish values), and apply their learning to real-life situations. Matzpen empowers our upperclassmen with the tools to make thoughtful Jewish choices, helping them navigate their own path and stay true to their “true north.”

Sha'ar Madrichim

Our religious school teacher-aides. Madrichim will work alongside our Sha'ar teachers to ensure the success and learning of all our students. Madrichim have a choice of which days and age groups they would like to work with (Monday-Thursday, 4:00-6:15 PM). Madrichim will participate in leadership training throughout the year.
Apply Here.

For more information on any of our STeen offerings, please contact Assistant Director of Learning and Family Engagement, Becca Zdanoff at Becca@shaareitikvah.org