BJE Teens had a busy summer!

This summer, BJE engaged LA-area teens in Jewish learning and service work with several opportunities.

In July, BJE’s March of the Living staff and Holocaust Survivor Gabriella Karin spent an afternoon with Counselors-in-Training at Camp Alonim. Gabriella shared her story, which she has shared for many years on BJE’s March of the Living trips. This past May, Gabriella travelled to Poland with 130 teens from high schools across L.A., as part of BJE’s 2024 delegation to the international March of the Living. Gabriella continues to share her experiences and lessons learned as often as she can. At Camp Alonim, 63 teens had the opportunity to hear from Gabriella and BJE staff at this program.

In August, area teens joined BJE staff for an evening of service learning at Tomchei Shabbos L.A., packing meals for families in need. After completing the assembly, they gathered to discuss the Jewish values surrounding tzedakah and care of members of our community.

“Summer is a wonderful time for BJE to work with teens,” said Lily Khalili. “Without the various school-year activities and pressures, we are able to engage with both existing teen families and new teens who have more time and bandwidth to engage in service learning opportunities.”