Brit Shalom Teens - Cropped (9-2021).jpg — Brit Shalom Teens

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Brit Shalom Teens, a group which has named itself the "Jew Crew,” is run by Marjorie Miller, Director of Religious Education and Youth Engagement. This group brings together Jewish teens for activities in the synagogue and around the community, as well as to plan and enjoy fun social activities together while in a safe, learning environment.

Some of the Teens past events include a hike around Colyer Lake, helping with the synagogue's annual Food Drive during Kol Nidre, a brainstorming session and ice-breaker games at Holmes-Foster Park. The teens have come up with a variety of Mitzvah projects and programming ideas that will be implemented throughout the school year, such as donations to local charities, Jewish cooking, leading services at the synagogue for younger children.

In addition to these activities, Rabbi Ostrich leads a monthly discussion with the Teens about recent Torah portions and how they may impact our modern lives. It’s amazing how often these ancient stories and rules parallel or inform the challenges our modern teenagers face. It is also fun to see the tangents our creative minds can fashion.

Any teens in grades 8 through 12 are welcome to join the group any time, and come to any event! For more information or to get on the listserv, please email Marjorie at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com.

Teen News

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Hillel Students Talk to Brit Shalom Teens

Teens in grades 8-12 were invited to hear from and talk to two Penn State Hillel students about the Hillel experience at noon on April 17 at Congregation Brit Shalom. Parents were invited to attend as well.

Out of the Cold Mitzvah Project

Congregation Brit Shalom Teens, or “The Jew Crew,” visited Out of the Cold: Centre County (OOTC) for a Mitzvah project on December 5. The teens brought donations, got a tour of the shelter and learned about homelessness in Centre County. At the event the group decided they want to keep giving back to OOTC by bringing a meal every month. The teen group will begin this project in January 2022. Teens and adult volunteers/chaperones interested in helping out with monthly meals may contact Marjorie Miller, Director of Religious Education and Youth Programming, at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com.

Teen Sukkah Dinner

A Teen Sukkot Dinner, hosted by Marjorie Miller, Director of Religious Education and Youth Engagement, was held on Friday, Sept. 24 inside the synagogue's Sukkah. A dinner of stuffed cabbage, Kugel, fruit salad, Challah, pizza and dessert was provided. During the dinner, Marjorie led a discussion on Sukkot, and the teens each had a turn waving the Lulav and holding the Etrog, and saying the blessings for each. Dinner was provided by Becca Thorsen, Eleanor Schiff, Marjorie Miller and Salua Kamerow.

State College Teen’s ‘Bake with Love’ Project Supports Local Anti-Hunger Efforts

State College teenager Madeline Krentzman (a member of our congregation) launched a project last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting food insecurity that she saw in her community. Now, nearly 10 months after the State High junior first began Bake with Love, Krentzman’s hard work is paying off with the launch of the initiative’s first fundraiser, the “Bake with Love” cookbook.

The books are for sale on Madelines website. They are also available for purchase in The Makery, Ten Thousand Villages, The Cheese Shoppe and The Nittany Quill.