Jewish Story Lab (JSL)
The Jewish Story Lab is a journey of discovery, learning, and celebration for students in grades 6-8. JSL offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into their Jewish identity through storytelling, service learning, and community engagement.
Discover Your Jewish Story with the Jewish Story Lab!
Empowering Future Jewish Leaders
The Jewish Story Lab (JSL) is a transformative journey designed for students in grades 6-8. JSL offers a unique opportunity for young Jews to explore their identity, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. Through engaging storytelling, hands-on learning, and community involvement, students will emerge with a stronger sense of self and a heartfelt connection to their Jewish roots.
What JSL Offers:
- Engage with Jewish Stories: Delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish history, learning about influential Jewish figures and narratives that have shaped our heritage.
- Enact Judaism: Participate in meaningful service-learning projects that bring Jewish values to life. Engage in activities that make a positive impact on the community.
- Articulate Your Jewish Story: Students will design and present their own Jewish story, showcasing their journey and what they’ve learned.
JSL Families:
- Family Socialization: Build connections with other families through shared experiences and social events, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Celebrate Together: Enjoy the joy of Shabbat and other Jewish holidays as a group, deepening your connection to Jewish traditions.
- Engage Together: Parents will join their children in meaningful service-learning projects, creating shared experiences that reinforce Jewish values.
Program Details:
- Duration: November to May, culminating in a special event in June.
- Time: Classes are held a few times each month, primarily on Tuesdays from 5-7 PM. Occasionally, the Tuesday session will be replaced with a special family dinner or a service-learning activity.
- Cost: $1100 per child (JCC members), $1200 per child (non members), inclusive of all activities and dinners. Contact Leah at teens@jccgb.org to learn more about financial support and scholarship.
Why JSL?
The Jewish Story Lab offers a unique opportunity for young Jews to explore their identity, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. Through engaging storytelling, hands-on learning, and community involvement, students will emerge with a stronger sense of self and a heartfelt connection to their Jewish roots.
Session Dates
Family Programs (for students, parents/guardians, and siblings)
Opening Session, Dinner and Havdalah | Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 5:30–7:00pm |
Community-wide MLK Service Day (optional) | Monday, January 20, 2025 | Time TBD |
Tu Bishvat Seder and Service Learning | Sunday, February 9, 2025 | 4:00–6:00pm |
Shabbat Dinner (home-hosted) | Friday, March 14, 2025 |
Shabbat Dinner (home-hosted) | Friday, April 4, 2025 |
Siyyum (Concluding Program) | Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 10:30am–12:00pm |
Regular Sessions (for students)
All regular sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00pm.
Session 1 | November 19, 2024 |
Session 2 | December 3, 2024 |
Session 3 | December 17, 2024 |
Session 4 | January 7, 2025 |
Session 5 | January 21, 2025 |
Session 6 | February 11, 2025 |
Session 7 | February 25, 2025 |
Session 8 | March 11, 2025 |
Session 9 | March 25, 2025 |
Session 10 | April 15, 2025 |
Session 11 | April 29, 2025 |
Session 12 | May 6, 2025 |
Session 13 | May 20, 2025 |
Session 14 | May 27, 2025 |
Join Us!
Together, let’s help the next generation of Jewish leaders find and tell their Jewish stories Contact Leah Finkelman Kagan at teens@jccgb.org or 617.558.6512 for more information.