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.
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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.