Youth, Family & Community

Explore issues surrounding Jewish family life, including topics like parenting, marriage, and interfaith families.

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Heller High students celebrate havdallah in Israel

Find a Program

Find the right program for you: search through camps, Israel and social justice travel programs, youth group, and leadership opportunities for kids from elementary school through college.

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campers enjoying color war at Camp Eisner

Discover the Magic of Jewish Summer Camp

Jewish summer camps fuse the activities, friendships, and communal life of traditional camps with the Jewish values, role models and culture our shared heritage. This uniquely immersive experience provides a confidence-building opportunity in which campers experience joy and discovery in a communal Jewish setting.

What's New

Welcoming Baby

A brand-new baby is an astonishing being! How a tiny human could emerge from a mere bundle of cells, and the simple fact that any human being exists earthside, is truly remarkable.

How The Collab Inspired Me

I've been involved with NFTY for a few years now, and the experiences and relationships I've gained have shaped who I am today. This year, I had the privilege of attending the NFTY Collab, a gathering that brings teens together from across North America to engage with each other, learn, and explore the future of Jewish life.
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people reading books

Intro to Judaism

Learn the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice in 16-20 weeks. This course is perfect for interfaith couples, those from different faith backgrounds considering conversion, and Jews looking for an adult-level introduction.

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Free Downloadable Family Blessing

Get a free, downloadable family blessing that you can print and frame for your home. Choose between two meaningful designs: a tree or a watercolor stripe.

Family Activities

Make Your Own Havdalah Kit

The beautiful ritual of Havdalah is the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat. Learn more about Havdalah rituals then create your own ritual items to observe Havdalah on your own, the perfect activity to enjoy with your family.
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Boker Big Bang

3 Fun At-Home Science Experiments

At URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, every summer morning starts with a “Boker Big Bang” – a brief prayer followed by a (contained) explosion. Here are a few of the camp’s favorite experiments.

Parenting

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Photo of four hands with the word VOTE, one letter on each hand

Talking with Kids about Voting and Democracy

Talking with your kids about democracy and the election process communicates your values and helps children make sense of what they may hear on TV, at school, from friends, and around the dinner table.

Parenting with Purpose

In partnership with parenting and education experts, we've developed a free guide with tactics and resources to help you advance your child's self-advocacy, independence, and resilience.
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Hebrew letters

Find a Jewish Name for Your Child

Learn the meanings and history of Jewish names to find the right one for your child.

Divorce

When Jews Divorce: What Do We Tell Our Children?

In consultation with a child development expert and depending on children’s developmental and emotional needs, spouses should agree on how and when they will explain their divorce to their children and how they will relate to their children following the announcement.

The Jewish Way of Divorce

Judaism has always viewed marriage and the rearing of children as essential for personal gratification, the fulfillment of one's communal obligations, and as a religious obligation. Still, Jewish tradition entertained no illusions about the possibility of strife within marriage. Therefore, divorce, while not encouraged, is not deemed sinful or forbidden, but rather a sad, occasionally necessary solution to an unhappy marital relationship.

Find a Congregation

Find a welcoming Reform congregation near you.