Youth, Family & Community
Explore issues surrounding Jewish family life, including topics like parenting, marriage, and interfaith families.
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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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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
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Embracing Jewish Identity, Learning to Lead: The Lifelong Benefits of Working at Summer Camp
The recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses has sparked concerns among students, parents, and communities. As the challenges faced by Jewish students navigating higher education persist, there is a growing need for safe spaces that celebrate Jewish identity and foster a sense of belonging.
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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.
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How The Collab Inspired Me
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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Interfaith Families: Reform Judaism Sees You, Welcomes You, is You!
Reform Judaism has made a commitment to welcoming interfaith couples and their children into congregations, and offering support for their extended families.
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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
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Make Your Own Havdalah Kit
The beautiful ritual of Havdalah is the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat. Create ritual items to observe Havdalah on your own, the perfect activity to enjoy with your family.
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Beeswax Candles for Shabbat and Havdalah
Try this beeswax candle activity with your family.
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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.
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9 Jewish Activities to Try When You’re at Home with Kids
Here are some of our favorite Jewishly inspired crafts, recipes, activities, videos, and other ideas to keep you and your family occupied during days spent indoors.
Parenting
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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.
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Helping Today's Kids Grow Into Tomorrow's Adults
Watch this video to learn how sending your kids to Jewish camp can prepare them to be resilient and independent adults.
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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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Find a Jewish Name for Your Child
Learn the meanings and history of Jewish names to find the right one for your child.
Divorce
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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.
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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. Divorce, while not encouraged, is not deemed sinful or forbidden, but rather a sad, occasionally necessary solution to an unhappy marital relationship.