Youth Department

Committee Chair: Lily Mintz, Batya Srolovitz, Amy Latkin

Youth Department Director: Izzy Selter          Email: izzy@jewishcenter.org

Teen Coordinator: Akiva Cooper                     Email: 

The Jewish Center Youth Department stands out as one of the Upper West Side's premier youth programs, making it a magnet for young families in our community. Our beautifully renovated Youth Center and Beit Midrash host professionally managed Shabbat programs, alongside a diverse array of exciting and educational year-round events. This allows parents of preschool through 12th-grade children to fully engage in synagogue and holiday services, while their children benefit from introductory tefillah education, Parsha study, and enjoyable peer interactions. The Jewish Center truly caters to the entire family, from toddlers to teens.

Recent events have included our annual Pre-Hakafot for Preschoolers, Pizza in the Hut, a teen trip to the Sefarim Sale, a special Family Friday Night Dinner, youth-led Hamentaschen baking and Mishloach Manot packing, and matzah baking. Join us and be part of a vibrant community where every family member finds their place.

Weekly Shabbat Groups
10:00am-12:00pm

Each Shabbat morning, our Youth Department is dedicated to enriching the Shabbat experience for our children. Our morning groups are back, offering children the opportunity to participate in Tefillah services led by our enthusiastic and skilled group leaders. Join us and let your children experience the joy and community of Shabbat in a welcoming and engaging environment.

Early childhood program
Children under age 3: Lower level

Our early childhood program offers a warm and welcoming environment where toddlers, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, can develop a love for Shabbat. Guided by dedicated leaders, your child will engage in play, participate in Tefillah, sing joyous songs, and enjoy delicious challah and grape juice. Join us to make your child's first Shabbat experiences truly special.

3-5-year-olds: Lower level

Our program for nursery and kindergarten-aged children offers a dynamic and engaging environment where your child can enjoy free play, participate in Tefillah, and learn about the Parshah. Through fun games and activities, children will develop a passion for Shabbat that they will carry with them each week. Join us to nurture your child's connection to Shabbat in a joyful and educational setting.

Junior Minyan
2nd - 3rd grade: 7th floor

Our group for boys and girls in 2nd-3rd grade is designed to enrich your child's Shabbat morning experience. Children will participate in an extended Tefillah, providing a thorough introduction to the Shabbat morning service. Each week, they will explore the Parshah or upcoming holidays, fostering a deeper understanding and love of Jewish life. When the weather is nice, children will have the opportunity to play with friends on our JC rooftop, making Shabbat mornings both educational and fun.

Tween Minyan
4th - 6th grade: 7th floor

Our program for kids in 4th-6th grade creates a welcoming environment for tweens from various schools. Through group games and sports, children build camaraderie and make new friends. Often meeting in the 5th floor gym, this group enjoys activities like basketball and other engaging games, ensuring your child has an active and enjoyable Shabbat experience.

Teen Minyan
7th – 12th grade: Beit Midrash

Our Teen Minyan, designed for youth from bar/bat mitzvah age through high school, meets monthly to provide an enriching and engaging experience. Each aspect of the minyan is led by the teens, including davening, layning, and delivering a dvar Torah, followed by a kiddush. This program allows your teen to take an active role in the service and socialize with peers from other schools. Additional teen programming includes onegs, Shabbat dinners and lunches, and trips, fostering a strong sense of community and lasting friendships.

For more information about our youth programs and to join our list serve, please contact our Youth Director, Izzy Selter, at izzy@jewishcenter.org.