November 2026 JTeen Newsletter
November 3, 2026
Leah Stinson, Amy Fox, and Rachel Valdman
We hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday season, filled with meaningful moments, good food, and time with the people you love. After such a full season of Jewish holidays, November feels like a chance to settle back into our routines while carrying some of that connection and community with us.
There’s a lot happening this month for our teens and families, with opportunities to connect, learn, give back, and spend time together.
We hope you’ll find something here that feels right for your family, and we look forward to seeing many of you in the weeks ahead!
Leah Stinson, Director of JTeen and JCamping
lstinson@jewishatlanta.org
Amy Fox, Parent Engagement Manager, JTeen
afox@jewishatlanta.org
Rachel Valdman, Coordinator, JCamping and JTeen
rvaldman@jewishatlanta.org
Updates
AI & Today’s Teen: What We Learned Together
On October 6, JTeen brought parents and teens together at Temple Sinai for an engaging conversation about the opportunities and challenges of AI in teens’ everyday lives.
Featuring two teen panelists, an educator, and a mental health professional, the discussion explored how AI can support learning while reinforcing the importance of teens continuing to “build the muscle” of critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.
Parents left with practical ideas for continuing these conversations at home. In our post-program survey, 81% said they better understood how AI is affecting teens, and 75% felt better prepared to support their teens.
As one parent shared:
“I will be more confident in how to talk to my teen in a more positive way about AI now that I have more information.”
Think you know how teens are using AI? The results might surprise you!Â
Explore the full teen survey findings (over 120 Jewish teens participated), key takeaways from our panel, and practical conversation starters for families.
Upcoming Events
Jewish Teen Antisemitism Summit: Stronger Together – Combating Antisemitism, Owning Our Jewish Identity
Date: Sunday, November 8
Time: 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For teens in 9th–10th grade and their parents. Buses will be available from Alpharetta and The Temple, and lunch and snacks will be provided.
This year, Tzedek America is joining in this dynamic, intergenerational summit experience. Teens and adults will walk away with the tools to navigate bias and antisemitism, strengthen identity and belonging, and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue across differences. Tzedek America’s approach is interactive, discussion-based, and rooted in real-life scenarios, with a focus on radical empathy, agency, and practical action.
Get Your Teen to Israel!
Date: Sunday, November 15
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For parents and teens
There are more ways than ever for teens and young adults to experience Israel, but figuring out which opportunity is the right fit can feel overwhelming. Join Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for an afternoon designed to help teens and parents explore immersive Israel experiences and learn about the programs, funding opportunities, and pathways available to them. Connect with representatives from programs and resources including RootOne, gap year opportunities through Masa gap year programs, Birthright Israel, Journeys, Onward Israel, JTeen, and individual program providers. Ask questions, meet program representatives, and hear firsthand from alumni and parents about their experiences in Israel. The program will also feature keynote speaker Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan. Whether your teen is considering a summer experience, gap year, or future Israel program, come learn what’s available and start exploring the possibilities.
Pack for a Purpose: Chanukah Gifts for Holocaust Survivors
Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Location: North Fulton
Cost: Free
For parents and teens in grades 7–12
Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Limited spaces!
Hear a special story from Holocaust survivor Hershel, then help us pack 60 Chanukah gift bags filled with items donated by our community and create heartfelt cards for local Holocaust survivors. This is a meaningful opportunity to teach your teen about giving, gratitude, and caring for others, while bringing joy to Holocaust survivors in our community.
Israel Heritage Night at the Atlanta Hawks
Date: Wednesday, January 20
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Intown Atlanta
Celebrate Israel Heritage Night when Deni Avdija plays in Atlanta! Â The first 500 tickets purchased through the special link include Hebrew Atlanta Hawks hats. AJA and Epstein will play a pre-game, Davis will perform the national anthem, and approximately 450 shlichim (Israeli emissaries) may attend. Expect plenty of ruach (spirit)!
Teen Opportunities
JTeen Scholarships
JTeen scholarships help Jewish teens in Atlanta (ages 13–18) attend immersive overnight programs and events. Scholarships cover up to 50% of program costs (up to $500). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted before registering. Teens are eligible for one scholarship per school year.
JTeen scholarships are open now!
*NEW* RootOne Atlanta Teen Israel Travel Scholarship
Applications are now open for the RootOne Atlanta Teen Israel Travel Scholarship! There’s even more support available to help Atlanta teens experience Israel through RootOne! RootOne vouchers have increased.
Eligible trips of 21 days or longer can now receive a $3,600 voucher, while eligible trips of 14–20 days can receive a $2,400 voucher.
Atlanta teens may also qualify for additional funding from Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
For teens participating in RootOne trips of 21 days or longer:
- First-time Israel travelers may receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.
- Teens who have previously traveled to Israel may receive an additional $500 scholarship.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with final scholarship decisions announced in Spring 2027.
Open Your Heart and Home to Israel—Host a Shinshin
Host a Shinshin, an 18-year-old Israeli cultural ambassador in Jewish Atlanta. Share your home for 4-5 months, and in return, gain a lifelong bond while helping strengthen our community’s connection to Israel.
Questions? Contact Laurie Rubin at lrubin@jewishatlanta.org.
Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship
Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship applications are open! The Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for Atlanta teens to expand upon their gap year experience with sessions developed to deepen leadership skills, connect with Israeli experts, and explore ways to apply what they learn after the Fellowship. Plus, receive up to $10,000 in scholarship support!
Apply through March 31!
Questions? Contact Laurie Rubin at lrubin@jewishatlanta.org.
CCC Leadership Development Program
Creating Connected Communities (CCC) is accepting applications for its 2027 Leadership Development Program (LDP)! Teens will gain hands-on experience working with children, planning community programs, and making a positive impact.
- Who: Jewish teens in grades 8–10 (eligibility varies by location)
- Where: Three locations across Atlanta
- Commitment: Once a month
- Applications opened: October 19, 2026
Partner Spotlight
Jewish Interest Free Loans Association (JIFLA)
When Timing and Cost Don’t Line Up, JIFLA Can Help
Don’t let timing or cost keep teens from life-changing experiences. Whether it’s a trip to Israel, summer camp, a school travel program, day school tuition, or another meaningful Jewish experience, JIFLA can help. The Jewish Interest-Free Loan Association of Georgia (JIFLA) offers confidential loans from $1,000 to $18,000 for Jewish Georgians, with 0% interest, no fees, and no application cost. Even careful budgets can be strained when large expenses arrive all at once.
JIFLA’s Teen Programming: Smart Money Habits Workshops
Led by volunteer finance experts, JIFLA’s Smart Money Habits workshops teach Jewish Atlanta teens about budgeting, saving, credit, paychecks, inflation, insurance, and more. This past year, we brought these workshops to synagogues, day schools, and partner organizations, and we’re already confirmed to return to several of them in 2027.
Interested in bringing Smart Money Habits to your teens? Contact JIFLA to explore a customized financial education workshop for your school, camp, youth group, synagogue, or community organization.
Contact Information:
(Anna for Engagement and Development, Julie for Loans)
Anna Wishneff
Director, Development and Engagement
470-268-5665 x5 | anna@jifla.org
Julie Kaminsky
Loan Manager
470-268-2665 x4 | julie@jifla.org or freeloan@jifla.org
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MJCCA – Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
Take a look at the exciting opportunities for Teens at MJCCA!