October 2026 JTeen Newsletter
By Leah Stinson, Amy Fox, and Rachel Valdman
October 2, 2026
October is here, and as we continue through the Jewish holiday season, we’re reminded of the importance of community, connection, and coming together.
This month, we’re highlighting upcoming programs, resources, and experiences for teens and their families across Jewish Atlanta. Take a look, save the dates, and find what feels like the right fit for your family.
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
Upcoming Events
AI & Today’s Teen: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Partners: Temple Sinai and BeWellATL
Date: Tuesday, October 6
Time: 7–8:30 p.m.
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For parents of teens and teens
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the way teenagers learn, communicate, solve problems, and navigate everyday life. While many parents are familiar with tools like ChatGPT, few fully understand how deeply AI has become integrated into teens’ academic, social, and emotional worlds.
Join educators, mental health professionals, and teens themselves for an honest conversation about how AI is shaping adolescence today. We’ll explore both the opportunities and challenges AI presents – from improving organization and executive functioning to concerns about academic integrity, social skills, mental health, and relationships.
Parents and teens will leave with a deeper understanding of how teens are actually using AI, practical strategies for guiding healthy use, and ideas for having meaningful conversations at home.
Women’s Philanthropy POP Up: Antisemitism, Safety, and Security
Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For women
As teens navigate school, social media, and an increasingly complex world, conversations about antisemitism and safety are more relevant than ever for parents. Join Women’s Philanthropy on October 8 for a timely discussion about the challenges facing our community, how Jewish Atlanta is responding, and the resources available to help keep our community informed, supported, and secure.
Knowledge Is Power: What’s in Your Genes?
Partners: jscreen, Sharsheret, and The Epstein School
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For parents and adults
What can your genes tell you about your health, your family, and your future?
Join an informative conversation about genetic testing, inherited cancer risks, prevention, and how knowing your family history can help you make informed decisions for yourself and future generations.
Hear from medical professionals and individuals whose lives have been impacted by genetics and family history.
JTeen Fall Webinar Series
Date: Monday, October 19
Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Webinar
Cost: Free
For parents of teens
Presented by Terri Jacobson, M.Ed., Founder of Apogee College Prep. Take a closer look at how colleges evaluate applicants, from academic rigor and extracurricular impact to testing and the application components that can help students build an authentic, compelling profile.
This is the second and final session in the series!
Camp Gear Shuk
By Sunday, November 1
Help stock the Camp Gear Shuk! This year’s Jewish Camp Fair will once again feature the Camp Gear Shuk, where families can donate and pick up gently used camp gear.
If you have items that are no longer being used, such as sleeping bags, bedding, duffel bags, rain gear, flashlights, camper shirts, or other camp essentials, consider giving them a second life.
Your donation can help another camper feel prepared and excited for their camp experience. To donate items and receive drop-off information, please complete the short form below.
Jewish Teen Antisemitism Summit: Stronger Together – Combating Antisemitism, Owning Our Jewish Identity
Sponsors: Temple Sinai, The Temple, JTeen, URJ Camp Coleman, JKG, BBYO
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.
*Save the Date* A Parent’s Guide to Israel Experiences, Scholarships & Opportunities
Date: Sunday, November 15
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Cost: Free
For parents of teens
Interested in sending your teen to Israel but not sure where to start? Join us for a practical conversation designed to help parents understand the Israel experiences available to their teens.
Learn about RootOne-supported teen travel, the Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship, and Birthright Israel, including who each opportunity is for, what makes each experience unique, and when your teen can participate. We’ll also share information about scholarships and financial support that can help make these experiences possible for your family.
More details and registration coming soon!
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.
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.
Partner Spotlight
In the City Camps
In the City Camps (ITC) brings the friendships, traditions, and community of Jewish overnight camp into a flexible day-camp experience in Sandy Springs.
ITC also offers meaningful opportunities for teens to build leadership skills, gain work experience, and serve as positive Jewish role models.
Teen Opportunities:
- Counselor-in-Training Program: Rising 9th graders
- Summer Staff Positions: Rising 10th graders through college-age students
Teen staff receive mentoring, leadership development, professional training, and hands-on experience while building skills in communication, teamwork, responsibility, and working with children.
Camp is available by the week, and need-based scholarships and payment plans are available.
Contact Details:
Eileen Snow Price, Founder and CEO
404-375-8636 | eileen@inthecitycamps.org
Website
MJCCA – Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
Take a look at the exciting opportunities for Teens at MJCCA!