Looking for something to do? Teens have many options

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No need to be bored this fall. Whether you are a teen looking for something fun to do or the parent of a teen looking for an activity for your son or daughter, the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI offers multiple programs.

Teens can audition for the HaZamir choir. In partnership with Temple Emanu-El, the Providence chapter is one of 35 U.S. and Israeli chapters of the International Jewish High School Choir. Seventh- and eighth-graders are able to audition for the Providence chapter, too.

The choir is led by Cantor Brian J. Mayer with accompanist Judith Stillman and meets Sunday mornings from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch is included), beginning Sept. 10. Through this year-long commitment, students sing music from various styles including Israeli rock, Jewish a cappella and Hebrew classics.  HaZamir stands out as a one-of-a-kind, trans-denominational experience. Our local group performs throughout the year on a local and national stage.

New this year, the Alliance is a Teen Leadership and Philanthropy (TLP) program for students in grades 8 – 12.  This program is an experiential learning opportunity that incorporates intensive leadership symposiums, group volunteer experiences, social programming and philanthropy skills in a fun eight-month adventure.  Participants engage in monthly meetings and work toward raising money for a local nonprofit organization, attend an optional community service project and learn how to talk about a variety of topics regarding Israel. In addition, one of the goals is to serve as a link to other teen organizations around the state. Through this program, teens have the opportunity to take a leadership role in planning multiple statewide social activities.

Did you know the Alliance’s Dwares JCC offers a stand-alone special teen membership?  With this membership, teens have access to a variety of special events, classes, fitness activities and more.  Teens are also able to utilize the teen lounge, a great after-school option.  The teen lounge is a relaxing space to catch up on homework on one of the many computers, play ping-pong, video games, and more.  

All these activities are designed to promote a community where teens forge social and Jewish connections  and create opportunities for social action, creative arts, socialization and athletics to give teens a place to find their strength and form positive relationships.

To find out more about these programs, contact Seth Finkle, teen programming coordinator, at sfinkle@jewishallianceri.org or at 401-421-4111, ext. 146.  To find out more about a teen membership, contact the Member Services Office at memberservices@jewishallianceri.org, or at 401-421-4111.

MICHELLE CICCHITELLI is vice president of programming at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

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