"It's not just the destination, it's the JERNY!"

JERNY (Jewish•Education•Rochester•Network•Youth), a consortium of religious schools and Jewish organizations, brings educational opportunities to teens in grades 8-12.  Through this network you can take advantage of events and classes all over town.  So check out what's in store for you and enjoy!

Let JERNY be the first step on the path of your life's journey.  There are so many opportunities – for all aspects of your life – social, educational, spiritual and much more. This year, there are over 75 courses and countless activities throughout the community. Join in on the fun, adventure and excitement that JERNY will bring to your journey.  It is up to you to take the first step.

Contact Josh Boress, Coordinator of Teen Education and Israel Trips, jboress@jewishrochester.org 585-461-0490.

Youth Groups

 
More Activities from JERNY...

Jewish Outdoors Club

The Jewish Community Federation invites all teens in 8th-12th grade to participate in fun outdoor experiences incorporating lessons in eco-Judaism! Keep an eye on our site for the next program in our unique series.

Zikaron
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

Zikaron is a special one-day opportunity for teens in grades 8-12 to go to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC, accompanied by a local survivor of the Holocaust. Zikaron pre-sessions provide the necessary background in advance of the trip. This year's Zikaron trip is on Sunday, March 21st, 2010! Pre-sessions will take place on March 11th and March 18th; a final session to digest the experience will take place on April 8th. Download your application now.

Israel Programs
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

Want to see the sun rise above the Dead Sea? Hike through 2,000 year-old water aqueducts in the north? Pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem? Explore Tel Aviv’s trendy shops and outdoor markets? Travel to Israel with Jewish teens from Rochester and all over the U.S.! There are so many teen Israel experience programs. Let us help you find the perfect trip. For a free consultation, scholarship information, program information and brochures, call now!

Journey for Identity
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

In July/August 2009, a select group of 11th and 12 grade teens traveled side by side with teens from our Partnership 2000 community of Modi’in, Israel -- from Rochester to Poland to Israel.

Want to learn about future JFI trips? Contact Josh Boress, 461-0490, ext 249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org.

Gift of Israel
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

Get the Gift of Israel details.
Download a Gift of Israel application.

Jewish Civics Initiative (JCI)
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

Move from the Sidelines to the Frontlines with the Jewish Civics Initiative -- Through JCI, teens in grades 10-12 meet with community leaders, politicians, and media experts in Rochester before going to the national JCI seminar, in Washington, D.C. With teens from other JCI communities, the group learns about public policy, community relations, social action, and how to advocate on Capitol Hill. Then they put these lessons into action with a local service-learning project that the group plans and participates in together. Learn more about JCI or watch the video at the bottom of this page NOW! Contact Josh Boress for more information.

Project Tzedek
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

Earn community service credits or get mitzvah points; either way, do Tzedek (acts of righteousness and justice) and serve your community! We will do special tikkun olam projects throughout Greater Rochester. You can come once or every time - it's up to you.  Past projects have included holiday celebrations with residents at the Jewish Home, sorting food for the hungry at FoodLink, and volunteering at other local agencies. Tell us what you want to do!

Sirtay Motzash - Saturday Night Israeli Cinema
Contact:  Josh Boress – 461-0490 x249 or jboress@jewishrochester.org

One Saturday night each month, come for a contemporary exciting thriller, a hilarious comedy, a moving drama, or a little of all three!  ALWAYS FREE, always lots of kosher Israeli snacks – Bissli, chocolate, bubble gum, wafers – and soda.  ALWAYS movies about Israel, made in Israel, and/or with Israel's top actors. The movies are in English or Hebrew with English subtitles.  All movies are at the JCC's Senior Adult Lounge and begin after Shabbat has ended.

Chabad High Chai
Contact:  Rabbi Vogel – 271-0330

Brighton High School and Middle School students know where to be on Mondays - Wednesdays between 10:30am and 1:00pm. Chabad High Diner's Club has the BEST pizza north of Brooklyn and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with ping-pong, pool and foosball. Come hang out at our place for lunch or after school.

JCC Programs for Teens
Contact:  John Golden – 461-2000 ext. 218

Activities include camp and mitzvah projects, as well as social, athletic, cultural and leadership oriented programming.

Check out the video on JERNY's Jewish Civics Initiative below!