Hi! My name is Vered Ben-Gideon. I graduated from Brandeis and studied politics, philosophy, and economics. One cool part of my college experience was spending a year studying abroad at Oxford University in England. Back on campus, I also helped lead the Conservative minyan.
Besides working at Beth El, I am spending this year studying Talmud!
I love watching baseball (Go Red Sox) and hockey (Go Penguins). I also love to bake, crochet, do yoga, and read.
I am so excited to get to know you!
Teen Collab Pizza & Pitch Night on THURSDAY
Thursday, September 12, 6:30–8:00 PM at the Midwestchester JCC
Curious about our new teen program, Teen Collab? Teens and their adults are invited to join us to learn more about our exciting new opportunity for 8th–12th graders to deepen their connection to Judaism! We'll reveal what the clergy and educators will be teaching in the modules offered this year, eat pizza, and connect with one another. Don't miss out!
Many Jewish organizations are offering fellowships and leadership opportunities for teens. We would love to support you in applying! Here are current opportunities, along with their deadlines.
AJC Leaders for Tomorrow: applications due Friday, September 20
For rising 10th-12th graders
Empowers teen Jewish leaders to advocate on behalf of the Jewish people, Israel, and human rights around the world.
Bronfman Fellowship: applications due Monday, December 2
For rising 11th graders; 26 accepted per year
Includes an immersive summer program and launching into a full year of transformative study and deeply personal journeys. Bronfman Fellows explore existential questions and Jewish ideas while building friendships with peers who are as curious as they are, joining a lifelong community that inspires them to change the world for the better.
We are looking for teens to participate in our Teen High Holiday services! You can read Torah (or Haftarah), lead a prayer, help plan an activity, and more! Please contactCantor Gaby if you're interested in reading or leading on these special days.
In addition to involvement in the High Holiday programming, teens also have the opportunity to lead Shabbat services in many ways–through participating in our Teen Shabbat services, reading Torah or leading services in the Main Sanctuary, and by taking over Shabbat services for Youth and Family Engagement Shabbat!
If you are interested in reading Torah, leading services, or reading Megillah, we have opportunities for mentorship and support both from Cantor Gaby and from your peers who mentor new readers and leaders. Please contact Cantor Gaby for more information.
Teens are also invited for Shabbat dinners in the rabbis’ homes, which is always a really special event for our Teens and clergy.
Stay tuned for Teen Shabbat dates coming soon!
Education
Both the Teen Collab(8th-10th Grade) and JewishU (11th-12th Grade) meet at the Midwestchester JCC on Thursday evenings. These programs are open to Jewish Teens across Westchester.
Teen Collab is a creative and dynamic educational experience for teens (grades 8–10) interested in deepening their Jewish identity, taking their Jewish education to the next level, and meeting other Jewish teens across Westchester.
The Teen Collab will meet on Thursdays from 6:30-8 pm, and will be broken into three modules. Sign up for one, two, or all three, based on your interests and schedules. Each module costs $300 for Beth El members, or you can sign up for all three for a 10% discount.
JewishU is a new program for 11th and 12th graders in which they take college-level Jewish classes (accredited by top universities) at the JCCMW to earn college credit! Two yearly classes, both running on Thursday evenings, will be offered beginning this fall. The courses offered include Hebrew 101 or History of Jewish Immigration. Each course will meet weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-9 pm from September to May. The Hebrew 101 course, accredited by Syracuse University, will cost $1700 plus a registration fee. The History of Jewish Immigration course, accredited by American Jewish University, will cost $1300 plus a registration fee.
Leadership Programs & Social Events Teen Leaders helps brainstorm, plan, prepare for, advertise and attend our monthly special events. They meet monthly to prepare for upcoming events, and are supported by the Teen Advisor.
Hadracha (Religious School Assistants) supports our Teens as they are active assistants and role models in our Religious School. There is a broad spectrum of opportunities for teens to volunteer, whether helping out in the office or supporting teachers in classrooms. Additionally, Hadracha meets regularly during Religious School hours to empower our Teens with knowledge, skills, community, and opportunities for reflection and growth. Hadracha can take place on Thursdays, Sundays, or both. Please email Alyssa if you're interested in volunteering.
Teen Social Events occur monthly, so bring your friends! Programs include lounge nights, chesed (service) events, Israel-related programs, Shabbat/holiday programs like the Purim Carnival, fun activities like baseball games, and other activities you might suggest! Dates coming soon!
Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 235-2700
