Reenergizing Teen Engagement: A New Chapter for JTeen856
Carl Abramowitz, the newly appointed Director of Teen Engagement at JTeen856, is on a mission to rebuild and reenergize the organization’s programs, creating a space where teens can truly thrive. With over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher and administrator, Abramowitz brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for youth development to this vital role. After completing the Honeycomb Facilitator Training in October, 2024, he is excited to share the vision for the future of JTeen856, specifically focusing on reinvigorating the Jewish youth leadership program, JLead.

A Fresh Start for JLead
JLead, once a thriving Jewish youth leadership program, hit a pause during the pandemic. Now, under Abramowitz’s leadership, the goal is to breathe new life into it. With the support and guidance of Sara Sideman, who laid the groundwork for the program, Abramowitz aims to expand on the vision she worked so hard to create. “Infusing a leadership program with the amazing Honeycomb ChangeMakers curriculum, we get to guide teens on a journey of personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, building on the core values that continue to make JTeen856 unique,” Abramowitz says.

Creating Changemakers
The goals for JTeen856’s teen engagement program are multifaceted and designed to empower the participants. At its heart, the program seeks to instill in teens the desire to make a difference and actively engage in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). It’s about giving them the tools to express themselves through public speaking, learn the intricacies of fundraising, and most importantly, see themselves as changemakers.

Seed856 and Root856 are two such teen-led initiatives that have emerged from this renewed vision. Seed856, centered on animal welfare, has partnered with the Voorhees Animal Orphanage to organize donation drives and volunteer efforts, while Root856 is tackling youth mental health through its website “Unclouded”, offering support and resources to help peers build resilience and reduce stigma. These projects are empowering teens to lead with compassion and drive meaningful impact in their communities.

Youth Mental Health: The Focus for High Schoolers
This year, JTeen856’s high school cohort has a special focus: Youth Mental Health. With the challenges of the past few years still lingering, it’s more important than ever to create a safe, welcoming space for teens to express themselves and address the mental health concerns that many are facing. Through group work and individual reflection, participants are not only learning about mental health but are also contributing to a larger conversation about the importance of support and community.

Building Community and Future Leaders
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s initiative is the creation of a network of adults and human capital resources—helping to build a solid foundation for the future of JTeen856. Through this effort, the program is laying the groundwork for a vibrant, engaged community of Jewish teens who will continue to build relationships, develop confidence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Carl ended the interview by reiterating, “I cannot wait to see the amount of self-worth the participants gain through their hard work and dedication to others through these selfless acts.” With his leadership and the continued support of the dedicated team at the Katz JCC, there’s no doubt that this program will continue to flourish and create the next generation of Jewish leaders.