Programs for Teens
Discover engaging teen programs in Boston at JCC Greater Boston! Enjoy fitness classes, leadership opportunities and a variety of community-building events and offerings.
Find Your People. Find Your Place
JCC Greater Boston is your space to connect, explore, and have fun. We offer programs designed just for teens, where you can try new activities, meet new friends, and be part of a community that values you.
Join fitness classes designed for you—fun, challenging, and full of energy. Take part in unique trips and experiences that broaden your horizons. Or spend time in our brand-new teen lounge, a welcoming spot to relax, play games, or get some homework done.
With classes, events, and activities for every interest, JCC Greater Boston is the place to be. Come see what’s happening and make it your own!
Carmel Dreamers
Carmel Dreamers is a NEW vibrant teen program offered by JCC Greater Boston, designed to provide Jewish teens with opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement. Through a variety of activities, including social events, volunteer projects, and educational workshops, participants are encouraged to explore their Jewish identity and build meaningful connections with peers. The program emphasizes inclusivity and aims to create a supportive environment where teens can thrive socially and spiritually. By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, Carmel Dreamers helps teens navigate adolescence with confidence and a strong sense of community.
Spaces still available for this year!
Diller Teen Fellowship
Diller Teen Fellows is a selective, international leadership program for Jewish teens with a passion for improving the world. This year-long fellowship cultivates leadership skills, strengthens Jewish identity, and fosters a global network, empowering teens to make a positive world impact.
Our carefully chosen group of Boston-area 10th and 11th graders will experience enlightening workshops, hands-on community projects, and unforgettable retreat weekends. The highlight of this program is an immersive three-week seminar in Israel, travelling across the country with other Diller communities while learning about its history, political structure and more. Open to teens of all backgrounds with a passion for leadership and making a difference.
The application process will begin in Spring 2026.
Become a JTI Peer Leadership Fellow
In partnership with CJP, the Peer Leadership Fellowship empowers teens in grades 10–12 to become community connectors and changemakers. Through this year-long program, Fellows explore how to build authentic, meaningful relationships with their peers—helping to foster a more inclusive and connected teen community across Greater Boston.
Fellows gather monthly, both in person and online, forming a supportive team of leaders dedicated to strengthening one another and their communities. Along the way, they learn to guide peers toward the many opportunities available to Jewish teens, while working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote overall wellness.
The application process will begin in Spring 2026.
Test Your Skills at the JCC Maccabi Games!
The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style international competition for Jewish teens, launched in 1982. Each year, thousands of athletes from North America, Israel, and beyond come together to celebrate athletic achievement, Jewish identity, and community.
Highlights include:
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- Opening and closing ceremonies
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- JCC Cares service projects
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- Social events and time with Israeli Shlichim (young ambassadors)
Emphasizing sportsmanship, service, and Jewish peoplehood, the Games give teens a unique chance to compete, connect, and celebrate their heritage.
Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston (JTFGB)
Empowering Teens. Driving Change. Living Jewish Values.
JTFGB is a year-long, in-person program where Jewish high school students (grades 9–12) from Greater Boston, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island come together to practice philanthropy in action. Teens work on boards to identify urgent community needs, raise funds, review nonprofit proposals, and award grants to organizations making a difference locally and globally.
Now in its ninth year, JTFGB has distributed 65 grants worldwide. In 2024, participants raised more than $22,000 to support nonprofits addressing housing access for displaced families and teen mental health. Along the way, teens gain skills in leadership, collaboration, and values-driven decision-making—while building connections with peers and Jewish traditions.
Introducing the Jewish Story Lab
The Jewish Story Lab (JSL) is a transformative journey designed for students in grades 6-8. JSL offers a unique opportunity for young Jews to explore their identity, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. Through engaging storytelling, hands-on learning, and community involvement, students will emerge with a stronger sense of self and a heartfelt connection to their Jewish roots.
Service Days at JCC Greater Boston
The JCC partners with synagogues and teen-focused organizations across Greater Boston to offer a dynamic calendar of service learning experiences. These opportunities empower teens to make a real impact in their communities while strengthening their Jewish identity and values. From one-day volunteer projects to immersive travel programs and holiday-focused initiatives, each experience is co-created by teens and JCC staff to inspire empathy, leadership, and a deep sense of social responsibility. By collaborating with local partners, JCC helps teens build meaningful connections, create lasting change, and grow alongside their peers.
Looking for community service opportunities? We’ve got you covered! Contact us at teens@jccgb.org.
Teen Fitness Classes
Level Up Your Fitness Routine
Our teen-only fitness classes are specifically curated to provide educational and effective instruction to fitness novices and experienced gymgoers alike. Learn proper technique and nutrition from our skilled personal trainers, who will guide you every step of the way to ensure your goals are met.
Not sure where to start? Email fitness@jccgb.org to learn more about our offerings and to help find the right class for you.
Community Spaces
Coming Soon: The Teen Lounge
Our Teen Lounge is the perfect place for teens to relax, connect, and have fun and, welcoming space. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, playing ping pong or other games, working on homework, or joining in on planned activities, there’s always something to do. The lounge is designed to give teens the freedom to unwind while also offering opportunities for community, creativity, and new friendships.
Hours
Regular Hours (subject to change): Bi-Weekly, Wednesdays | 4:30–6pm
Amenities
Amenities in the Hub Lounge will include:
- Couches
- TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Snacks
- Homework spaces
- …and more to come!
Upcoming Events
Strength Training Program (Ages 13-15)
Boost your mental and physical health with this 4-week strength training class designed for teens. Led by a Certified...
Rosh Hodesh
Ever wish you had a place to talk about what's really going on? In our Rosh Hodesh group, you'll meet up once a...
Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston
Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston (JTFGB) is a year-long program for Jewish high school students with different...
Carmel Dreamers
Carmel Dreamers is a transformative initiative that brings together Jewish and Druze high school students from Haifa with...
Find Your Fight with Jay Ruderman
Please join us for an evening with activist and philanthropist, Jay Ruderman. He joins us to discuss his book, Find Your...
Meet the Team
Director of Teen Programs & Program Coordinator, Diller Teen Fellows
Leah Finkelman Kagan
Director of Teen Programs & Program Coordinator, Diller Teen Fellows
Leah Finkelman Kagan (she/her) is an experiential Jewish educator who prioritizes relationship-building to help learners connect to Judaism and each other. In her current role as the Director of Teen Programs and Diller Teen Fellows Program Coordinator at JCC Greater Boston, Leah oversees the expansion and development of existing and new teen programs to create spaces for teens to grow into compassionate, empowered and socially conscious community members. In past roles at CJP and Temple Beth Elohim, Leah has worked directly with both teens, inspiring them to find meaningful connection between Judaism and their own lives, and teen-serving professionals, supporting them In working collaboratively and innovatively to meet the needs of Boston’s teen community. Originally from Ohio, Leah has lived in Boston since graduating with a BA in American Studies from Brandeis University. She is on the board of Tivnu: Building Justice and the Camp Council at URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy.
Assistant Director, Teen Engagement
Ellie Fromstein
Assistant Director, Teen Engagement
Ellie Fromstein is a Jewish educator passionate about making Judaism accessible and digestible within Jewish communities. As the Assistant Director of Teen Engagement, Ellie helps to design and implement the strategy behind teen programming. She holds a degree in Psychology and Jewish Studies, with focuses on Hebrew and Holocaust history, and is dedicated to using her education to foster communities built on lifelong learning and growth. Ellie believes in empowering people to take ownership of their Jewish journeys and identities.
Ellie’s career began on campus with Hillel at Penn State and Boston University, where she served as an Israel Educator and Birthright professional. She has led immersive Israel experiences and guided students through challenging moments on campus, including the COVID pandemic and the aftermath of October 7. Through this work, Ellie focused on creating positive, engaging, and supportive experiences for diverse communities.
Tell Us What Interests You
Got any ideas for new teen programs at JCC Greater Boston? We want to hear from you!
