One of the most
exciting and anxiety-producing times in a family's life cycle is when a
teen prepares to transition from life as a high school student to life
on a college campus. We tell our children lech l'cha -- go
off and find yourself -- and our children are only too eager to go
forth. But have we given them the necessary tools for the trip ahead?
When they get to
college, our students will come into contact and interact with students
from all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. But when they are
talking with their friends and questions come up about what Judaism
believes in, will they know how to answer ? Will they be able to
explain Reform Judaism when faced with challenges from their more
traditional peers? We teach in our schools the importance of the Land
of Israel, but do we give our students the necessary knowledge about
the complexity of the situation to face the attacks from the
anti-Zionists? We want our students to live a Jewish life, but do we
pack even the very basic items -- a Tanach, a Kiddush cup or
candlesticks, and a mezuzah -- in their suitcases?
Packing for College: Where Does Judaism Fit? is a
program from the Union for Reform Judaism designed to ensure that our
students are ready for the challenges ahead. Created to support both
teens and their parents as they make the transition from high school to
college, Packing for College: Where Does Judaism Fit? provides
congregations with a sorely needed program for the post-confirmation
period while connecting families to the community during this
transitional time in the family life cycle. Best of all, the Packing for College materials are available TO DOWNLOAD free.
Packing for College can transform a time of tension and
dissention into a time of exploration and communication; it can help
make the transition period between high school and college a part of
the life cycle of families, and it creates rituals to celebrate the
transition.
There are 10
individual items available in the Packing for College Series. Each
is available as
an electronic download in PDF format. All are
available at no charge.
Packing for College: COLLEGE CHOICES, JEWISH CHOICES
11th Grade Teen Session #1: College Choices, Jewish Choices
ONLY AVAILABLE AS DOWNLOAD
How do students identify and prioritize the important factors to be considered as they think about colleges? And how will their choices impact future Jewish attitudes and patterns of behavior? This session parallels the parent session
My Choice, Your Choice, Our Choice, and should be held at the same time.
11th Grade Teen Session #2: Is God Where I’m Going?
ONLY AVAILABLE AS DOWNLOAD
A series of values clarification exercises will help develop a stronger sense of students’ own Jewish self. A particular focus will be on understanding how Jewish development needs to keep pace with their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
