Jewish Community Teens on the Rise

April 02, 2019

Jewish Community Teens on the Rise

4Front Hits the Forefront

“4Front has given me the confidence to engage in community activities that make a difference.” Says Ethan Silverstein, an 11th grader at Franklin High School.  4Front Baltimore is a community-wide initiative aimed at engaging Jewish teens.

Housed at the JCC, 4Front’s mission is to support teens as they explore life and personal growth, develop as young leaders, and discover what it means to be Jewish. Now through April 28th the 4 Front team is seeking applicants for its six Signature Programs: Diller Teen Fellows, the Social Innovation Fellowship, STAC, FUN(d): A Teen Giving Circle, Teen Service Council, and Peer Leadership Fellows.  

These programs create fun, immersive Jewish experiences in which teens may explore who they are and what they care about. From political advocacy, to social entrepreneurship, to hands-on community service and philanthropy, 4Front is helping teens discover the many ways they can improve our world.

Here’s what Baltimore teens have to say about their personal 4Front experiences:

Aviad Gamliel

10th Grade at Beth Tfiloh, participant in STAC
“My experience with 4Front has helped me understand the importance of speaking up and using my voice for change. With the experience I have gained, I am better equipped to speak out for the things I believe in.”

Ben Wachs

11th at Pikesville High School, Participant in the Social Innovation Fellowship
“My experience in 4Front’s Social Innovation Fellowship program has provided me the opportunity to work with other teens interested in entrepreneurship and making the community a better place. Working with a great staff has made for a very fun, insightful program. I am learning about what it takes to generate ideas and develop them into potential businesses. Our trip to Israel was also incredible, especially given Israel’s history of innovation.”

Ethan Silverstein

11th Grade at Franklin High School, Participant in Diller Teen Fellows, Teen Service Council Alum
“When you see that your efforts matter and are appreciated, that motivates you to do more! I enjoy working directly with other teens to accomplish mutual goals. Together we take on different leadership roles, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate in team-building activities. 4Front gives you the opportunity to tackle situations teens don’t normally encounter. It also allows you the opportunity to think about being Jewish and being part of a large, diverse international community, and to understand how Jewish history, traditions, and values motivate us to act.”

Tamara Rubenstein

11th Grade at Beth Tfiloh, participant in FUN(d)
“FUN(d) has taught me that I am not as ‘small’ as I think I am. Even at my age, I can make an impact and advocate for change. Before participating in FUN(d), there were so many causes I wanted to work for but I did not know how. FUN(d) not only walked me through the process, it did so in a fun way.”

“The monthly workshops were educational and intriguing; and the New York trip was amazing. We enjoyed touring. We simulated the lives of immigrants, arriving at Ellis Island, and then witnessed the progress of many immigrants by visiting philanthropists who had built better lives for themselves.  The trip gave me the hope that I could achieve my goals as well.”

Owen Burns

9th Grade at the Friends School, Participant in Teen Service Council
“My 4Front experience has helped to make me feel comfortable volunteering and working with individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and less fortunate families. I appreciate the effective format of the Teen Service Council.  4Front is giving me a greater understanding of volunteering, and I am looking forward to doing more 4Front programs in the future.”

Applications for the 2019-2020 signature programs are open until April 28, 2019. Apply Now

Join us for a free info session to learn about 2019-2020 signature programs!
Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
Sunday, April 14 at 4:30pm

Learn more about each Signature Program.

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