Last month, B’nai Tzedek held its third annual Welcome Back Pool Party, bringing together more than 40 Jewish teens for an afternoon of fun, learning, and connection.
The teens participated in engaging activities designed to build friendships and highlight the importance of philanthropy.
One popular activity, similar to speed dating, had teens standing in two circles facing each other and asking one another different questions. After one minute, they rotated to meet a new friend. Trivia games and relay races reinforced key Jewish values such as teamwork, community, and supporting one another with the “I’ve got you” attitude speaker Alison Leibovitz described at last month’s donor event.
Alongside the programming, there was plenty of time to relax by the pool, catch up with old friends, and make new connections. “I love teaching teens about philanthropy in their Jewish community at a young age because it sets them up for a lifelong commitment to giving back,” says Leeron Stark Resnick, B’nai Tzedek coordinator, “My hope is to encourage both teens and their parents to embrace giving and to serve as role models for each other along that journey.”
A heartfelt thank-you goes to the Boehler family for once again opening their home and pool to host this wonderful event, and to the B’nai Tzedek Teen Board for doing such a fantastic job leading and supporting the program.
B’nai Tzedek (BT) is a program for Bar and Bat Mitzvah–aged teens to establish a fund at the Federation. Participants are responsible for maintaining their fund and making annual recommendations while learning about Jewish values through events, leadership development, and community service.
BT meets four times a year, with the next community outreach event scheduled for November 2, when teens will volunteer at the Hot Chicken Festival.
To learn more about the B’nai Tzedek program or how to start a fund, visit: www.jewishnashville.org/bnaitzedek.
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