Temple B’nai Israel launches separate self-esteem programs for teens — girls and boys

Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater will inaugurate two new teen programs this month — one for girls and one for boys — to emphasize ways for them to view themselves positively and as part of a Jewish tradition.

Based on a national program, the groups are for eighth and ninth graders. A kick-off meeting is slated for Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. This is the only meeting to which parents will be invited.

Rosh Hodesh group for girls

The girls will participate in “Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!”, a program sponsored by Moving Traditions, a non-profit organization that supplies the curriculum. The organization, launched nationally in 2002, emphasizes self-esteem, leadership skills and Jewish identity.

Rosh Hodesh, associated with the new moon and meaning head of the month, or “new month” in Hebrew, is a female idea said Amy McFarland, the temple’s director of religious education and programming.

“The moon keeps us on the same rhythms not just with our bodies, but with our minds and souls,” she said.

Boys and girls both need a safe space to come and express themselves, said McFarland, but she sees a special need for girls.

“We want to help the girls see themselves in a different way,” she said, “and not necessarily to accept all they’ve been told about themselves.”

McFarland said girls often grow up thinking certain skills, such as math, are not for them. She said she wants them to rethink putting limitations on their skills before they’ve even tried.

McFarland will facilitate discussions and activities for the girls, “reframing what their lives look like within the Jewish tradition,” she said.

A “Rosh Hodesh:It’s a Girl’s Thing!” program was previously offered by Rabbi Danielle Upbin of Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater through the now defunct Pinellas County Jewish Day School.

‘Gevarim’ offered for boys

Following the success of the Rosh Hodesh groups, Moving Traditions is currently creating a curriculum for boys as are some other Jewish organizations.

At Temple B’nai Israel, Rabbi Daniel Treiser will oversee a similar program for the boys, called “Gevarim,” which means “boys” in Hebrew. The curriculum for boys will be created by the rabbi and religious school educators.

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The teens will participate in nine sessions on Sunday nights at 7 p.m. beginning Oct. 9. McFarland said the Moving Tradition program goes through grade 12 and she would like to add levels, starting with separating eighth graders from ninth graders next year.

Fees for the nine sessions are $50 for members and $250 for non-members.

For information on both programs contact McFarland at (727) 531-5829.