JTEEN: A Win-Win Experience

by Miriam Herbert

My daughter Hannah had her Bat Mitzvah at age 13 at our local synagogue, Temple B'nai Or in Morristown, where we live. Afterwards, she wanted to continue with her Jewish studies, but the post-Bat Mitzvah program at the temple would not have been right for her. The focus of most of the content in the program is on dialogue and discussion, which works wonderfully for most students, but involves more interaction than Hannah would be comfortable with.

It was at that point that I learned about the JTEEN program. JTEEN, which stands for Jewish Teen Educational Experience Network, a program of The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, is a weekly program for post-B'nai Mitzvah students that gives them the opportunity to continue their Jewish education in a wonderful alternative to traditional classes. JTEEN classes are organized around what the children want to learn, in a very teen-friendly environment.

The program is open to all post-B'nai Mitzvah students, and it takes pains to accommodate students with special needs. Hannah has been diagnosed with PDD/NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified). It was Rebecca Wanatick, Community Coordinator for MetroWest ABLE, a network of agencies and programs that serve people with special needs and their families, who suggested that the program could be a good fit for Hannah.

We were attracted to the JTEEN program because it provides Hannah with a curriculum that enables her to attend stimulating classes on Sunday mornings in Jewish culture and Hebrew language. Also, the program takes place at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany, which is closer to our home than the JCC in West Orange, and that gives Hannah the opportunity to take classes with her peers.

One of the best aspects of the JTEEN program is the MetroWest Madrichim program, a shadow training program available to assist students with special needs. It works wonderfully for Hannah. Ellie, Hannah's shadow, follows Hannah in her classes, and the two girls work very well together. Ellie is able to gently redirect Hannah whenever she loses focus, and makes the class experience just what Hannah wants it to be. The shadows are all teens from around the MetroWest area who have been identified through JTEEN or their local congregational programs. They train with Rebecca, and are great for the students, helping them with any problem they have in their classes.

Hannah has been taking cooking classes and art classes, and she's just starting an intermediate Hebrew class this school year. All the classes are very hands-on, and in both the art and cooking classes Hannah has had the chance to learn about Jewish ideas and Jewish traditions in a social environment, while interacting with her peers. It has been exactly what she needs.

Hannah really enjoys going to her classes, and loves working with Ellie. They have a nice working relationship. One of Hannah’s strengths in preparing for her Bat Mitzvah was learning Hebrew. Reading Hebrew is a visual activity and she excels at it, given her strong visual memory. So, taking further Hebrew classes is perfect for her. Hannah’s younger brother Jeremy is attending a post-Bar Mitzvah class at our temple on Monday nights. I believe Hannah’s enrollment in JTEEN classes makes her feel part of the community and good about herself. I am very appreciative that MetroWest ABLE exists and that it has made programs like JTEEN possible for us. Rebecca Wanatick has been so instrumental in her advice and support. Because of JTEEN and MetroWest ABLE, Hannah, who is now 17 years old, has been able to further her Jewish education beyond her Bat Mitzvah, an accomplishment I attribute directly to this program. Plus, Hannah can socialize and feel part of JTEEN with her classmates, so it’s a win-win experience.

Miriam Herbert and her daughter Hannah are members of the MetroWest community.

Editor's Note — MetroWest ABLE (Access, Belonging and Life Enrichment for People and Families with Special Needs) is the community’s network of agencies and community leaders that serve and advocate for individuals with special needs and their families. MetroWest ABLE is making connections within our Jewish community to raise awareness and support meaningful inclusion of people with special needs and their families in every aspect of Jewish life in MetroWest, creating a community made whole and complete by the inclusion of all of its members. MetroWest ABLE is funded by the UJA Campaign, the Linda Bunis Haller Foundation, and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey. For more information, please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Coordinator, at (973) 929-3129 or [email protected].

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