Just for Teens.
Samis Supported Jewish Youth Programs
Building the next generation of Jewish leaders in Washington State
Samis supports student-led Jewish youth programs across Washington state that empower teens to take the lead in shaping vibrant Jewish life. These aren’t programs teens just attend—they’re communities they create. From planning Shabbatons and holiday celebrations to organizing laid-back hangouts with Jewish flavor, high schoolers design experiences that are fun, inclusive, and deeply connected to their identities—without the pressure of high school social norms.
Rooted in friendship and fueled by leadership, these programs cultivate a kind of Jewish belonging that sticks. They help teens find their people, build confidence, and form lasting ties that carry through Israel trips, gap years, and life beyond synagogue walls. It’s everything Samis values: immersive, meaningful, and teen-powered Jewish living.
BBYO Evergreen Youth Group - Halom BBG Chapter
BBYO, Pluralistic
BBYO is a teen-led youth movement that will give you the opportunity to have meaningful Jewish experiences and form powerful, authentic relationships with other teens and with inspiring adult role models. Join our local BBYO chapters that will support you to feel pride in who you, in control of your own destiny and part of something greater than yourself! Programming includes Jewish holiday celebrations, Shabbat programs, social action projects, skill building, and sisterhood/siblinghood programs. Three awesome regional conventions also happen every year! Not only will you become a part of a local sisterhood/brotherhood, you will join an international Jewish teen movement!
JSU and NCSY programs
West Coast NCSY
NCSY and the Jewish Student Union cultural clubs provide a place for Jewish teens to feel accepted for who they are and ask questions about what religion and culture mean to them. This club will give you a place to grow, build meaningful friendships, develop and passion for your Judaism and connect with Jewish role models. Join a JSU program at your high school to meet other Jewish teens and explore issues of Jewish pride, celebrate Jewish holidays, learn about social justice, and connect to Israel. Outside of school, experience a fun Latte and Learn evening at a local coffee shop, a Shabbat meal at an NCSY staffers home and immersive trips to Israel!
Sephardic Education
Sephardic Religious School
The Sephardic Religious School provides the only educational program for religious and Sephardic cultural education in Seattle. Highlights include learning Hebrew language, Judaic studies, tefilah, Jewish and Israeli history all from a Sephardic perspective!
BBYO Evergreen Youth Group - Halom BBG Chapter
BBYO, Pluralistic
BBYO is a teen-led youth movement that will give you the opportunity to have meaningful Jewish experiences and form powerful, authentic relationships with other teens and with inspiring adult role models. Join our local BBYO chapters that will support you to feel pride in who you, in control of your own destiny and part of something greater than yourself! Programming includes Jewish holiday celebrations, Shabbat programs, social action projects, skill building, and sisterhood/siblinghood programs. Three awesome regional conventions also happen every year! Not only will you become a part of a local sisterhood/brotherhood, you will join an international Jewish teen movement!
JSU and NCSY programs
West Coast NCSY
NCSY and the Jewish Student Union cultural clubs provide a place for Jewish teens to feel accepted for who they are and ask questions about what religion and culture mean to them. This club will give you a place to grow, build meaningful friendships, develop and passion for your Judaism and connect with Jewish role models. Join a JSU program at your high school to meet other Jewish teens and explore issues of Jewish pride, celebrate Jewish holidays, learn about social justice, and connect to Israel. Outside of school, experience a fun Latte and Learn evening at a local coffee shop, a Shabbat meal at an NCSY staffers home and immersive trips to Israel!
Sephardic Education
Sephardic Religious School
The Sephardic Religious School provides the only educational program for religious and Sephardic cultural education in Seattle. Highlights include learning Hebrew language, Judaic studies, tefilah, Jewish and Israeli history all from a Sephardic perspective!
Looking for more youth program options?
Research from the Cohen Center at Brandeis University validates the relevance of understanding teen development to Jewish identity formation, and focuses on the “6Cs.”
Competence
Positive view of one’s ability to achieve in various areas, including social, cognitive and emotional.
Confidence
An internal sense of overall positive self-worth.
Connection
Positive bonds and development of relationships with peers, family, school, and community.
Caring
A sense of sympathy and empathy for others.
Character
Respect for norms and standards of acceptable behavior, morality and integrity.
Contribution
The desire to positively influence one’s family, community, and society.