Moving Traditions’ Tzelem brings together LGBTQ+, nonbinary, trans, and gender-expansive teens in a monthly group, facilitated b trained adult mentor, centered on affirmation, belonging, and Jewish identity. In a world that can feel isolating, Tzelem offers a space where teens are fully seen and supported.
Participants explore topics that matter most to them, from navigating school and family life to celebrating pride and resilience. Grounded in Jewish values and queer history, Tzelem helps teens connect with one another, deepen their sense of self, and build community that is both brave and caring.
All of our teen groups are safe and inclusive spaces for youth to join as they self-identify. We proudly partner with Keshet[link] to offer our Tzelem groups nationally.
Logistics
Who: Tzelem for 6th – 12th Grade LGBTQ+ Teens is a safe, inclusive space for nonbinary, trans, gender expansive, and LGBTQ+ teens. Group leaders are hired by the hosting institution (or directly by Moving Traditions for community groups) and are trained by Moving Traditions in our research-based methodology. Group leaders are chosen because of their desire to serve as healthy adult role models for teens.
Where: Some groups are offered through a partnering synagogue or institution (such as a school, JCC, etc) who has licensed the Moving Traditions curriculum for the program in order to offer it to their own teens. Other Tzelem groups operate as regional community groups for teens/families who want a Tzelem group but aren’t affiliated with a Moving Traditions partner. Moving Traditions also offers at least one national online group that is open to trans and nonbinary teens across the country who might not have a Tzelem group within their local community. Groups either meet at the hosting institution or rotate through the rooms of the teens in the group. Due to Covid or geographic realities, some groups meet online or in a hybrid of online/in-person depending on circumstances.
When: Most groups meet once a month, for 1.5 – 2 hours if in person, and for 1 – 1.5 hours if online. The schedule depends on each specific group – find one near you.
I’ve accepted and loved myself more because of Tzelem.
– Teen participant
Engaging Discussions & Dynamic Curriculum
Like all Moving Traditions programs, Tzelem for 6th – 12th Grade LGBTQ+ Teens combines Jewish wisdom made relevant for today with positive psychology and social-emotional learning – proven methods of learning that foster wellbeing.
Background
Tzelem (“image”) comes from B’Tzelem Elohim—the concept that each person is created in the image of God. Tzelem groups provide safe, sacred space for nonbinary, trans, gender expansive, and LGBTQ+ teens to explore and celebrate the various ways that Judaism honors expansive understandings of gender. Each month the Tzelem groups focus on topics such as healthy relationships, stress, belonging and identity; sessions also include opportunities to meet other teens and Jewish trans adult mentors, and to discuss issues around transition and gender expression. The teens explore the issues through games, art, discussion, and by drawing on Jewish teachings.
We also recognize transgender oppression is related to—but not synonymous with—sexism, and therefore address that as well in Tzelem.
| Sessions | Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will . . . |
|---|---|
| Getting Started | — Understand the purpose of group — Start getting to know each other — Understand expectations and hopes for the year — Get excited for the year to come! |
| Transitions | — Recognize various transitions in our lives — Identify challenges, emotions, and opportunities in transitions — Explore ways to cope with transitions, including Jewish ritual — Friendship |
| Healthy Relationships | — Recognize healthy (non-romantic) relationships in our lives — Identify the qualities of a healthy friendship — Understand the importance of healthy friendships and how they can support us |
| Self-Compassion | — Raise awareness around how we think about ourselves and treat ourselves — Draw on wisdom from Jewish teachings and others to boost self-compassion. — Develop practices to continue growing their self-compassion. |
| Bodies and Expression | — Explore and critique media messages about trans bodies (beauty ideals) — Understand that there is no “right” way to be trans/non-binary — Recognize the importance of taking care of our bodies |
| Mental Health | — Diminish stigma around discussing mental health — Learn about mental health risk factors and stats for cis and trans teens — Learn about resources to support mental health wellness/crisis intervention — Explore coping mechanisms and internal strengths to cope with mental health issues |
| Sex, Dating, and Intimacy | — Identify what we look for in romantic partners — Understand boundaries and warning signs of abuse — Understand consent |
| My People/Our People | — Understand our own identities — Explore how our various identities impact/interact with each other — Learn about trans Jewish role models — Meet/hear from trans Jews today |
| Closing and Reflection | — Process the year’s end — Reflect on our year together — Express group appreciation |
Funding Partners
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Mazer Fund
Donate
Your gift to Moving Traditions helps Jewish youth discover who they are through the pursuit of personal wellbeing (shleimut), caring relationships (hesed), and a Jewish and feminist vision of equity and justice (tzedek).