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 Rising 6th – 12th Grade LGBTQ+ Teens is a safe, inclusive space for nonbinary, trans, gender expansive, and LGBTQ+ teens. Group leaders are hired by camps (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 camp 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 Rising 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.
Session Summaries
Year 1
Session 1: Getting Started
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- 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!
Session 2: Transitions
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Recognize various transitions in our lives
- Identify challenges, emotions, and opportunities in transitions
- Explore ways to cope with transitions, including Jewish ritual
- Friendship
Session 3: Healthy Relationships
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- 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
Session 4: Self-Compassion
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- 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.
Session 5: Bodies and Expression
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- 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
Session 6: Mental Health
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- 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
Session 7: Sex, Dating, and Intimacy
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Identify what we look for in romantic partners
- Understand boundaries and warning signs of abuse
- Understand consent
Session 8: My People/Our People
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- 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
Session 9: Closing and Reflection
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Process the year’s end
- Reflect on our year together
- Express group appreciation
Year 2
Session 1: Welcome [Back] to Tzelem
Session 2: I am Becoming: Goals and Personal Growth
Session 3: Self-Care
Session 4: Connection and Communication
Session 5: Sexuality and Desire
Session 6: [More] Mental Health
Session 7: Our History
Session 8: Activism and Power
Session 9: Closing
Optional Session: Risk taking
Additional Sessions
Soul
Body
Identity
Wisdom
Courage
Stress
Sessions for Parents of Teens
Risky Business: How Parents Can Help Teens Make Good Choices
In this session, we explore messages teens receive about risks and courage from media, society, and Judaism, as well as the developmental and evolutionary aspects of taking risk. Parents consider where they want to draw the line between acceptable or unacceptable risk-taking behaviors and reflect on how they might help their teens make thoughtful, healthy, and safe decisions.
Demystifying Teen Language on Gender
The program aims to educate parents about the significance of language in affirming teen identities. It provides tools for parents to initiate meaningful conversations about identity with their teens, including sensitive topics. The program also explores the connection between Jewish and gender identity, a core aspect of their teen education approach, emphasizing personal growth, connections, and social justice. Additionally, it connects parents with resources and experts in LGBTQ+ advocacy and mental health support, highlighting partner organizations in this field.
Antisemitism and Teen Wellbeing
Parents will explore their own feelings and experiences so they can be more available and prepared for discussions with teens. We introduce a social and emotional approach to helping teens respond to antisemitism as a component of wellbeing. We will help parents understand a few core different approaches to antisemitism and provide tools to support teens in being able to do this for themselves. Finally, parents will be equipped to talk about and identify four of the most common false and destructive antisemitic tropes.
Knowing Your Limits: How to Talk to Your Teens About Boundaries & Consent
Parents will explore the concept of personal space and reflect on how that plays out with their teens. They will practice navigating the basic elements of positive, physical connection. Parents will reflect on their roles and experiences to better help their teens in setting boundaries while they practice communicating and setting boundaries.
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).