Parenting teenagers can be both rewarding and challenging. The Torah of Raising Up Teens is a new six-session program pilot designed to help parents of Jewish teens build a strong, supportive community. This initiative provides a space for parents to engage in meaningful conversations, learn together, and strengthen their ability to parent proactively. The program is deeply rooted in Jewish wisdom, informed by research on adolescent development, and attuned to the unique challenges Jewish teens and their families face today.
Program Details
- Each session is two hours, including 30 minutes of social time to foster community and connection.
- Monthly virtual meetings from November to April 2025
Sessions are staffed by a clergy member and a social worker at each of our pilot partners, utilizing materials developed by Moving Traditions, with insights from senior advisors Dr. Betsy Stone and Dr. Julie Hirshfield. Their combined expertise will help guide discussions and provide valuable perspectives on Jewish values, adolescent psychology, and effective parenting strategies.
The sessions will include essential parenting topics, including:
- How is parenting teens different from parenting younger children?
- How can Judaism support us in giving our teens the love they need in ways that resonate with them?
- How can understanding adolescent brain development enhance our parenting approach?
- How can we maintain positivity while addressing the challenges of adolescence?
- What differentiates a “normal” adolescent struggle from a crisis?
- How might parenting within a strong community support both us and our teens?
Overview of the Curriculum
Each session also incorporates psychological principles, Torah study, and Mussar values, which grounds the discussions in Jewish tradition while addressing modern parenting concerns. Here are the core values that shape the sessions:
1. All You Need is Love
We begin with a session about hesed—lovingkindness—the foundation of parenting. We build community among parents by getting to know one another and explore how a biblical parent – in this case, Hagar, the handmaid of Abraham, models some essential lessons about caring for oneself and being present for one’s child. We introduce the framework of tikkun middot, a Jewish character strengthening practice and explore research-based techniques that can support both parent and teen.
2. Cultivating Peace of Mind
This session explores the character trait of menuchat hanefesh, peace of mind. Participants explore the story of Noah after the flood and discuss the difference between healthy stress and clinical anxiety. They also examine the idea of filling one’s cup by looking at a phrase from Psalm 23.
3. Mindful Speech
Words matter. Inspired by Moses and the principle of shmirat hadibbur (guarding our speech), this session explores how to manage anger, understand the teen brain, and navigate conflict with empathy and intention—using real-life case studies.
4. Creating Meaningful Family Rhythms
Bring more order and intention to your family life. Rooted in the concept or middah of seder (structure) and using the story of Creation, this session highlights the importance of routine for teens, the spiritual power of Jewish practice, and how daily rituals can foster connection and stability.
5. Balanced Parenting
Delving into the trait of anavah/humility and the wisdom of a hasidic master, this session explores different parenting styles and introduces the “lighthouse parenting” model and ways to take up just the right amount of space as you guide and support your adolescent’s development.
6. Moving Forward with Gratitude
Inspired by the story of Jacob’s blessing of his grandchildren, we explore the power of hodaya/gratitude for parents and teens. This session dives into the science of positivity, the transformative power of blessings, and how gratitude can shape a joyful, resilient parenting journey.
Funding Partners
