Teens & Trust: Building Bridges in Jewish Education

Based on their many years of experience, the authors share their knowledge with those who struggle to help Jewish children emerge into adulthood. Through examination of case studies, this book provides both theoretical and practical knowledge for anyone who works with Jewish youth. This book is for anyone who deals with teens or preteens in a Jewish context--teachers, principals, guidance counselors, camp or youth group workers, rabbis, or students going into one of these fields. Although many of the cases presented involved the intervention of social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, or competent rabbinic authorities, this book is not aimed at them or intended to replace their particular expertise. In fact, many of the cases in this book, particularly those dealing with such areas as suicide, eating disorders, or abuse, are meant to alert the educator to what is beyond his or her expertise.

This is not a cookbook; no recipe here will exactly duplicate your situation. This is a collection of possibilities to be explored by the creative chef--seasonings have to be individually adjusted and adapted. Teens & Trust is also supposed to be an alarm clock--to wake you up to possibilities you might otherwise have overlooked. We tried to be (often painfully) frank when we 'blew it.' We hope this encourages our readers to do the same and to be aware that it is often the misstep or missed opportunity that becomes the greatest source of insight if pain and disappointment are not allowed to divert us from the lesson to be learned.

Finally, working with teenagers is rewarding. Building a trust relationship that allows us to promote Jewish values in their lives is a rare and exhilarating privilege.

Also available:

Teaching Jewishly - ISBN 1934527068
Apples and Oranges: Judaism and the World's Religions Text Book - ISBN 1934527092

Torah Aura Productions publishes books for Jewish schools and families that help celebrate our heritage and our faith.

We have over 25 years of experience as the leading creator of high quality educational materials that enable Jewish children to become empowered Jewish adults.

Our books guide and enhance the Jewish knowledge, spirituality and identity of children and their families, and our innovative tools bring Judaism alive in synagogues, Hebrew schools, and day schools.

Torah Aura Productions was founded in 1981 by a group of innovative Jewish educators who looked out at the field of Jewish education and found materials that were shallow and dull. They started a company to create new tools for families and teachers that would be exciting and meaningful. For more than two decades, Torah Aura has revolutionized the way Jewish schools enable their students to become empowered Jewish adults, and has helped families make Judaism a meaningful presence in their homes.

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