Jewish Teenagers and their Engagement with JCCs

Publication Date: October 2007

Publisher: Florence G. Heller-JCC Association Research Center

Author(s): Steven M. Cohen; Lauren Blitzer

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Youth Engagement; Jewish Identification; Jewish Organizations; Social Patterns

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This study reports on a survey conducted in order to understand the behavior and patterns of Jewish teenagers associated with Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) on a frequent basis. JCCs engage this population from a variety of diverse points of involvement in the hopes of promoting the Jewish educational and identity development of these youth. The survey conducted identifies key interests, social engagement patterns and priorities of this cohort. The study concludes that Jewish teenagers who are involved in JCC programming have higher rates of Jewish engagement and are more socially engaged in society at large than their counterparts who do not frequent JCCs. The study is intended to promote policy implications for JCC teen programming.