Youth Group

Temple Beth-El’s youth group is all about building friendships, celebrating Jewish life, and making a difference in the world. Open to all Jewish teens in Ithaca, our youth group creates a fun and welcoming environment where teens can gather, play, and take action on issues that matter. Whether you're looking for a tight-knit Jewish friend group, a space to explore your Jewish identity, or opportunities to make an impact, our youth group has something for you.  

 What We Do:

• Monthly Game Nights: A staple of the TBE teen program, our monthly game nights are a chance to relax, have fun, and hang out with friends 

• Shabbat Gatherings: Join us in the L’Mala lounge for teen onegs on Fridays, kiddush on Saturday mornings, and havdalah celebrations on Saturday nights!

• Holiday Celebrations: from dinner in the Sukkah to planning the annual Purim carnival, we celebrate together  

• Immersive Experiences: sleepovers, regional events, weekend retreats, field trips, outdoor adventures, and more!  

• Social Justice Initiatives: teens take the lead in their own community service projects and advocacy efforts  

• …and more!

L’Mala Lounge

The TBE youth lounge (affectionately nicknamed the L’Mala Lounge, לְמַעלָה meaning both “upstairs” and “upwards”) is the main gathering space for the TBE teen community. It is a constantly evolving space designed to reflect the unique personalities of our community – every year, each Midrasha cohort will create a plaque for the L’Mala Lounge, and graduating seniors are encouraged to “make their mark” on the walls. We are currently working on a new mural design for the L’Mala Lounge – submit your ideas here!

The L’Mala Lounge is always open to our teens, and kept stocked with snacks, games, and cozy pillows and blankets. Members of our teen community should always feel welcome to visit the L’Mala Lounge, even when there is no formal programming.