Jewish Youth Organizations Partner to Promote Positive Messages About Judaism Through Creative Teen Initiatives

Worldwide—BBYO, JSU, USY, Young Judaea, and NFTY announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reshaping the narrative about Judaism in public schools and communities nationwide. The organizations are partnering to elevate the visibility of Jewish traditions and culture and encourage more thoughtful and empathetic conversations within high schools and communities across North America through a series of innovative projects led by teens.

In celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the first of these initiatives is a poster design contest geared toward high school students. Launched this week, the contest invites teen artists in 8th–12th grade to create and submit artwork that reflects the positive and inspiring aspects of Jewish religion and culture and shares warm wishes to the diverse communities in which they live. The winning design will be prominently displayed in public schools across the country, serving as a symbol of Jewish pride and community spirit. The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 grant to be used toward college tuition or a gap year in Israel. Second and third-place winners will also receive prizes, and there will be several runner-up acknowledgments. 

“Our mission with this partnership is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Jewish traditions and values among young people and the broader community,” said Matt Grossman, CEO of BBYO. “This contest not only gives Jewish teens a platform to express their creativity but also helps to spread a positive and inclusive message about Judaism at a time when many are shaping narratives—often erroneous ones—for us.” 

A survey of thousands of Jewish teens across North America conducted by BBYO earlier this year revealed that over 70% are facing harassment either in person or online. Furthermore, the proliferation of misinformation, antisemitic rhetoric, and violence has significantly affected the safety and mental health of many of these high school students. This new initiative seeks not only to empower Jewish teens to use creative expression and art to convey their experiences and emotions but also to foster positivity and pride, especially as the Jewish High Holiday season approaches.

Rabbi Micah Greenland, International Director of NCSY, parent organization of JSU, added, “Jewish teens have increasingly sought community and solidarity through Jewish youth programs. Since October 7, our programs have grown rapidly, as teens have felt isolated and ostracized within their school environments. We are excited to collaborate with BBYO, USY, Young Judaea, and NFTY on this project, and by showcasing the talents and perspectives of Jewish teens, we aim to enhance the visibility of Jewish culture and promote more informed and compassionate dialogue within our schools and communities."

Teen leaders are also voicing their support for the initiative. “I’m excited to see how the artwork created by teens like me can make a difference and show the beauty of our traditions,” said Ariella Ayenesazan, a recently graduated high school student who was an active member of BBYO and JSU. “So many of us have experienced bullying and discrimination simply for being Jewish. This contest will give us a chance to tell our own story, starting with wishes for a happy new year for all.”

The contest is open to all Jewish students in 8^th through 12^th grade, and submissions will be accepted until August 29. For more information on how to enter, including contest rules and guidelines, please visit jewishartcontest.com. 

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About BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. For 100 years, BBYO’s purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO‘s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), provide exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries around the world approaching its Centennial anniversary. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, a plethora of summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO’s programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values. For more information on BBYO, please visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”

About NCSY
NCSY, a trailblazer in engaging Jewish youth for more than 70 years, connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. NCSY inspires Jewish teens and their connection to Israel through informal Jewish education, retreats, and summer programs. NCSY empowers more than 32,000 teens, across six countries, through leadership development and guidance to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal.

About JSU
JSU is more than just a high school club. It is the only Jewish club on campus for Jewish teens in public school and, in the current environment, has become a beacon of Jewish pride. JSU provides a welcoming and vibrant Jewish community where teens learn and connect with each other, explore Jewish culture and history, and discover opportunities for deeper engagement. From just four clubs in Los Angeles in 2002, JSU has grown into a national network of over 390 clubs, transforming the high school experience for more than 20,000 students across North America every year.

About USY
USY is USCJ’s youth movement for Conservative Jewish teens across North America. For more than 70 years, USY has taught young Jews the values and skills they need to become exceptional leaders in their religious and secular communities. USY empowers youth to develop friendships, leadership skills, a sense of belonging to the Jewish People, and a commitment to inspired Jewish living through meaningful and fun experiences rooted in Conservative Judaism’s approach to learning, spiritual expression, and social responsibility. Through year round programming and domestic and international travel opportunities, USY inspires in teens a deep sense of pride in and love for their Jewish identity. To learn more, visit www.usy.org.

About Young Judaea
For over 115 years, Young Judaea has inspired Jewish youth of diverse backgrounds to become engaged leaders and inspired activists with a deep personal connection to Israel. Young Judaea does this through a robust arc of programs that include regional camps, a national teen camp, year-round programming, Israel immersive experiences, reunions, and summits/conferences.

About NFTY
NFTY is a movement that builds strong, welcoming, inspired communities through teen-powered engagement. Together, we pursue tikkun olam, personal growth, youth empowerment, and deep connections, all rooted in Reform Judaism.