Raising Jewish teens today presents unique challenges as they face increasing antisemitism, particularly on college campuses and in public spaces. Addressing these issues requires proactive guidance and a focus on preparation. In this discussion with Beth H. Goldmith, local parents Mindy Silverman, Amy Uddeme and Ryan Lene share their perspectives on raising teens in a post-October 7 world, especially as we prepare them for college. 

When scoping out potential schools, it’s important to evaluate the Jewish support networks students will have access to on campus. 

“When we went this fall looking at schools, we visited the Hillel houses, which I never would’ve thought of years ago. We saw the Hillel and the activity and what they were like, and that added a lot of impact,” Ryan shared. 

All three parents emphasized the need to balance pride in Jewish identity with situational awareness. Encouraging teens to express their heritage while being mindful of their surroundings helps them navigate a world where antisemitism is a concern. 

“We were in New York City with our younger sons and walked by accident by a protest outside of Columbia, right in the thick of all of it,” Amy recalls. “It was definitely something I talked with my sons about afterwards.” 

Despite the divisiveness in the world, we can all agree that building resilience, fostering dialogue and maintaining strong connections within the community can help prepare teens to face antisemitism with confidence.