Baltimore’s Jewish Teens Speak Out
What’s on the mind of Jewish teens these days?
We asked three high schools students who participate in 4Front programs, managed by the JCC. Check out these powerful essays that explore antisemitism, Jewish engagement, the election and more.
Caleb Kurlantzick, 10th grade, Friends School
The Jewish community’s biggest enemies are themselves. The polarization within denominational Judaism has become incredibly heated over issues like the war in Gaza and the Presidential election.
I have watched this year as my family has completely splintered. My cousins turned into enemies based on who they voted for. Fellow congregants, whom my parents used to talk to every time we went to synagogue, became strangers.
Instead of splintering over our opinions, we need to join together. Jews need to be working together, fighting antisemitism and making sure our religious freedoms are protected. Instead, our enemies have created divisions in the Jewish community.
While it is ok to disagree with someone, we as Jews have so much more in common. Instead of worrying about a neighboring synagogue that doesn’t support Israel’s offensive in Gaza, we should be working with that synagogue to give Jews a space to express their opinions safely, whether or not your synagogue supports the belief.
I believe that if we work together, we can successfully fight antisemitism, preserve the Holocaust story and express our differing opinions in a safe space.
However, if we let our divisions control our behavior, and let one differing opinion alienate us, the Jewish people are in for a long next few years.
Eliana Esakoff, 10th grade, Pikesville High School
Currently in the United States expressions of antisemitism are at an all-time high. Antisemitism has seemed to manifest itself online and in person with discriminatory comments, creating a sense of insecurity for me and others.
I have personally been the target of this form of ignorance and insensitivity. I have seen my peers debate with others who have different perspectives on the conflicts going on in Israel and the territories around it. The harassment has greatly impacted the world I am currently living in. Judaism is a religion where you learn, unite and celebrate holidays significant to your family and your beliefs, not full of hatefulness and conflict.
In 2023 my sense of belonging seemed to be lost on October 7th. I was anxious, confused and upset. I know I was not the only one.
Since then, I have proudly worn my Star of David and have had the opportunity to surround myself with numerous Jewish networking/support groups. Actions that have built my sense of resilience and identity exposing myself to more Jewish history and cultural activities. Holding my Judaism in my heart forever and always.
We Will Dance Again.
Zachary Abramson, 11th grade, Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
My Jewish generation is one of the most significant Jewish generations in a long time. With the emergence of new technologies and lifestyles, my generation must take on the responsibility of upholding the Jewish values our ancestors fought to maintain. Yet, with the advancements of social media and other new digital innovations, how truly realistic is this?
From personal experience, I’ve come to realize many Jewish teenagers feel connected to their Judaism through two significant aspects, their grandparents and Israel. However, an issue arises: if a teen goes to shul exclusively to please their grandparent, what happens when that pressure is no longer being applied? Jewish teens lose their connection with Judaism, as their Jewish influences dwindle. Once a teen becomes disconnected, they feel no desire to uphold the Jewish values they were taught.
I feel that maintaining engagement among Jewish teens is our biggest issue. Despite this, however, I believe we can still spark this connection easily.
Many believe social media poses a threat to Jewish teenage connection, but I disagree. I feel social media can be a great tool to enhance Jewish connection. Even short videos making jokes about common Jewish practices can make a Jewish teen feel connected.
As the world becomes more and more advanced, Jewish teenagers are going to find new and creative ways to maintain the values we’ve had for thousands of years.
4Front is the Baltimore Jewish Community’s comprehensive teen initiative, managed by the Jewish Community Center (JCC) and supported by The Associated, the Jim Joseph Foundation, the Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds and other local donors.
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing List
Add Impact to Your Inbox
Sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing List
Please Wait while we loading your video.