Teen Center

The Teen Center trains and prepares the Jewish leaders of tomorrow, while building a vibrant and social teen Jewish community. Through leadership boards and skill building, social programs, speakers, advocacy, social action, religious engagement, education, event planning, and new friendships galore we instill in our teens a love for synagogue, community and Israel, the foundation for a strong Jewish identity, and the skills to lead the next generation.

Instagram Page

Chai School

Chai School is a post-b’nai mitzvah program that is a fun, immersive and engaging Jewish experience. Learn how to balance Judaism with your modern lifestyle and gain access to elite teachers and speakers in the LA Jewish world! This program is designed to teach all of the important skills a Jewish teen needs to thrive in today’s world.

AKLA (8th Grade)

AKLA (achla – adj. or interj. Awesome, excellent, great,) is a fellowship to connect Jewish teens after their Bnai Mitzvah at Sinai Temple with the greater Los Angeles Jewish community.

We will explore amazing achievements in technology, medicine and the arts; within the Jewish community.

Deadline to Sign Up September 21st, 2025

The David and Angella Nazarian Youth Leadership Program (9th and 10th Grade)

This fellowship is exclusively for incoming 9th and 10th graders, who are Sinai Temple members.

This teen fellowship consists of the following components.

Annual Seminar of “Complex Conversations:” Teens will engage with leaders from and learn with representatives from Zionist organizations, such as AIPAC, AJC, IAC, JNF-USA, and the Flesh Family Sinai Temple Israel Center.
VIP opportunities for Nazarian Fellows with special guests throughout the year
Conversations and experiences based on Jewish identity: “What does it mean to be Jewish in 2025? Where does Israel fit into your identity?
Immersive travel experience within the United States meeting other Jewish teens
Internship opportunities

Beren Scholars Program

The Beren Scholars Fellowship is a selective leadership seminar for 11th and 12th grade high school students designed to deepen your understanding of Israel, strengthen your Jewish identity, and equip you with the skills to navigate complex conversations—especially as you prepare for college.

Through dynamic sessions with educators, rabbis, and field experts, you’ll engage thoughtfully with history, current events, and the challenges facing Jewish communities today.

Past guests have included Rabbi David Wolpe, ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt, Jonah Platt from the Being Jewish Podcast, Ms. Iraq Sarah Idan, Oscar award winner Deborah Oppenheimer, social media star Eve Barlow and more.

Beren Scholars meet 11 times during the year along with a national summit hosted by Sinai Temple on MLK weekend, January 15-18th, 2027.

Oct. 11, Oct 25, Nov 8, Nov 22, Dec. 6, Jan 31, Feb 21, March 7, March 21, April 4, May 2

In-person National Leadership Summit, MLK Weekend, January 15-18 in Los Angeles

What our Beren Scholars will gain:

A deeper understanding of Israel and current events
Access to influential thought leaders and expert educators
Tools to respond to antisemitism
Confidence in navigating difficult conversations
Exposure to diverse perspectives
A national cohort of thoughtful peers
Preparation for Jewish life on campus

Who should apply:
Sinai Temple members entering 11th and 12th grade, who are curious, thoughtful, and ready to engage deeply with big questions about identity, Israel, and leadership.

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

Application

Teen Center Board 2025/2026

group of teens with thier hands over each other shoulders