The Federation is proud to partner with OpenDor Media – Unpacked for Educators and our community’s Jewish youth serving organizations to offer a meaningful afternoon for teens, including a teen-only learning session and a Resource Fair that parents are also invited to attend.
This Afternoon’s Opportunities
Our Story, Our Future: Exploring Your Connection to Israel
Presented in partnership with OpenDor Media – Unpacked for Educators led by Alex Harris, Senior Educator and Projects & Partnerships Lead
In this dynamic, interactive session, teens will explore their personal connection to Israel and Jewish peoplehood through a creative vision board activity. Teens will reflect on the ideas, values, and narratives that shape their relationship with Israel and express them visually, drawing from a wide range of Jewish thought and perspectives.
About the Facilitator
Alex Harris brings deep expertise in Judaic studies, curriculum design, and student engagement. Before joining Unpacked for Educators, he worked in conflict education at The iCenter for Israel Education. He holds a master’s in education and human development from George Washington University, a Bachelor’s in Judaic Studies and International Studies from the University of Michigan, and received semicha from Rabbi Brovender.
Alex is a member of the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center’s International Interfaith Diplomacy Fellowship, meeting and learning with religious leaders around the world. He was recognized by Jewish Chicago—JUF and YLD’s “36 Under 36” for his leadership and volunteerism, and his writing has appeared in Tradition Magazine, The Tel Aviv Review of Books, and The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. At Unpacked for Educators, Alex leads major initiatives and partnerships with federations and educational organizations, develops Judaism Unpacked content, and supports schools and educators nationwide—especially in Chicago.
Teen Resource Fair
Immediately following the learning session, teens and parents are invited to explore a vibrant Teen Resource Fair featuring local Jewish programs, leadership opportunities, engagement, education, and travel opportunities, and community resources. This fair offers teens and parents the chance to discover new pathways for involvement, meet inspiring organizations, and find meaningful ways to stay connected throughout the year.
Sundae Bar and Silent Raffles!
Come enjoy a Bruester’s Sundae bar and win prizes like Pirates tickets, gift cards, airpods and adult Legos at our silent raffles! Teens participating in the Our Story, Our Future session will receive bonus entries.
Please remember to bring your student ID for the “Our Story, Our Future: Exploring Your Connection to Israel” session (if your school provides one) and your photo ID for the Teen Resource Fair.
Bags are subject to security check. In order to provide an environment of mutual respect, Jewish Federation reserves the right to reject signs, banners or other materials deemed provocative or posing a safety risk. Please see our Audience Agreement of Conduct.
AUDIENCE AGREEMENT OF CONDUCT
Respectful speaking and listening are essential, even though there may be widely differing opinions present. This is rooted in a core Jewish value: Derech eretz kadmah l’Torah, proper conduct precedes the Torah. Please engage in mutual respect, even in the midst of a heated argument. Verbal and/or nonverbal attempts to interrupt or disturb the program, as well as uncivil behavior directed toward speakers, other members of the audience and/or program organizers may result in removal from the premises and affect participation in future Federation programs.
Planning Committee
Dean Assef, JCC Of Greater Pittsburgh, Community Shaliach
Grant Halasz, Temple Ohav Shalom, Director of Ruach and Youth Engagement
Steph McFerron, Temple Emanuel of South Hills, Torah Center Director & Temple’s Event Coordinator
Jenna Robbins, JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, Jewish Teen Life Coordinator
Marissa Tait, Congregation Beth Shalom, Director of Youth Programs
Teen Resource Fair Participating Organizations
Community Day School
GIFT – Giving It Forward Together
HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir
Student to Student (STS)
Unified Religious School
National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh
Congregation Beth Shalom
Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh
The Beacon
Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh
BBYO
Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh
Jewish Scholarship Service
The Second Floor Teen Center
Upstreet
StandWithUs High School
Film Pittsburgh, Teen Screen
Pittsburgh Young Judaea
CTeen Pittsburgh