This is where it gets really, really interesting. Your children are in high school at a time when youth of this particular age group have never felt more empowered and independent. They all have cell-phones, thousand-dollar wardrobes, and all of the coolest new video games. And besides all of that, they are the most over-programmed generation in human history. They each are constantly bombarded by literally hundreds of daily influences ranging from what it means to be “cool” to what college are they going to attend (sometimes 3 or years down the line). And with all of this going on in their lives, there really seems to be very little room left for Jewish Youth Group right?

Well … I say wrong! You have no idea how important something like BATY can be to a high school student in this generation. Amidst an overwhelmingly secular society BATY, and NFTY can provide these kids with a more casual and laid back social outlet that allows them to simply be themselves, and if they want they can explore what it means to be Jewish at this point in their lives. BATY is a huge part of Temple Beth Am, because to an extent it is the immediate representation of what this generation is capable of achieving within and outside of the Temple grounds.

BATY is a social network, but it is also a leadership development course. BATY is a youth run organization that truly thrives on the fact that it is as such. At this point I am only here to guide them along the way … it truly is up to them as to where they end up going with it. In the past BATY has been a cornerstone of the youth movement in this region of the country. And we have every intention of continuing to aim high, making this group even stronger and more fun than ever before. Beyond that, BATY is committed to being an active component of Temple Beth Am, constantly giving back to the overall community and participating in social action projects in the outside world. This is the chance of a lifetime for these kids. Don’t let it pass them by. Encourage them to attend events … help them find the time. It really will make a difference.

BATY (Beth AM Temple Youth)
BATY is Temple Beth Am, Framingham, MA's senior youth group and is open to all Jewish teens in grades 9-12 in the local community. BATY strives to provide an outlet for Jewish teens to connect to their Judaism through friendship, informal education and tons of fun. Guided by the leadership of the BATY Board which meets twice a month and guidance of the BATY advisor, BATY events generally occur once a month. BATY has a strong commitment to both the local and temple community, and incorporates social action into its programming on a regular basis.

What should I expect as a member of BATY?
Local Events are almost always planned for BATY members. Past events have included cosmic bowling, Shabbat services, snow tubing, shul-ins, concerts, trips to Boston, and much more.

Levi Leap
This is one of the country's biggest youth group events! BATY hosts over 600 teens from all over the northeast region every fall for a dance that kicks off the year for the region. Levi Leap is a huge success due to the support of the Temple Beth Am Community.

Institutes
These are regional events which are run by the NFTY-Northeast board and other appointed leaders. They are held at URJ Eisner Camp, and occur three times a year (in the summer, December and February).

Get your applications for NFTY-NE December Institute, and the general application forms for the Temple Beth Am scholarship.

Regional Events
Regionals are events that BATY is invited to, but are planned by other youth groups in the region. These include fall and spring conclavettes (full weekend events), shul-ins (one-night sleepover) and dances (followed by regional board meetings which are held the next morning, occurring four times a year).

Social Action
Always a huge part of BATY. As Jews, we are commanded to help with acts of Tikkun olam (repairing the world). BATY has held clothing and recycling drives, as well as educational programs to learn more about how we can help others in our community and make the world a better place.

BATY Board
This unique experience is where BATY members get together and plan all of BATY's activities. Along with the guidance of the BATY advisor, the BATY board emphasizes on leadership development and peer mentorship, and is a great way to get involved and share your ideas to make a difference.