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Values in Action
October 2026
| | Creating Ga'ava (pride) in Jewish Heritage for Today's Middle & High School Students | |
Middle and high school years can be challenging to navigate.
Jewish Silicon Valley is committed to serving as a launch pad and collaboration partner for today’s Jewish students - creating a safe and welcoming "third space" outside of home and school where teens can truly belong, build meaningful connections, and grow.
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Listening to What Teens Want &
Elevating Their Voices
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According to student testimonies and recent studies, teens are seeking opportunities for leadership development, as well as positive ways to share their culture with their non-Jewish circles.
The Jewish Silicon Valley Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) brings together 8th through 12th graders from diverse local schools, ensuring youth have a direct voice in shaping our offerings. TAC members gain hands-on leadership experience, advocate for key youth issues, and design innovative programs for their peers.
| Additionally, our Russian-Speaking Jewish Community offers a Jewish Leadership in Training program (JLIT) - nurturing leadership potential by equipping teens with essential volunteer experience, life skills, and confidence to lead. | | |
A standout success this past year was TAC taking full ownership of our middle school and high school dances, customizing every detail to create successful events that truly resonated with their peers.
Save the date for our next Teen Dance on March 6, 2027!
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Click here to follow
JSV Teens on Instagram
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Click here to email
TAC for more information
| | Collaborating to Improve Youth Experiences | | |
Jewish Silicon Valley's Community Grant program proudly funds important local organizations, including Hillel, BBYO, Club Z, and others doing tremendous work to support our Jewish teens and tweens.
Beyond grant support, we foster joint initiatives and active coordination among these groups to ensure a strong, unified ecosystem for our youth.
Together, we actively engage with college leadership and K–12 school administrators to strengthen mutual understanding, address emerging student concerns, and advocate passionately for Jewish students across the region.
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Ways for Your Teen or Tween
to Build Jewish Community
| | Our programs empower teens to explore their identity and heritage on their own terms - but of course, creating a sense of Jewish pride comes with a few staples. | | |
Maccabi for Teen Athletes | For more information, contact Christine “Willis” Williams at christinew@jvalley.org. | |
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As part of the world’s largest Jewish youth sporting event, Jewish Silicon Valley proudly supports Team San Jose in the JCC Maccabi Games.
It offers young athletes a unique opportunity to celebrate community through sports, connect with over 1,200 Jewish teens globally, and forge friendships rooted in shared experience.
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Jewish Teen & Tween Program Goodness
From monthly meet-ups to job and volunteer opportunities, our goal is to create fun, easy, welcoming spaces and places for you to connect.
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Career Launchpads & Safe Landings
Over 40% of our current camp and fitness staff are former APJCC campers and preschoolers who have grown into confident young leaders right on our campus.
We foster a family-like atmosphere and firmly believe when teens participate in our programs, they do more than build their resumes; they put foundational Jewish values like Kavod (respect) and Derech Eretz (integrity) into daily practice.
Pathways like the JLIT program, and employment at Camp Shalom and the APJCC Fitness & Swim center provide hands-on experience.
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Samantha Wigon
A Home Away from Home
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Sam cultivated a deep sense of connection through her years as a camper and staff member. Today, as a practicing attorney, she continues to visit campus regularly to work out, volunteer at events, and stay engaged with her community.
"The APJCC is my home away from home," Wigon shares. "It's a place where I feel safe to be myself."
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Kyle Friedman
Growing Up at the APJCC
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Kyle journeyed through the complete camper pipeline at Camp Shalom, serving as both a Leader-in-Training (LIT) and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) before joining our professional team as Youth and Camp Coordinator.
"The same place that shaped my childhood is now the place I help shape for the next generation," said Friedman.
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Keaton Wong
From Member to Staff Family
After a neighbor recommended the APJCC, Keaton progressed from a teen member to a key member of our fitness desk staff. Supported by staff who became like family, his journey shows how community connection builds leadership and creates an empowering environment.
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Blake Ostilly
Teen Advisory Committee (TAC)
Growing up at the APJCC as a Camp Shalom camper and JCC Maccabi Games athlete, Blake experienced firsthand the power of community. Today, Blake serves as the Committee Chair for the Teen Advisory Committee (TAC).
"I grew up at the APJCC," says Blake. "It's always been a place to feel connected, a place to socialize, a place to be active, and a second home."
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Invest in the Place They Call Home:
We are a home away from home where identity, leadership, and lifelong friendships take root.
Your support of the Annual Campaign ensures these opportunities remain strong and accessible for every generation.
When you invest in the Annual Campaign, you power:
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Connection & Joy: Inclusive cultural gatherings, teen meet-ups, and campus celebrations that foster authentic Jewish pride.
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Safety & Peace of Mind: Protecting our spaces so our youth can gather, learn, and lead without fear.
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Advocacy & Unity: Strengthening Jewish student advocacy across local schools, colleges, and the wider region.
| | | Jewish Silicon Valley | 14855 Oka Road | Los Gatos, CA 95032 US | | | | |
