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November 5, 2004/Cheshvan 21 5765, Vol. 57, No. 10
Youth opportunities grow in West Valley
STEPHANIE N. HENSCHEL
Staff Writer
Two new groups have emerged in recent weeks that aim to give the growing number of Jewish teens living in the burgeoning West Valley a place to socialize and learn about Judaism.
Gan Elohim Temple Youth (GETY) held an informational meeting Oct. 24. Several interested teens and parents attended, according to Sharon Kaplan, GETY adviser.
Kaplan and her husband, Jonathan, members of Temple Gan Elohim, wanted to get more involved in the community.
"There's no senior high school youth group on this side of town at all," Kaplan said. "A lot of eighth-graders are really interested and there's nothing for them."
Kaplan said her experience in NFTY, the North American Federation of Temple Youth, in El Paso, Texas, as well as time she spent as an adviser for United Synagogue Youth and B'nai B'rith Youth Organi-zation, was pivotal in the decision to start the program.
"My youth group experience is what made me how I am Jewish now," she said.
Her husband, who grew up in Stamford, Conn., has advised youth groups and worked for the University of Arizona Hillel Foundation.
GETY is affiliated with NFTY, a Reform Judaism youth program.
Members will meet once a month. A few events have been scheduled, but Kaplan thinks the first year will be the "feel-it-out year."
Chabad of the West Valley is expanding its youth program. Hai Chai Teens has been around for a couple years, but according to Chana Lew, youth adviser, the time has come for the group to grow.
Lew said West Valley teens feel somewhat isolated and are often not aware that other Jewish teens live in the area.
"The West Valley is probably different than other areas in the Valley because when you ask the kids if they know any other Jewish kids, they say, 'Oh no, I'm the only one,'" Lew said.
Both groups are open to any Jewish teen. Membership is not required.
GETY will hold an informa-tional meeting for parents 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at Mission Bell Church, 4645 W. Bell Road, Phoenix.
A kick-off event on Saturday, Nov. 13, will include Havdalah services, followed by a night at Jillian's at Desert Ridge. Call Sharon Kaplan, 623-544-3113.
Hai Chai teens will meet 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Castles and Coasters, 9445 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix. Registration is required for first event. Call Chana Lew, 602-375-2422.
Contact the writer here
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