This newsletter is now in its fourth installment, and we’ve received much positive feedback about the role it has played in enhancing our communication and connection with a vital part of the BBYO family—you, our parents. During this time of uncertainty brought on by the spread of COVID-19, I’m grateful to have this platform through which to directly reaffirm the commitment we have—and have always had—to put the safety, health, and well-being of our teens above all else. We’ve set up a response page with information about local events, summer programs, and best practices and we invite you to take a look and reach out to us with any additional questions.
Read MoreHuman beings like certainty. We are hard-wired to want to know what is happening when and to notice things that feel threatening to us. When things feel uncertain or when we don’t generally feel safe, it’s normal to feel stressed. This very reaction, while there to protect us, can cause all sorts of havoc when there is a sense of uncertainty and conflicting information around us.
Read MoreAs communities seek to lower the impact of COVID-19, many families are spending a lot of time at home with their kids. One great way to pass time with your little ones is to read PJ Library books! Here are other ideas for ways to stay busy and have fun at home.
Read MoreAs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, adults, children and teens are trying to make sense of what the outbreak means for their families and communities. Those with anxiety disorders may feel more worry than usual.
Read MoreJewish tradition offers rich, accessible, and time-tested resources to cope with moments like these. The Institute for Jewish Spirituality, which has pioneered the development and teaching of Jewish mindfulness practices for over 20 years, is here for you now. We are offering the following resources to our community:
Read MoreA virus that has spread across the globe, coupled with breaking news accessible to us at any time, has made many of us worried. It can be hard to stay calm when there is fear and unease in the media, stories of self-quarantines, and shortages of sanitizing products. Many people are feeling anxious, even if they rarely experience anxiety.
Read MorePeople of all ages are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus, and teenagers, as a group, tend to experience emotions especially intensely. If you are raising, teaching or otherwise caring for an adolescent who is feeling very nervous about it, here are five things you can do.
Read MoreWith cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) appearing across the globe, many synagogues and their communities are feeling uneasy or even fearful. However, because this outbreak is changing, we strongly urge clergy, lay leadership, and community members to keep themselves well-informed.
Read MoreWith the input of our leading Rabbis, and with the guidance of our team of infectious disease specialists of the highest caliber, this section contains updates regarding significant statements and policies provided by the Orthodox Union. This resource will be updated as circumstances evolve, with the latest up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Read MoreProfessionals working in Jewish settings have raised a number of questions in response to COVID-19 as they seek concrete answers as to how best to proceed with programming and gathering, policies for staff and students, and ensuring that learners can thrive. At this time, most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Reported illnesses due to infection with COVID-19 have ranged from mild to severe. While many patients experience mild illnesses, it is still critical that we take all precautions to protect members of our community who may be at greater risk.
Read MoreTo help you prioritize your community’s health, safety, and spiritual wellbeing, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources that is being updated as additional resources become available.
Read MoreWe are compiling school-related guidance on how Jewish Day School, Congregation, JCC, Early Childhood, and independent settings are responding and planning in their communities. Please use the sub-menu above to access each of our main sections.
Read MoreWhen teachers talk about ensuring that students feel safe and supported, we usually focus on what can be done in the physical school environment. Before the school year starts, we create welcoming hallways and make our classrooms warm and comfortable. During the first few days of school, we establish clear expectations for behavior and engage students in community-building activities to ensure that they feel safe, respected, and valued.
Read MoreThe recent outbreak and spread of Covid-19 has sparked a lot of challenging emotions for teens and adults: anxiety, worry, fear, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility for the community. Many of us are asking: how can I keep myself healthy? What are my responsibilities for keeping the people around me healthy? What personal boundaries do I need to set in order to protect myself? How do I deal with all the fear and uncertainty?
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When all you do is look at your phone and scroll through the news updates, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the fear and panic that is gripping the world around COVID-19 AKA coronavirus.
It can feel scary at times, and it’s frustrating to feel helpless, so take a deep breath, wash your hands, and try doing these six things:
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