Living in Vaudreuil and attending a non-Jewish high school has made it a bit more challenging for teens like Leah to connect with their Jewish identity.

“It’s not as easy for kids in public schools to understand Jewish values,” said Leah’s mom Elena Boguslavsky. “It is also difficult to raise kids with Jewish spirit and pride when you live so far away from the heart of the community.”

Elena was searching for an opportunity to surround her daughter with like-minded teens of the same heritage. A program that would teach her different aspects of Jewish life. One that would allow her to give back to community through volunteering and community activism.

Enter Rising Stars: Teen Zionist Initiative. The year-long program, conducted through Federation CJA’s Jewish Identity and Engagement Department (JIM), aims to empower students at non-Jewish day schools to stand up, speak up and show up as proud and resilient Jews. The nearly 30 participants in the program hear from inspiring guest speakers, including our cohort of Shinshinim, Israeli teens doing volunteer work in Jewish communities abroad. They also mark Jewish holidays and Shabbats together, along with taking part in community events.

“The Rising Stars program is a way of showcasing Federation CJA’s commitment to supporting our youth at non-Jewish day schools,” said Natana Shek, Federation CJA’s Chief Jewish Identity and Engagement Officer. “This educational program, unique to Montreal, is equipping teens with knowledge on the history of Israel as we develop resilient community leaders of tomorrow.”

With her daughter having once faced antisemitism herself during her elementary school years, Elena appreciates the value of her daughter learning how to speak up against hatred and misinformation.

“It’s a matter of teaching them to love their own people, to understand who we are and develop a strong connection to community,” said Elena. “It’s also about Hasbara and how to answer. I am hopeful this program will help them understand how to talk to people and stand as proud young Jews in difficult situations.”

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