Growing into their Greatness

WBTY Wednesday

Once a Month

Irmas Campus

Once a month, teens can take a break from their busy week to enjoy an evening of connection and fun. With dinner, basketball, space to do homework, and meaningful conversations during Ask the Rabbi, WBTY Wednesday provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where they can unwind, laugh, and bond with friends and clergy.

Resnick Family Campus

Each month features a rotating selection of hands-on electives, allowing teens to explore their interests, whether it’s cooking, art, sports, current events, or conversations with clergy. These evenings bring together peers with shared passions for food, fun, and community. Every gathering offers something new.

BBYO at Wilshire

Glazer Campus

Sundays, twice a month, 12:30–2 PM

Irmas Campus

Wednesdays, once a month, 6–8 PM

Wilshire’s BBYO chapter is part of an international, teen-led movement that nurtures leadership, friendship, and Jewish pride. Through regular meetings and regional events, teens gain hands-on leadership experience, plan creative programs, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

Madrichim Program

Available at all campuses on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons at the Resnick Family Campus

Teens can make a difference in the lives of younger students as teaching assistants in our Religious School classrooms. Madrichim support K–6 students, assist teachers, and develop leadership and mentoring skills. This is a paid position (or can count toward community service). Application and acceptance required. Email szacky@wbtla.org to apply.

Confirmation Program

This meaningful milestone invites teens to take the next step in their Jewish journey. Confirmation requires participation in at least one other WBTY offering (such as WBTY Wednesday, Madrichim, or the AJU Jewish Learning Experience), along with four Confirmation-specific gatherings. The year concludes with a celebratory service on the bimah on May 30, 2026.

Jewish Teen Leadership Institute

Coming 2026

JTLI is a new, selective, immersive leadership experience for current Grade 8 students (entering Grade 9 in Fall 2026), who are eager to grow as Jewish leaders, deepen their sense of purpose, and make meaningful change in the world around them today and into the future.

AJU Jewish Learning Experience Course

For the 2025–2026 school year, students can enroll in JST 313: Introduction to the History, Culture, and People of Israel through the AJU College in the High School program. This asynchronous college-level course includes eight in-person discussion sessions led by Rabbi Ashley Berns-Chafetz. Students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher earn three undergraduate credits and the course counts toward Confirmation.

Love & Relationships (Grades 9-10)

This weekend retreat supports teens in exploring the complexities of relationships, consent, intimacy, and communication through open, honest discussion. Facilitated by trained sex educator Rachel Waltuch, this trusted program is consistently described as “life-changing.” Participants walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves, their boundaries, and what it means to build healthy, respectful relationships.