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Look at our registration page for the Senior Prom!
Who We Are
Senior Teen Joy is an intergenerational program founded by three teens Zach, Benji, and Brianna. The idea first came to life one afternoon in Hebrew school, as we were reflecting on how we could give back and make our community a better place. We thought about the people in our neighborhoods who may not have family close by, who might feel alone, but who still deserve a space to gather, connect, and celebrate life.
That’s when we realized: what if we created something that brought seniors and teens together? A place where generations could meet, share stories, laugh, and simply have fun. That dream became Senior Teen Joy.
From the beginning, our mission has been clear to create programs that are meaningful for seniors and exciting for teens. We want to honor Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world), chesed (kindness), and kibud ziknei yisrael (honoring our elders) in real, hands-on ways. Every event we host reflects those traditions while also making room for joy, creativity, and friendship.
Building Memories Together
Over the past year, we’ve hosted special gatherings that show just how magical it can be when teens and seniors come together:
At our Hamantaschen Bake-Off, we laughed, baked, and shared stories across generations while celebrating Purim in the sweetest way possible. Seniors taught teens their favorite family recipes, and teens added new twists together, we baked more than cookies, we baked memories.
During our story-sharing nights, teens sat with elders to listen to their life experiences from childhood memories to lessons learned through years of wisdom. These conversations gave teens a deeper appreciation for history and heritage, while seniors were reminded of the value of their voices.
At holiday celebrations, we’ve played games, sung songs, and created crafts that connect to Jewish traditions. Whether it’s lighting the menorah together, preparing food, or sharing blessings, these moments bring everyone closer.
Why It Matters
For teens, Senior Teen Joy is so much more than community service hours. It’s an opportunity to develop empathy, respect, and leadership skills, while building real friendships with people they might not otherwise meet. For seniors, our programs provide companionship, purpose, and a reminder that their stories and wisdom matter deeply to the next generation.
Most of all, Senior Teen Joy is about fun. The kind of fun that comes from laughter, from dancing together at a party, from tasting a cookie fresh out of the oven, or from hearing a story that stays with you long after the night is over.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
Our vision is to keep growing to bring more teens and seniors together across Long Island and beyond. We want to host bigger events, deepen our partnerships with synagogues and community centers, and create new traditions while keeping old ones alive. Our dream is that Senior Teen Joy becomes a model for what happens when generations don’t just live side by side, but live with each other, as friends and as family.
Our vision is to keep growing to bring more teens and seniors together across Long Island and beyond. We want to host bigger events, deepen our partnerships with synagogues and community centers, and create new traditions while keeping old ones alive. Our dream is that Senior Teen Joy becomes a model for what happens when generations don’t just live side by side, but live with each other, as friends and as family.
At Senior Teen Joy, we believe every connection is sacred. Every smile, every shared story, every act of kindness makes the world a brighter place. And this is just the beginning.
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