In the midst of a full year of learning focused on immigration, CBST’s Teen Track spent a long weekend in Arizona, learning first-hand about immigration at the US southern border. This trip was an important piece of the arc of the year’s learning about both Jewish and non-Jewish stories of immigration, from every generation, through the stories of people coming to the US today and the barriers they face. 

During the trip, the CBST Teen Track cohort (and the cohort from Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, our partners on the journey!) visited the border crossing in Nogales, learned about the coyotes and smugglers trafficking vulnerable people and drugs across the border from Mexico to the US, and spent time with the folks working to support immigrants at People Helping People in Arivaca.

On a 97-degree day, we walked in the desert and left bottles of water for those who might need it, and heard stories about Americans living close to the Arizona border who keep backpacks of supplies – including water, extra socks, antibiotic ointment, and food – ready to give to immigrants seeking safety.

Plan to join us for Shabbat on March 27, when some of the teens will share reflections about their experiences. 

Is there a kid in your family who isn’t in a Jewish educational program yet? CBST’s Limmud program (1st-6th grade) and Teen Track (post-B*Mitzvah through high school graduation) welcome new students every year! Contact Amelia Bienstock for more information or to start a conversation.