Philadelphia, PA, May 20, 2025 – The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with the Center for Parent and Teen Communication (CPTC), is launching an innovative project to equip Jewish teens and families with the tools and strategies to navigate today’s complex mental health challenges. Led by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Dr. Ken Ginsburg, Founding-Director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication and a renowned expert in adolescent resilience, this initiative offers a science-backed approach to fostering family connections, promoting positive youth development, and building resilience rooted in eternal Jewish values.
“Resilience is the foundation for thriving in an ever-changing world, and this project empowers families with the tools to build it together,” said Dr. Ginsburg. “By integrating science-backed strategies with the values and traditions that anchor Jewish life, we’re helping parents and teens connect, communicate, and navigate challenges as a united front.”
The project addresses the concerning rise in mental health challenges among youth, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Recognizing the additional pressures Jewish teens face with rising antisemitism and identity-based challenges, the initiative seeks to empower parents with practical communication strategies and provide teens with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“This initiative is a timely response to the unique challenges facing Jewish families today as antisemitism rises in schools and on social media,” said Dr. Kelly Romirowsky, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at the Jewish Federation. “By combining the expertise of CPTC and the enduring values of Jewish tradition, we are creating a resource that will strengthen families and help prepare the next generation to thrive.”
The project offers educational videos, articles, and social media resources to equip families with practical strategies for building resilience and fostering effective communication. It also features interactive workshops and training sessions for parents, educators, and community leaders, alongside keynote presentations and learning sessions led by industry experts, tailored to the specific needs of Jewish families and communities.
This initiative, now underway, will include a centralized hub for parents and families to access comprehensive resources, communication tools, and support materials to strengthen Jewish families and communities across North America.
With a focus on core Jewish principles such as compassion (rachamim), justice (tzedakah), and repairing the world (tikkun olam), the initiative integrates cultural relevance with evidence-informed strategies to ensure meaningful impact. The initiative aims to engage thousands of families across North America. Families in Greater Philadelphia will benefit from in-person workshops to help foster unity and strengthen the Jewish community.
About the Center for Parent and Teen Communication (CPTC) CPTC, based within the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, is dedicated to helping parents raise teens prepared to thrive. By providing science-backed tools and strategies, CPTC fosters positive youth development and strong family connections. For more information, visit https://www.parentandteen.com.
About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the critical needs of the Jewish community in Greater Philadelphia, Israel, and around the world. For more information, visit https://jewishphilly.org