Teen Travel at CBI
Have Values, Will Travel…
Once they hit High School, CBI teens (Religious School students and unenrolled teens alike) have the chance to pack their bags, stay up way too late bonding, and put their ethics into action with social justice-focused trips across the nation. Our CBI clergy, staff, and expert lay leaders (in conjunction with organizations like the Religious Action Center and Tzedek America ) arrange these life changing adventures each year for students in grades eight through twelve. While the destinations change each year, the community service and community building does not.
Recent years have seen our students
- Learning about immigrant justice at the Arizona/Mexico border
- Investigating Jewish history and impact in New York City
- Exploring wraparound support for unhoused communities in Los Angeles
- Lobbying their congressional representatives in Washington, DC
- Pursuing environmental activism in San Francisco
- and honoring historical struggles and ongoing work toward civil rights in Alabama and Mississippi.
Finances should never be a barrier for CBI members and families who are investing in their child’s Jewish education. With the generous support of the Roscoe and Debra Nelson and the Rosenfeld Family, we are able to offer scholarship support to families in our social justice travel for teens. If you are interested in receiving scholarship, please indicate this when you enroll or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to inquire.
Teen travel at CBI is open to all CBI teen members, regardless of their enrollment in Religious School programming.
5786 has seen our ninth graders studying social justice in Los Angeles, our eleventh and twelfth graders learning environmental stewardship in the bay area, and—unforunately—our tenth grade trip to Washington, DC cancelled due to weather. An eighth and ninth grade Coastal Shabbaton is on the horizon, and we’ll have details on travel in 5787 soon…
Shabbaton at the Coast
for 8th and 9th Grade
Postponed; please reach out with questions
Join CBI staff for a coastal Shabbaton! Rain or shine (or both… within the same half hour… this is the Oregon coast after all), students will enjoy games, treks, and build community at a BB Camp. You’ll celebrate Shabbat with sand between your toes, learn the culture and history of the Grand Ronde people, solidify friendships beyond our campus, and get a fun sneak peek at all the excitement and adventure that CBI travel can offer in their high school years.
$180; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
You do not need to be enrolled in CBI’s Religious School to participate in this program.
Social Justice in Los Angeles
for 9th Grade
Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7
CBI ninth graders joined Tzedek America for an immersive exploration of Los Angeles, weaving together vibrant Jewish life, iconic city landmarks, and a deep dive into the social issues shaping the city today. They connected with local changemakers—from community organizers to small business owners—and saw firsthand how people are building resilience and creating change. Along the way, they enjoyed the energy of places like Venice Beach and Hollywood while exploring what justice, identity, and community look like in real life.
L’Taken in Washington, D.C.
for 10th Grade
Friday, January 23 – Monday, January 26 - Cancelled due to weather
L’taken is an annual program in our nation’s capital that goes beyond the tourist sites (though students hit those too), empowering teens to advocate for the issues that truly matter to them, including Israel, the environment, reproductive rights, LGBTQ civil rights, church/state separation, international relations, and more. This is an integral part of the Confirmation class and experience for all 10th graders.
Environmental Justice in the Bay Area
for 11th and 12th Grades
Friday, February 6- Sunday, February 8
Our three-day journey through Northern California explored where environmental justice, Indigenous land stewardship, and sustainable food systems converge. Students engaged directly with the land—restoring habitats, supporting wildlife conservation, and learning from Indigenous leaders reclaiming and protecting ancestral territory. Guided hikes, farm-based learning, and community conversations revealed how environmental policy intersects with systemic inequality, and how food justice fuels cultural survival. Rooted in Jewish values and a shared commitment to justice, this immersive experience deepened understanding of the ties between people, land, and sustainability, sparking action toward a more equitable future.
