Yom Limmud, which translated means ‘Day of Study,’ is an annual CAJE-organized program held at Solomon Schechter Day School to teach teens more about their Jewish faith. Late last month, more than 200 teens from all across the St. Louis area attended 20 different classes geared toward eighth through 12th graders.

The “YouTube and the Jewish You” class focused on tzedakah, or charitable giving. The class started off with a video of two girls who go to Kentucky Fried Chicken. They ordered too much food and when they are done, they throw the food in the trash. Then, a guy comes around with a trash bag and collects all the leftover food from the trash and brings it to Africa. After he brings the food, the families in Africa hold hands and pray, then happily dig in. The video left the teens speechless. They started to realize that they shouldn’t complain about things like not liking their dinner because half eaten food is a blessing to teens in parts of Africa and other countries where much of the population lives below poverty level.

“Seriously Funny: Thoughts on Jewish Humor” proved to be a hit with the teens as Craig Neuman, director of programming at the Jewish Community Center, told jokes aimed at this age group. He spoke about how Jewish stereotypes, such as appearance, intelligence and stinginess, were turned into jokes.

Why do men stomp on a wine glass at their wedding?

It’s the last time they’ll put their foot down.

Students laughed at stereotypical jokes about Jewish noses and parsimony.

Why do Jews have such large noses?

Because air is free.

While these jokes might seem amusing among Jews, what if a non-Jew told this joke? Would it be funny then? Neuman asked. Is it funny when one stereotypes his or her own people? he continued.

Teens giggled, guffawed and sometimes squirmed in their seats at uncomfortable jokes. But they seemed to get the point that certain jokes can perpetuate stereotypes that can be hurtful and off-putting.

Fitness instructor Danna Albright led teens in a girls-only class of “Yoga and Body Image.” Through dynamic and posed stretches, she taught students that God did not create an ugly body.

Students were instructed to close their eyes and imagine their body and then a perfect body. In a series of intense movements and reaches, Albright guided the girls in the “Warrior” pose. Reaching and focusing, girls bent one of their knees and extended both arms into open space while gazing at one spot across the room to find balance. At the end, everyone left with an uplifting thought: be thankful for who you are, and do not try to change, because God did not create an ugly body.

“Reality TV: Selling Your Soul” discussed the values of Judaism when watching TV. After watching video clips of reality TV shows such as “Survivor,” “Super Sweet Sixteen,” “Moment of Truth” and “Big Brother,” the teens were asked, “If you won the lottery, would you keep it a secret or put the news out on TV?”

“I never realized what values were being violated on reality TV shows. Now when I watch, I will think about what is happening. It gave me a new look on reality TV,” said Heather Dubman, a freshman at Pattonville High School.

Added Parkway South freshman Lexie Zimmerman, “I learned that you should be careful about what you put online because it could be offensive to others.”

Young Jewish music fans took the class, “Jewish Rockers and Rappers,” which focused on Jewish rapper Matisyahu. After learning about his background, they listened to his music and related it to his Jewish faith. One of the songs they listened to was “Jerusalem.”

“Jews in Sports and Competition” tested teens on their opinions about Jewish athletes. Each described what a Jewish athlete looked like. Some teens drew big noses on their athletes and some even drew yarmulkes on them. Then, after presenting their thoughts, they learned how much of an impact Jews have had on American sports history.

“It’s Not Just a Summer Job” was geared toward future camp counselors. Instructors used the acronym WESTI to teach the teens how to make campers comfortable in their new environment: Warm smile, Eye contact, Shake hands, Tell them how you feel, and Introduce them to someone else. Participants took turns role-playing to demonstrate what to do in different situations. Finally the class talked about long-term effects these skills will give these counselors.

“Can Madonna be Jewish?” focused on the backgrounds people need to have to be Jewish. For instance, if your mom is Jewish, you’re born Jewish.

In “Jews, Booze and Tattoos,” teens discussed drinking, tattoos and piercings. The classroom was set up with signs at all the corners of the room. A situation would be described and they would pick “agree” or “disagree” and defend their choice.

“Topics that are hugely debated throughout society were talked about through Jewish ideals and customs. The conversations showed me all of the different views of tattoos and alcohol through a Jewish teenager’s perspective,” said Ethan Lang, a sophomore at Parkway North High School.

Special teen report

Jennifer Rubin and Haley Abramson are members of the Jewish Light’s Ohr Chadash Teen Page staff. Ohr Chadash is published the second week of each month from September to May.