HABSTY Grades 8-12
Check out our socials: @hbhabsty on Instagram
Welcome to HABSTY, our youth group for those in grades 8-12! Join us for fun and exciting programming throughout the school year. HABSTY programs are peer-led by our teen board. Looking for leadership opportunities? HABSTY is the place! From weekly lounge nights, activities in the city, mitzvah fundraising and many more opportunities to meet new friends and hang with old ones. Tied to NFTY HABSTY members have the chance to attend NFTY weekends away and at home throughout the year. Join us! We look forward to an exciting year!
Sign up for HABSTY here: https://congregationconnect.tfaforms.net/f/HBTHABSTYTUAY
What does HABSTY stand for?
Holy Awesome Blossom Senior Temple Youth
Co-Presidents Abby Snider and JoJo Freedman-Lawson
Our names are JoJo Freedman-Lawson and Abby Snider, the new HABSTY presidents for 2025-2026. For years, we have been members and board members of HABSTY, and we can’t wait to demonstrate all the skills we’ve gained. We look forward to developing HABSTY into a more powerful and vibrant part of the Holy Blossom Community. This year will be packed with nights of fun and events that you won’t want to miss. Get excited!
Lounge Nights
Every Monday night from 8:00-9:00 pm, HABSTY meets in our youth lounge to hang out, play games and sometimes eat pizza. All are welcome!
In addition to Lounge nights, HABSTY comes together for events throughout the year.
Volunteer!
HABSTY also has the opportunity throughout the year to lead programs and events in the YEC for younger students and participate in leadership roles during congregational holiday events and services. Looking for volunteer hours? HABSTY is the perfect place!
NFTY
For those in grades 8, NFTY is the Youth movement of the URJ: Union for Reform Judaism. Our newly formed Canadian region gathers teens from all Reform congregations from Niagara Falls to Montreal.
Events for the 2025-2026 year are:
- Fall Kallah in Toronto: October 17-19, 2025
- Winter Kallah in Ottawa: February 2026
- Spring Kallah at camp (TBD): May 1-3, 2026
JYG (Grades 6-7)
Junior Youth Group gathers grades 6 and 7s together for fun activities and support during the Bnei Mitzvah years when peers really start to bond! A sample of what HABSTY will be like, JYG can look forward to various pizza lounge nights pre-Monday night school, and other activities throughout the year, including the Taste of Kensington tour, and more: https://congregationconnect.tfaforms.net/f/HBTJYGKO2025
Instagram: @HBT_JYG
YEAH (Grades 2-5)
YEAH is our youth group for grades 2 through 5. We are thrilled to be able to bring back more for this group in our upcoming school year. From Mitzvah Baking to magicians and pizza night, there is so much programming to look forward to! Enroll today to join in the fun: https://congregationconnect.tfaforms.net/f/HBTYEAHKOSEPT
Travel
We are excited to be able to plan for some overnight adventures this year. Teen Israel Trip:
March Break Teen Trip to Israel: March 12-22, 2026
Formerly known as our ‘Confirmation Israel Trip’, this teen trip is open to all students in grades 9-12. Perfect for a first-time visit or a return, this Israel experience includes the ‘must-sees’ like Masada, the Old City, Shuk Ha-Carmel and more, as well as opportunities to meet and engage with Israelis through volunteer opportunities, dialogue and more. This trip is in partnership with other GTA Reform congregations, allowing participants to deepen relationships with their Holy Blossom peers as well as creating new bonds with teens in our wider Reform Jewish community, making strong connections and lasting memories!
Contact Lisa Isen Baumal for information: [email protected]
Grade 8&9 Montreal trip: November 7-9, 2025
One of the highlights of the year will be our Montreal trip, an amazing way to explore a new city, connect with other Jewish teens, and grow your Jewish identity in a fun and meaningful way. We look forward to seeing all of you on this trip of a lifetime.
Contact Stephen Kalman to learn more: [email protected]
Grade 6&7 JYG Shabbaton October 24-25, 2025:
Join us at the YMCA camp for a Shabbaton of fun activities, both indoor and outdoor, bonding with new and old classmates and good snacks. HABSTY also attends this retreat as they plan for the year ahead and run activities for grades 6 and 7 participants. This Shabbaton is open to ALL students in grades 6&7.
Contact Lisa Isen Baumal for information: [email protected]
Volunteer Opportunities:
We will be updating this page throughout the year as new opportunities to gain volunteer hours come up.
Mitzvah Bakers
Open to all collecting hours, join us on the last Wednesday of each month for an evening of baking. Baked goods will be donated the day after through the Seeds of Hope charity, and to Out of the Cold. Join us in the kitchen!
Contact Stephen Kalman to join: [email protected]
Songleading
Are you a song leader, or want to learn? Do you like to sing or play an instrument? Join our songleading class on Monday nights, and volunteer to help lead YEC t’fillah and family services!
Contact Stephen Kalman to join: [email protected]
Tot Shabbat greeter/helper
Join our youngest members and their grownups once a month to welcome Shabbat. Volunteers will sing and participate with the kids, as well as help set up and serve pizza dinners.
Contact Stephen Kalman to join: [email protected]
Madrichim in the YEC
Remember the cool teenagers who were in your Religious school class as student teachers? That could be you! Volunteering in a YEC classroom on Sunday mornings is a great way to learn new skills, get valuable and meaningful volunteer hours, and build relationships with students, teachers and your co-madrichim.
Contact Lisa Isen Baumal: [email protected]
Hebrew Reading Buddies
Join our team of Teen Hebrew Reading buddies, who meet once a week online with students in grades 4-6 for one-on-one Hebrew reading practice.
Contact Lisa Isen Baumal: [email protected]
Volunteer at Baycrest
Volunteers with Holy Blossom can visit Baycrest one Shabbat afternoon each month to bring joy to residents during their loneliest time. They will play Shabbat-friendly games, build connections, and earn community service hours. This is also a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in exploring careers in healthcare, medicine, or social work.
Contact Lisa Isen Baumal: [email protected]
