Are you looking for ways to make a difference in our community? Have you thought about what it is like to be a teen in today's society? If so, join us this year to connect, grow, and laugh with this cohort of like-minded teens and elders.

Contra Costa Midrasha's Better Together connects senior citizens and teens in our community through inter-generational hevruta or partnerships. This year Better Together continues these connections through conversations about Jewish experiences, identity, and heritage. Better Together charts a powerful course as a way to change the world through shared learning and growth.

Additionally, each year Better Together teens and elders partner with CCM's Hamsa Fund teens for a Giving Circle. During an afternoon of shared learning about the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice) and gemilut hasidim (acts of kindness), the group picks an issue, raises funds, and gives a mini-grant to 1-2 non-profits who address that issue. Teens will gain leadership skills and make a commitment to our local community and beyond.  

Better Together meets once a month for 2 hours. Participants can choose from Sunday afternoons from 100-230pm or Monday evenings from 700 - 830pm. Some people even choose to do both monthly sessions!

The program runs from August 2024 to May 2025, see dates below. 

Better Together base tuition cost for Elders: $180 for the year.

• No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.
• To apply for a scholarship, payment plan, or other form of supportive funding use code "support" at check-out in the green "promo code" box. This will leave a $25 balance to pay today. A member of CCM's team will contact you within 3-5 business days to make a confidential plan with you.
• Why is there a fee for this program?  Tuition funds collected for this project help pay for the program's educators, coordinators, program supplies, and related overhead.  CCM's staff work hard to find funding to keep this cost as low as possible.
• Want to pay by check? Use code "check" at check-out (in the green "promo code" box) to let us know you are registered. Please mail or deliver your check to CCM within 5 business days of registration.

Changes from last year:

This year we aim to offer rides to senior citizens on Monday evenings. If you can do this, please sign up for this mitzvah here. 

Schedule: Sunday 1:00 - 2: 30 p.m. or Monday 7:00 - 8:30 pm:

• Teen and Elder joint sessions are 1.5 hours. 
• Teens are asked to help clean up at the end, e.g. offer to clear the table for their senior citizen friends.

Dates: 

Wednesday, August 21, 2024: Teen Orientation: team building and ice cream sundaes

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Monday, September 9, 2024

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Monday, October 14, 2024

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Monday, November 11, 2024: Veteran's Day (Service Program)

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Monday, December 9, 2024

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Monday, January 13, 2025

Sunday, February 9, 2025: Possible Giving Circle Day with Hamsa Fund

Monday, February 10, 2025: Possible Giving Circle Day with Hamsa Fund

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Monday, March 10, 2025

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Monday, April 28, 2025

Sunday, May 18, 2025: End of year party

Monday, May 19, 2025: End of year party