Introducing the Celebrating Jewish Youth Showcase 2024: A Platform for Creativity, Identity, and Community
The Charlotte Jewish News is proud to announce the inaugural Celebrating Jewish Youth Showcase, an exciting initiative designed to provide a platform for Jewish teens to explore, express, and celebrate their identity through creative endeavors. This showcase invites participants in grades 8-12 to submit original works in three categories: Essay, Photography, and Podcast, responding to the theme “How do you celebrate your Jewish identity?”
We believe that the teen years are a crucial time for fostering a strong sense of Jewish identity and connection to the community. By offering a space for creative self-expression and recognition, we aim to empower our youth, amplify their voices, and showcase the diversity of their experiences. This initiative not only celebrates their present moments but also seeks to strengthen their Jewish identity as they journey into adulthood.
The submission timeframe is between August 1-September 16. Online submission forms and more information will be available soon — but no reason to wait! Here’s some information to get you started now.
For addition questions, email [email protected].
Participating in the Celebrating Jewish Youth Showcase offers numerous benefits for students:
We will officially be accepting submissions between August 1-September 16. The deadline is September 16 at 5 p.m.
Students may submit one entry per category.
The following is submission information for each category.
This category invites essays that delve into personal viewpoints, cultural insights, or reflective thoughts. It is a chance for writers to provide in-depth analysis or narratives in a structured format, expressing their thoughts and perspectives on a range of topics.
Description and Instructions for Contestants: Essays should provide personal viewpoints, cultural insights, or reflective thoughts on the theme “How do you celebrate your Jewish identity?” Entries should aim for in-depth analysis or narrative storytelling, expressing thoughts and perspectives on topics related to Jewish culture, identity, experiences, or values. Essays must be original, unpublished work, 500-1000 words in length.
Rubric:
This category captures the essence of photography in various forms, including black and white, color, digital, film, or experimental. It’s an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills in composition, lighting, and moment capture, reflecting their unique perspectives through the lens.
Description and Instructions for Contestants: Submissions can include black and white, color, digital, film, or experimental photography that captures moments, emotions, or narratives reflecting the theme “How do you celebrate your Jewish identity?” Photographs should tell a story or convey a message that resonates with Jewish culture or personal experience. Entries must be original and accompanied by a brief description (50-100 words) of the photograph’s context and its relation to Jewish identity.
Rubric:
In this category participants can submit podcast episodes featuring storytelling, interviews, educational content, or discussions. It’s a space for audio creators to engage audiences with content that resonates with Jewish youth or broader themes, focusing on content quality and audience connection.
Description and Instructions for Contestants: Participants can submit podcast episodes (up to 15 minutes) featuring storytelling, interviews, educational content, or discussions centered on the theme “How do you celebrate your Jewish identity?” Podcasts should engage audiences with content that not only reflects personal or collective Jewish experiences but also fosters connection and understanding. Entries must be original and include a brief written summary (100-150 words) of the episode’s content and themes.
Note: In this category, two students can collaborate and submit an entry together.
Rubric:
In embracing the evolving landscape of technology and creativity, the “Celebrating Jewish Youth” showcase acknowledges the significant role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the modern creative process. As we integrate AI into our artistic and educational practices, it’s imperative to establish guidelines that foster responsible and ethical use of AI, while preserving the authenticity and originality of each participant’s work. The guidelines provided aim to help participants navigate the use of AI as a tool for enhancement, not replacement, in their creative endeavors. They are designed to encourage AI literacy and critical thinking, ensuring that submissions reflect the genuine talent and perspective of our youth, amidst the realities and possibilities of AI in the arts. This approach seeks to balance the innovative potential of AI with the core values of personal creativity and expression, vital in celebrating the unique identity of Jewish youth today.