Gurlz J.A.M. at Blo Blow Dry Bar

Middle School girls and their moms found a place to have some stress-free bonding time at Blo Blow Dry Bar in West Hartford. Gurlz J.A.M., a program sponsored by Beth El Temple, The Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford (CJEL) and  Jewish Teen Learning Connection (JTConnect) brought the group together for a night of fun, conversation and learning about what Judaism has to say on the balance between beauty and vanity. While the girls enjoyed being pampered under the supervision of Blo owner Stacey Cohen, moms discussed the challenges of raising tween girls in an age of mixed messages and conflicting values. Moms and their daughters came together at the end of the evening to talk with each other about enhancing your outer beauty by feeling confident and allowing your inner beauty to shine through.

Beth El Temple, CJEL and JTConnect will be offering 3 more programs in 2013-14. The next event, entitled, "Walk A Mile in These Shoes", will be held on Wednesday, December 11^th. Gurlz J.A.M. is open to all Jewish girls in grades 6-8 and their moms or female adult Jewish role model. Reservations are required and the cost of each event is $15 per girl, $50 for the entire series. Email or call the JTConnect office to register or for more information. 860-727-6110 or office@jtconnect.org

Gurlz J.A.M. is generously supported by a grant from the Lillian Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford.

JTConnect is a learning and social community that offers a rich experience for teens, enhancing their connection to Jewish heritage, traditions and values. The program is designed for students in 6^th through 12^th grades. Synagogue membership is not required.