The uncertainty of this global health crisis is hard and stressful, as information changes by the day. We’ve compiled these resources to help support and connect our community as we navigate these challenging times. As our tradition teaches us: kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—“we are all responsible for one another” (Talmud, Shavuot 39a). As new resources become available, we will continue to share them with our community.

Be intentional about what you’re looking at.

There’s a lot of information out there—especially on social media, and not all of it is factual. Be aware of where you’re getting your information and the credibility of those sources. When possible, look to the experts. For example, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Coronavirus Resource Center from Johns Hopkins University and Medicine and NPR’s A Comic Exploring Coronavirus.

Take care of yourself.

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During times of stress and uncertainty, it’s important to pay attention to your health and wellness. Yes, please wash your hands (!), and many of us are feeling a sense of frustration, anxiety, loss and/or disorientation because of the disruption in our normal schedules and absence of familiar activities and spaces. With events, programs and gatherings being canceled or postponed indefinitely, it’s OK to feel the feels.

Consider trying meditation or mindfulness to help calm and center yourself. Join the conversation about teen mental health on Here. Now. A Teen-Driven Mental Health Conversation. Looking for different ways to help the process? Apps like Headspace and Calm provide many convenient options right on your phone or tablet. Also, get up and move! Go for a walk or run, sit outside and get some fresh air or take a bike ride.

Talk to your tribe.

Check in on your friends. Connect with family members, trusted adults, clergy, youth professionals and close friends—and don’t be afraid to reach out if you have questions or need support.

Connection can happen in different ways.

Where and how can you share moments with friends? Gaming communities are growing and connect us in new ways while building in Minecraft or competing in e-sports. Pour or make a cup of your drink of choice and have a virtual “coffee date” with a friend over Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or another communication platform.

Looking for other ideas? Check out this list. Many of the organizations in our community are scheduling virtual meetups and opportunities for learning and connection.

Interested in getting connected with other Jewish teens? Feeling isolated? Contact peerleadershipfellows@jtiboston.org and the JTI Boston team will help connect you with the JTI Peer Leadership Fellows.

Create space to connect at home.

Sometimes we get tired spending time in the same places, doing the same stuff. How can we rearrange space (furniture layout) and add different elements (lighting, signage, etc.) to create a different experience?

Take a break from social media.

Unless you’re making a TikTok, of course! Watch a movie together with your friends virtually on sites like twoseven or Kast, or download the extension Netflix Party on Google Chrome to start a watch party!

Focus on what you can control.

How do you want to spend your time at home while you are social distancing? Read that book you’ve been meaning to read (check out this free book site), complete that art project, clean your room (just kidding!), etc. Read up on what #JewishBostonTeens are talking about. Make time for self-care.

Contributed by Brett Lubarsky and Dana Roth, Jewish Teen Initiative of Greater Boston; Margie Bogdanow, Combined Jewish Philanthropies; and Samantha Walsh, BBYO.

This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE