Our grades 8-10 (post Bar and Bat Mitzvah students) will have an opportunity to explore a rich collection of topics and issues important to them as they grow older. The Hebrew curriculum will focus heavily on Modern Hebrew as a vibrant language, including using Israeli pop culture, film and music to explore the language as well as an experiential opportunity to practice Hebrew in conversations they may have on an Israeli street, a restaurant or home.
Judaism and Life Choices and Israel as a Modern Nation & a Jewish Home
What does Judaism say about life and death issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, medical ethics, and capital punishment? The modern Israeli political landscape will also be discussed, with emphasis on some of the contemporary issues facing Israel and Israel's place in the community of nations. Student will also learn how Jews in the diaspora connect with Israel.
Making Choices and Making a Difference
Students will explore how Judaism speaks to issues relevant to youth including making choices in their daily lives. Students will help shape the discussion as we explore issues that they encounter as they explore their growing freedom as young adults. Social action programs will also be part of the class as they learn about how to make a difference both locally and abroad.
We also include programs designed for Grades 8 and 9 called Shevet Achim for boys and Rosh Hodesh for girls. Both of these programs are once-a-month opportunities to explore topics of interest in a way that challenges students while building life skills and self-esteem. The programs, based on research, engage students through issues that may be gender-specific or easier to deal with in single gender seminars.
What a Contemporary Jew Believes
The Confirmation year is dedicated to helping our youth see the world through adult Jewish eyes. Each session will focus on further developing their individual connection to Judaism through text, commentary, and debate. As they explore the numerous voices from Jewish history on big ideas such as “God,” “Torah,” and “Israel,” students will be encouraged to define their own voices and understandings of these central concepts. In preparation for the New York trip, we will also explore the Jewish immigrant experience in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and draw parallels to other immigrant groups today.
In the Confirmation year, the class will travel to New York City with the Rabbis to explore its rich Jewish history. We will explore the immigration and migration of Jews through the city and experience the diversity of Judaism prominent there today.