Post B'nai Mitzvah

Teens as Madrichim... 

Our teens are welcome to take part in our Madrichim (aides) program: 

Our aides are assigned to a teacher and his/her class and will be working together on activities and helping the teaching process in the class (other assisting options around the school are available). Part of the program in a weekly meeting on Sunday morning with the Rabbi for a Torah study and Jewish learning. During the year, in addition to the Rabbi's teaching, there will be enrichment meetings on different topics that are in the teens interest - from tips on how to write a good resume to feminist Jewish heroes - they choose and deliver! 

For more information, please contact Adva Chattler, education Director. 

Students may also continue their studies through Mekom Torah.

An exciting opportunity for our teens!

The Mekom Torah teen program is centered on honest and mature discussions about Judaism. This is a chance to get past the kid's version of Jewish conversation and find out what has kept people interested for 2500 years. Our sessions are relaxed and informal, but in every one we end up discussing Big Questions and Surprising Ideas, with a Jewish perspective and a contemporary edge.

For students in grades 8 through 12. Open to all, whether or not you are a member of a synagogue.

• Meeting 9 Sundays in 2019-2020, 1:00 - 2:30 pm.
  Sept 22, Oct 6, Nov 10, Dec 15, Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 22, Apr 19, May 17
• Pizza from 12:30 to 1:00 for those who wish. (Generously sponsored by parents.)
• Some meetings will take place at Beth Israel, some at Ohev Shalom.
• Rides will be coordinated by a parent committee

Here are some questions we might explore:

• Why is there anti-semitism?
• Do you have to "believe in God" to really be Jewish?
• If God is all-powerful and good, why do terrible things happen?
• How could the Bible possibly be meaningful to people who believe in science?
• Why did God tell the humans in the Garden of Eden not to eat from the tree of knowledge?
• Why is Israel so controversial?
• Is homosexuality a sin in Judaism?
• What do Jews think happens when people die?
• What is the real difference between Christianity and Judaism?
• Does Judaism have anything in common with Buddhism?
• Is Judaism supposed to make people "good?" If so, how does that work?
• What was/is the point of the Temple sacrifices?
• What is Jewish mysticism?

​Topics of discussion will follow the interests of the participants.

There is no “homework” -- this is about learning, sharing, and discussion. Rabbi Helen will offer students her knowledge of the history, texts, and traditions of our people, and her love of the deep and colorful culture of the Jews. Her promise is to take all students seriously and treat them with respect and honesty.

Tuition is $250 for the year; financial aid is available to assist those in need.

If you are a new student, please register by August 31, 2019, using this registration form. If you are a returning student, simply indicate your intention and send your tuition or be in touch!