Core Learning
The core learning courses rotate in a two-year cycle so that teens experience different courses as they progress through the program. Learning alternates between the Facing History and Ourselves Holocaust curriculum and an Israel curriculum, and is taught by a member of our clergy/education team.
Most weeks will feature “Chai Five,” a 5-minute conversation about that week’s Torah portion, as well as a short “Kehillah,” Hebrew for community, when we gather for games and fun. Occasionally, we will take a break from curriculum for youth group-style activities to facilitate friendship and community amongst our teens.
Family Learning & “Youth Nights”
2-3 times during the year, parents will be invited to join their middle schooler for the 6-7pm hour for a rich learning experience. In the past, we have explored the meaning behind B’nai Mitzvah and our roles as members of family unit in that milestone, as well as a powerful Holocaust Remembrance Day program.
Several times during the year, our 6-7pm hour will be filled with team-building games and other social activities designed to help our students get to know one another a bit better and, hopefully, build new friendships across grade levels – a core aspect of our Academy teen program which begins in 8th grade.
Hebrew & T’filah
6th Graders will attend a Hebrew class before their Jr. Academy course in order to continue to work on reading, chanting, and understanding the prayers we read during Shabbat t’filah, many of which they will lead on the occasion of their B’nai Mitzvah. 6th Graders will also have weekly 20-minute one-on-one intensive Hebrew tutoring sessions on Zoom. Timing will depend on your and their schedule but will remain the same week to week, and sessions will be conducted virtually over Zoom.
For many teens, 7th Grade marks the beginning of B’nai Mitzvah meetings with Cantor Altshul. Because of this, Hebrew is not a formalized part of the 7th Grade year. 7th Graders may attend an optional 20-minute Hebrew tutoring session on Zoom (at additional cost).
6th and 7th Graders will periodically participate in a 15 minute t’filah geared specifically for our middle schoolers.
