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 Rabbi David Reinhart.
Electives
All electives are taught by Temple Israel educators or clergy. Specific content will be determined by the teacher, but elective topics may include:
- Hot Topics: May include politics, sexuality, gender, feminism, discrimination, current events
- Judaism in Art: May include fine arts, performance arts, literary arts, culture
- Leadership: May include Madrichim prep, camp counselor skills, youth group board skills, volunteering
- Modern Hebrew: Conversational skills
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 a weekly 20 minute Hebrew check-in with their teacher. Timing will depend on your and their schedule, and check-ins will be conducted virtually over Skype.
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 Hebrew class before their Jr. Academy course in order to work on prayers they have yet to master.
Each week, 6th and 7th Graders will participate in a 15 minute t’filah geared specifically for our middle schoolers.
