KEHILLAH HIGH
GRADE 10
2020-21

​​Wednesday evenings: 

7:00 - 7:45 p.m.         Session A
7:45 - 8:00 p.m.         Break
8:00 - 8:45 p.m.         Session B

​​​Session A:  7:00-7:45 p.m.

Reform Track

Modern Jewish Thought
10th Grade
​Rabbi David Lyon

Your confirmation year begins by exploring modern Jewish thinkers and their thoughts about God. We will spend time over the next six weeks discussing what it means to confirm your Jewish beliefs, and how the theologies of Martin Buber, Eugene Borowitz, and Milton Steinberg can enhance your own Jewish understanding. Our central text will be my book, God of Me: Imagining God throughout Your Lifetime (Jewish Lights Publishing, 2011). Rabbi Lyon looks forward to welcoming  you to your Confirmation year!
​What Does it Mean To Be A Reform Jew?
10th Grade
Rabbi Adrienne Scott 
​
As you continue your Confirmation year, the question of what you are confirming will be present throughout our sessions together. What does it mean to confirm something? By exploring the goals of the Reform Movement when it was founded nearly two hundred years ago, we will come to discover much about contemporary Reform Judaism today. We will explore both where it was and where it is headed. Rabbi Scott looks forward to helping you answer the question – what does it mean for you to be a Reform Jew?
​Creating Your Own Confirmation Experience 
10th Grade
Cantor Star Trompeter 
​Rabbi Aaron Sataloff
​ 
As your Confirmation year comes to a close, we will turn our thoughts toward the Confirmation ceremony itself. Each of you will contribute your talents, personalities, and creativity toward creating your own Confirmation experience. Cantor Trompeter will serve as your guide as you explore what you are confirming and how you can demonstrate this at Congregation Beth Israel.

Conservative Track

Inside Conservative Judaism
10th Grade
Cantor Mark Levine  

Students will explore the history, theology and practicality of living as a Conservative Jew. They will be challenged to consider integrating new information and new lenses into their religious views and to create belief statements which reflect their Jewish understandings at this life stage. 
Drawing Contemporary Wisdom from the Sources
10th Grade
Rabbi Ranon Teller  

​Students will explore powerful narratives from the bible to the sages through the Hasidic masters. They will be challenged to apply the values and wisdom of our tradition to the issues we face in the present.
Social Issues through a Conservative Jewish Lens  
10th Grade
Rabbi Sarah Fort 
Rabbi Brian Strauss

What does Conservative Judaism have to say about issues that you will confront as a young adult? Do we have something unique to say? You will be surprised by just how relevant our ancient texts can be in our postmodern world.

​​Session B: 8:00-8:45 p.m.

Techniques and Tools for Living a Strengths-Focused Life – Katelyn Bleiweiss

In this class, you will learn techniques for mind-body wellness, mental health, and strategies for incorporating strengths into your lives. Judaism values pikuach nefesh - the preservation of life, above all else. You will learn to not just preserve life, but thrive and help others.
The People of the (Comic) Book – Yoni Glatt

No other art medium has been directly impacted by the work of Jews than the comic book industry. Today all the top TV shows and movies are based on comic books, but once upon a time they were looked down on as a form of “low-art”. In this exciting 6-week elective we will explore common comic book tropes and the Jewish values permeating throughout many early Marvel and DC works. Taught by former Marvel employee and graphic novelist Yoni Glatt, we will also look at a bit of Yoni’s work as we examine how Jewish values and history played a part in the origin stories of some of our favorite superheroes.
Monsters, Magic, and Mythical Creatures in Jewish Texts - Olga Lara

Witches, demons, necromancers, and goblins are significant characters in our sacred texts. Creatures from the deep and from our wildest imaginations inhabit Jewish lore. Spend time exploring these fantastic beings and discussing their significance in our tradition. Why do they exist? What is their purpose? Among the characters to be studied are the Witch of Endor, Dybbuk, Golem, and the Prince of Demons.
Torah Yoga: Judaism on One Foot – Jennifer Quick

Through the study of Torah and the practice of yoga, we will seek out the light in our body, mind, heart, soul, and ultimately the world. Stretch your body and mind, gain new insights into Jewish wisdom, traditions and teachings, and learn the ancient practice of yoga. Wear comfy clothes that you can move in. 
The Six-Week Gratitude Challenge  – Lisa Stone

Did you know that you can increase your ability to withstand stress and your hopefulness just by giving gratitude for the everyday blessings in your lives? Join the six-week gratitude challenge and go on “A Journey to Notice the Unnoticed,” encouraging you to elevate the ordinary to extraordinary: the sun's first rays spilling through your window, a clear night of glittering constellations, freedoms we take for granted, the people very close to us, as well as those we never see, or the opportunity to sharpen our mind and perspective. Through activities, prompts, and inspiration you’ll be guided through a gratitude journey, helping you notice and celebrate the everyday blessings in your life. Warning: this class may make you happier.
Old Rocks: Jewish History & Archeology in the Holy Land & Diaspora - Joe Weinstein-Sears 

Take a virtual tour through Jewish history by visiting key archeological sites scattered through the ancient world. Climb Masada and learn about the last stand of a band of Jewish rebels. Explore the Cave of Letters in the Judean desert where a group of refugees hid from Roman soldiers. Walk through the largest synagogue in Greek Asia Minor and discover the surprising story of Jews living in the Diaspora. Ponder questions and controversies related to the most significant of all Jewish sites: the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Get ready to explore ruins, examine maps, read early documents, visit online galleries, and debate important theories related to the fascinating Jewish story found in “Old Rocks.”  
When Science Meets Judaism  - Sarah Yonas
​
At first glance, science and religion seem to be opposites. Science revolves around ideas that can be proved and replicated, but Judaism, like other religions, has foundational books that discuss people living hundreds of years and don't mention dinosaurs at all. In this class, we will discuss a variety of scientific topics including biomedical ethics, outer space, climate change and their connection to Judaism.