Kehillah High
9th Grade
2021-2022
Wednesday evenings:
7:00 - 7:25 p.m. Dinner
7:30 - 8:15 p.m. Session A
8:15 - 8:20 p.m. Break
8:20 - 9:00 p.m. Session B
7:30 - 8:15 p.m. Session A
8:15 - 8:20 p.m. Break
8:20 - 9:00 p.m. Session B
Session A: 7:30 - 8:15 p.m.
Each student may choose one class in Session A. They will take all three classes by the end of the year.
OPTION 1:
Tetris Torah – Rabbi Kenny Weiss
How do our biblical narratives fit together? Together we will interpret infamous stories from the Five Books of Moses and discover how each one fits into the larger picture of Jewish identity. Students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the biblical characters and the moral, behavioral insights we can glean from hearing their stories.
Tetris Torah – Rabbi Kenny Weiss
How do our biblical narratives fit together? Together we will interpret infamous stories from the Five Books of Moses and discover how each one fits into the larger picture of Jewish identity. Students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the biblical characters and the moral, behavioral insights we can glean from hearing their stories.
OPTION 2:
Hearing Voices: How and Why Did God Speak to the Prophets – Olga Lara
Were the prophets crazy or courageous when they told people they heard the voice of God? Sometimes the prophets heard a voice, saw a vision, had a dream or were possessed by spirits. This class will explore the roles women and men play as messengers of God in Torah. We will also discuss whether there are modern day “prophets”.
Hearing Voices: How and Why Did God Speak to the Prophets – Olga Lara
Were the prophets crazy or courageous when they told people they heard the voice of God? Sometimes the prophets heard a voice, saw a vision, had a dream or were possessed by spirits. This class will explore the roles women and men play as messengers of God in Torah. We will also discuss whether there are modern day “prophets”.
OPTION 3:
Wait, That's in the Bible? - Rabbi Gideon Estes
Come learn about the third section of the TaNaKh, Ketuvim, or writings. This class will explore the great stories, poems, and teachings of this frequently overlooked section of the bible. We will look at stories of great love, loss, and wisdom to live with the complexities of life.
Wait, That's in the Bible? - Rabbi Gideon Estes
Come learn about the third section of the TaNaKh, Ketuvim, or writings. This class will explore the great stories, poems, and teachings of this frequently overlooked section of the bible. We will look at stories of great love, loss, and wisdom to live with the complexities of life.
Session B: 8:20 - 9:00 p.m.
Meta Maus: Learning the Lessons of the Holocaust Through Graphic Novels – Michael Duke
Throughout this trimester, students will read and analyze the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, "Maus," and will then discuss and debate the myriad lessons it teaches future generations about the Holocaust. Students will also have the opportunity to learn the story behind the story of how the book came into being and why it was recently banned by a school district in Tennessee. |
Shattering Stereotypes: Our experiences and beliefs about race and identity – Randi Sonenshein & Tracie Jae
In this class we will explore our feelings and thoughts about our identities and people who are different from us. Join Tracie Jae and Randi Sonenshein for conversation, reflection, and scrutiny about race and identity. This is a workshop style class for explorers open to going deep, so together we can go far. |
The Power of the Mind: Conflict & Connection from the Personal to the Political – Leah Wolftal
We will be exploring & practicing tools from individual meditation to group mediation (negotiation). These tools, rooted in emotional awareness and identifying shared human values, help us transform conflict to compassion internally, interpersonally, and in community. |
This Too is Torah: Finding Jewish Wisdom in Unexpected Places – Sarah Yonas
When you were younger, Torah was just a scroll that held the five books of Moses, but did you know that we have a long tradition of finding wisdom in current events, pop culture, and our daily lives? In this course, we will seek out Torah in unexpected places. We’re part of a tradition – even in that official “Torah” – where Jacob woke up after a dream, featuring a slew of ascending and descending angels. And he said “Wow! God is in this place, but I hadn’t noticed.” |
Letters from the Past: More Than an Advice Column – Sheryl Eskowitz
Who do you go to when you need advice? Would you ever write to a stranger to get their advice? We’ll learn about the lives of Jewish immigrants to the United States by discussing letters they wrote to ask for help. What challenges did they face? Did they get good advice? Were their issues similar to or different from ours today? |
Jewitchery: Jewish Astrology, Amulets & More - Rabbi Sarah Fort
Judaism is an ancient religion with clearly pagan roots, and we’ve picked up a lot of stuff along our thousands of years, too. Come learn our ancient rabbis very Jewish teachings on astrology (what the stars and planets tell us), amulets (what they do and how to make them), and more! |
We the Jury – Gavriella Roisman
Do you like watching true crime? Have you ever wondered what happens to the suspect *after* law enforcement is done with the investigation? More importantly, do you know why? Join Kehillah High’s We the Jury for a crash course on criminal law, juvenile law, and human trafficking. All classes will focus on how our laws evolved, what the role of ethics played in their evolution, and how these laws affect you. Be prepared for open dialogues, enthusiastic debates, and even a mock trial! |
Texas Jewish History – Lisa Stone
Imagine a Jewish pirate. Seems unreal, but it's part of Texas Jewish history. And there's a lot more Jewish in Texas history than most people can imagine. Plenty of mystery and heroism, along with the usual will to survive and thrive in a new place. This elective will challenge your sense of ancestry and history, and add to your sense of belonging to Texas. |