Kehillah High
10th Grade
Wednesday evenings:
7:00 - 7:25 p.m. Dinner
7:25 - 8:10 p.m. Session A
8:10 - 8:15 p.m. Break
8:15 - 9:00 p.m. Session B
7:25 - 8:10 p.m. Session A
8:10 - 8:15 p.m. Break
8:15 - 9:00 p.m. Session B
Session A: 7:25-8:10 p.m.
OPTION 1:
God Shopping: An Exploration in Personal Theology – Murray Adelstein
In this class, you will reflect on your own evolving beliefs about God. This course explores the foundational Jewish acts of faith: belief in God, belief in God's oneness, and the understanding that God calls on us to live meaningful lives. You will engage with various Jewish perspectives on God, learning that it is acceptable to question and reshape one’s beliefs and that such exploration is encouraged. The course challenges you to thoughtfully consider how your understanding of God can inspire you to better the world around you.
OPTION 2:
The American Jewish Experience – Melissa Cohen-Nickels
Explore the history of Jewish life in America through this six-part course. Starting with the early settlers, you'll examine how Jewish communities have both influenced and been influenced by American society at key points in history. Learn about the role of Jews during the Civil War, the impact of immigration on Jewish-American identity, and their involvement in the civil rights movement. The course concludes with a look at the Jewish communities of today, offering a thoughtful perspective on their ongoing contributions to American life.
OPTION 3:
Hot Topics through a Jens Lens – Rabbi Adrienne Scott
You will explore contemporary issues and moral dilemmas through a Jewish lens. You’ll tackle questions about ethics, identity, and community, encouraging thoughtful discussion and personal reflection. The class will empower you to connect Jewish values with real-world challenges, helping you develop informed perspectives and a deeper understanding of how Judaism can shape your responses to today's pressing topics.
God Shopping: An Exploration in Personal Theology – Murray Adelstein
In this class, you will reflect on your own evolving beliefs about God. This course explores the foundational Jewish acts of faith: belief in God, belief in God's oneness, and the understanding that God calls on us to live meaningful lives. You will engage with various Jewish perspectives on God, learning that it is acceptable to question and reshape one’s beliefs and that such exploration is encouraged. The course challenges you to thoughtfully consider how your understanding of God can inspire you to better the world around you.
OPTION 2:
The American Jewish Experience – Melissa Cohen-Nickels
Explore the history of Jewish life in America through this six-part course. Starting with the early settlers, you'll examine how Jewish communities have both influenced and been influenced by American society at key points in history. Learn about the role of Jews during the Civil War, the impact of immigration on Jewish-American identity, and their involvement in the civil rights movement. The course concludes with a look at the Jewish communities of today, offering a thoughtful perspective on their ongoing contributions to American life.
OPTION 3:
Hot Topics through a Jens Lens – Rabbi Adrienne Scott
You will explore contemporary issues and moral dilemmas through a Jewish lens. You’ll tackle questions about ethics, identity, and community, encouraging thoughtful discussion and personal reflection. The class will empower you to connect Jewish values with real-world challenges, helping you develop informed perspectives and a deeper understanding of how Judaism can shape your responses to today's pressing topics.
Session B: 8:15-9:00 p.m.
Below are the 10th-12th grades elective options.
What's Your Perspective? Kulam Means Everyone! – Katelyn Bleiweiss
This class invites you to engage in open and thought-provoking conversations about identity, equity, and justice. In this collaboration with Moving Traditions and Alexander JFS’s Katelyn Bleiweiss, you'll explore where and how you belong, sharing your perspectives in meaningful debates with your peers. This is a chance to deepen your understanding of yourself and others, fostering a community of diverse and respectful voices.
Mah Jongg – Suzie Daum
Dive into the captivating world of Mah Jongg, a Chinese tile game that has found a unique and enduring place within American Jewish culture. Led by experienced instructor Suzie Daum, this class goes beyond the basics, offering teens the chance to master tile recognition, strategic thinking, and the nuanced rules of the game. Explore the unexpected connection between Mah Jongg and Jewish tradition while learning the game.
The Modern Maccabees: The Israeli Defense Forces – Asher Lubotzky
This course offers an in-depth introduction to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), exploring its history, structure, capabilities, and the ethical frameworks guiding its operations. Students will gain insight into the IDF's pivotal role in Israeli society and its evolution into one of the world's strongest military forces. The course will also examine how the IDF has defended the Jewish state against diverse and persistent threats from multiple fronts.
Israel Through the Hatikvah: Art of Meaningful Debate – Rabbi Samuel Rheins
Did you know there were four essential questions in the Hatikvah? Dive into meaningful discussions about Israel using these questions. This class will equip you with the skills to lead and engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations on complex and sometimes controversial Israel-related topics. Join us to sharpen your debating skills and become a confident voice in any conversation about Israel.
Changemakers – Barrie Skalsky
Did you know Jewish Youth Philanthropy allows you to be a changemaker and connect to your Jewish identity? Join Barrie Skalsky, Teen Program Supervisor at the J and facilitator of the J-Teen Philanthropy Initiative, and make a real impact in the community. Utilizing the curriculum from Honeycomb (formally the Jewish Teen Funders Network), teens will learn the basics of philanthropy from a Jewish lens through a project-based learning model.
Embracing B'tzelem Elohim (In the Image of G-d): A Safe Space for LGBTQ+ & Allies* – Lisa Stone
Be part of a safe, sacred space to explore our shared humanity and Jewish identity. LGBTQ+ Jews can feel like they’re doubly blessed and doubly challenged. We want to support you in deciding how to respond to what’s happening in your smaller and larger communities, in person and on social media. Led by LGBTQ+ ally Lisa Stone and speakers from the Jewish LGBTQ+ community, we’ll examine how Judaism honors diverse understandings of gender and what we can do to promote more respect for everyone. Those who participated in last year’s class are also welcome; you will build on what you did before!
*This class welcomes all Kehillah High students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, those questioning their identities, and allies looking to support and better understand their fellow LGBTQ+ students.
Song Session – Rabbi Ranon Teller
Jewish music has the power to bring people together. Come sing Jewish music from summer camp and the synagogue. We'll sing the songs and pray the prayers. Then, we'll analyze how they work to inspire meaning and joy. We'll also learn some of the skills of becoming a song leader and practice leading with each other.
Jews and the Mafia – Dr. Stephan Wexler
Explore the world of Jewish gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Moe Dalitz in this captivating course. Set in the tumultuous 1920s and 1930s, you'll delve into a world of corruption, prohibition, and rising anti-Semitism. Dr. Wexler, a dedicated researcher, will share riveting stories about these infamous figures and the world they inhabited. Topics include Jewish immigration through Ellis Island, the Black Sox Scandal and Arnold Rothstein, Prohibition, the rise of Las Vegas led by Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky’s connection to the Israeli War for Independence, and key figures like Lucky Luciano, Murder Inc., the Kefauver Crime Committee, Monk Eastman, Dutch Schultz, and Micky Cohen. If you’re fascinated by mob history and the gritty streets of New York’s Lower East Side, this is an offer you can’t refuse!
This class invites you to engage in open and thought-provoking conversations about identity, equity, and justice. In this collaboration with Moving Traditions and Alexander JFS’s Katelyn Bleiweiss, you'll explore where and how you belong, sharing your perspectives in meaningful debates with your peers. This is a chance to deepen your understanding of yourself and others, fostering a community of diverse and respectful voices.
Mah Jongg – Suzie Daum
Dive into the captivating world of Mah Jongg, a Chinese tile game that has found a unique and enduring place within American Jewish culture. Led by experienced instructor Suzie Daum, this class goes beyond the basics, offering teens the chance to master tile recognition, strategic thinking, and the nuanced rules of the game. Explore the unexpected connection between Mah Jongg and Jewish tradition while learning the game.
The Modern Maccabees: The Israeli Defense Forces – Asher Lubotzky
This course offers an in-depth introduction to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), exploring its history, structure, capabilities, and the ethical frameworks guiding its operations. Students will gain insight into the IDF's pivotal role in Israeli society and its evolution into one of the world's strongest military forces. The course will also examine how the IDF has defended the Jewish state against diverse and persistent threats from multiple fronts.
Israel Through the Hatikvah: Art of Meaningful Debate – Rabbi Samuel Rheins
Did you know there were four essential questions in the Hatikvah? Dive into meaningful discussions about Israel using these questions. This class will equip you with the skills to lead and engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations on complex and sometimes controversial Israel-related topics. Join us to sharpen your debating skills and become a confident voice in any conversation about Israel.
Changemakers – Barrie Skalsky
Did you know Jewish Youth Philanthropy allows you to be a changemaker and connect to your Jewish identity? Join Barrie Skalsky, Teen Program Supervisor at the J and facilitator of the J-Teen Philanthropy Initiative, and make a real impact in the community. Utilizing the curriculum from Honeycomb (formally the Jewish Teen Funders Network), teens will learn the basics of philanthropy from a Jewish lens through a project-based learning model.
Embracing B'tzelem Elohim (In the Image of G-d): A Safe Space for LGBTQ+ & Allies* – Lisa Stone
Be part of a safe, sacred space to explore our shared humanity and Jewish identity. LGBTQ+ Jews can feel like they’re doubly blessed and doubly challenged. We want to support you in deciding how to respond to what’s happening in your smaller and larger communities, in person and on social media. Led by LGBTQ+ ally Lisa Stone and speakers from the Jewish LGBTQ+ community, we’ll examine how Judaism honors diverse understandings of gender and what we can do to promote more respect for everyone. Those who participated in last year’s class are also welcome; you will build on what you did before!
*This class welcomes all Kehillah High students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, those questioning their identities, and allies looking to support and better understand their fellow LGBTQ+ students.
Song Session – Rabbi Ranon Teller
Jewish music has the power to bring people together. Come sing Jewish music from summer camp and the synagogue. We'll sing the songs and pray the prayers. Then, we'll analyze how they work to inspire meaning and joy. We'll also learn some of the skills of becoming a song leader and practice leading with each other.
Jews and the Mafia – Dr. Stephan Wexler
Explore the world of Jewish gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Moe Dalitz in this captivating course. Set in the tumultuous 1920s and 1930s, you'll delve into a world of corruption, prohibition, and rising anti-Semitism. Dr. Wexler, a dedicated researcher, will share riveting stories about these infamous figures and the world they inhabited. Topics include Jewish immigration through Ellis Island, the Black Sox Scandal and Arnold Rothstein, Prohibition, the rise of Las Vegas led by Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky’s connection to the Israeli War for Independence, and key figures like Lucky Luciano, Murder Inc., the Kefauver Crime Committee, Monk Eastman, Dutch Schultz, and Micky Cohen. If you’re fascinated by mob history and the gritty streets of New York’s Lower East Side, this is an offer you can’t refuse!