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:
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 2:
Hot Topics through a Jewish Lens – Murray Adelstein
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.
OPTION 3:
God Shopping: An Exploration in Personal Theology – Cantor Mark Levine
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.
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 2:
Hot Topics through a Jewish Lens – Murray Adelstein
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.
OPTION 3:
God Shopping: An Exploration in Personal Theology – Cantor Mark Levine
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.
Session B: 8:15-9:00 p.m.
Below are the 10th-12th grades elective options.
The Resilience Lab: Skills for a Stronger You – Katelyn Bleiweiss
Life can feel overwhelming—school, friendships, social media, the news—it's a lot. In this interactive class, inspired by JFNA's BeWell Resiliency Roundtable, we'll learn real tools to manage stress, strengthen your well-being, and feel more in control when things get tough. Through meaningful peer conversations, guided activities, and real-life applications, you'll leave with skills to help you feel more confident and ready for whatever life throws your way.
Mahjong to Rummikub: Game Night, Jewish Style – Suzie Daum
From Mahjong to Rummikub, Canasta to Bridge, Jewish communities have embraced these games as more than just pastimes—they’re traditions, social hubs, and even sources of life wisdom. In this fun and interactive elective, we’ll explore these games’ history and cultural significance, learn how to play them and hear from Jewish adults who keep the traditions alive. Along the way, we’ll discover how these games connect generations, build friendships, and reflect Jewish values like strategy, community, and perseverance.
Beyond the Text: Bringing Torah to Life – Carol Lahana
The Torah is more than just words on a scroll—it’s a living, breathing story filled with untold emotions, dilemmas, and perspectives. In this interactive class, we’ll use Bibliodrama, a creative form of midrash that blends drama and improvisation, to step into the shoes of biblical characters. What was Eve truly thinking as she reached for the fruit? How did Noah’s family cope with a year on the ark? What ran through Joseph’s mind as his brothers cast him into a pit? Through role-playing and discussion, we’ll bring these ancient narratives to life, uncovering hidden layers of meaning and making Torah personal and relevant.
Medicine, Ethics, and Judaism: Just What the Doctor Ordered – Bekkah Lerman
If you’re interested in the medical field or just fascinated by medicine in general, this class is for you! Join Bekkah Lerman, a Registered Nurse at Texas Children’s, for in-depth discussions on medical ethics, procedures, and policies—all through a Jewish lens. Explore how Jewish values guide medical decision-making, how we, as Jews, feel about complex ethical dilemmas, and what you think about them yourselves!
Shalom V’Guf: Yoga for Body & Mind – Tamara Richter
Take a break from the stress of daily life with this yoga class designed to challenge your body and calm your mind. Each session will guide you through different poses to build strength and flexibility, followed by deep stretches and relaxation exercises to help you reset. Rooted in the Jewish concept of shalom (peace) and wholeness, you’ll explore how movement, breath, and mindfulness can help you find balance and presence. No experience is needed; just come ready to move, unwind, and breathe.
Would You Rather – Rabbi Nati Stern
Get ready to learn and engage in spirited debate with 'Would You Rather? Jewish Edition.' Teens team up to tackle thought-provoking dilemmas, blending tradition and wisdom in a lively and entertaining showdown.
Values in Action – Lisa Stone
Judaism provides a unique lens through which to engage in community service, offering a strong foundation to apply traditional values and nuanced teachings in a relevant way to the world around us. As students, you have spent hours of classroom time studying values such as chesed, tzedakah, and tikkun olam. Throughout this trimester, you will roll up your sleeves and implement those values. This trimester, you will pool your talents and work together on various community service projects. By trimester’s end, we will have served many of our neighbors in need while representing ourselves as Jews and individuals who make a difference in the world.
Life can feel overwhelming—school, friendships, social media, the news—it's a lot. In this interactive class, inspired by JFNA's BeWell Resiliency Roundtable, we'll learn real tools to manage stress, strengthen your well-being, and feel more in control when things get tough. Through meaningful peer conversations, guided activities, and real-life applications, you'll leave with skills to help you feel more confident and ready for whatever life throws your way.
Mahjong to Rummikub: Game Night, Jewish Style – Suzie Daum
From Mahjong to Rummikub, Canasta to Bridge, Jewish communities have embraced these games as more than just pastimes—they’re traditions, social hubs, and even sources of life wisdom. In this fun and interactive elective, we’ll explore these games’ history and cultural significance, learn how to play them and hear from Jewish adults who keep the traditions alive. Along the way, we’ll discover how these games connect generations, build friendships, and reflect Jewish values like strategy, community, and perseverance.
Beyond the Text: Bringing Torah to Life – Carol Lahana
The Torah is more than just words on a scroll—it’s a living, breathing story filled with untold emotions, dilemmas, and perspectives. In this interactive class, we’ll use Bibliodrama, a creative form of midrash that blends drama and improvisation, to step into the shoes of biblical characters. What was Eve truly thinking as she reached for the fruit? How did Noah’s family cope with a year on the ark? What ran through Joseph’s mind as his brothers cast him into a pit? Through role-playing and discussion, we’ll bring these ancient narratives to life, uncovering hidden layers of meaning and making Torah personal and relevant.
Medicine, Ethics, and Judaism: Just What the Doctor Ordered – Bekkah Lerman
If you’re interested in the medical field or just fascinated by medicine in general, this class is for you! Join Bekkah Lerman, a Registered Nurse at Texas Children’s, for in-depth discussions on medical ethics, procedures, and policies—all through a Jewish lens. Explore how Jewish values guide medical decision-making, how we, as Jews, feel about complex ethical dilemmas, and what you think about them yourselves!
Shalom V’Guf: Yoga for Body & Mind – Tamara Richter
Take a break from the stress of daily life with this yoga class designed to challenge your body and calm your mind. Each session will guide you through different poses to build strength and flexibility, followed by deep stretches and relaxation exercises to help you reset. Rooted in the Jewish concept of shalom (peace) and wholeness, you’ll explore how movement, breath, and mindfulness can help you find balance and presence. No experience is needed; just come ready to move, unwind, and breathe.
Would You Rather – Rabbi Nati Stern
Get ready to learn and engage in spirited debate with 'Would You Rather? Jewish Edition.' Teens team up to tackle thought-provoking dilemmas, blending tradition and wisdom in a lively and entertaining showdown.
Values in Action – Lisa Stone
Judaism provides a unique lens through which to engage in community service, offering a strong foundation to apply traditional values and nuanced teachings in a relevant way to the world around us. As students, you have spent hours of classroom time studying values such as chesed, tzedakah, and tikkun olam. Throughout this trimester, you will roll up your sleeves and implement those values. This trimester, you will pool your talents and work together on various community service projects. By trimester’s end, we will have served many of our neighbors in need while representing ourselves as Jews and individuals who make a difference in the world.