Kehillah High
8th 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 - 8:15 p.m.
8th graders will take all three classes by the end of the year.
OPTION 1:
So You Want To Be A Mensch - Katelyn Bleiweiss
What is a mensch? How are our decisions and actions in daily life rooted in Jewish values? We’ll answer these questions as we use Jewish ethics and culture to explore the traits of a mensch. Join us to create your own personal mensch code where you define the Jewish values that are meaningful and important to you.
OPTION 2:
The Big 10: An Adventure in Core Jewish Values – Carol Lahana
Who knows 10? We all know 10! They are the Ten Commandments, of course! The super important ten listed on the tablets and given to us at Sinai. But what makes these ten so special? In The BIG 10, we will find that if we do just a little bit of digging beneath the surface, we can find important lessons to live by. Discover the Jewish values hidden in each commandment and explore how we can each use these values to guide our everyday behaviors, priorities, and decisions.
OPTION 3:
Words to Action: Empowering You to Address Anti-Semitism – Lisa Stone
Would you know what to do if:
· You found swastikas on a door of your school?
· Someone gave you a “Heil Hitler” salute?
· Someone accused you of killing Jesus?
We're Jews because of all the good we experience as Jews. But we also have to deal with prejudice and hate directed at us as Jews. ADL's (the Anti-Defamation League's) Words to Action is an interactive workshop that empowers you with practical, safe responses to antisemitism and all forms of hate. Words to Action gives greater awareness of antisemitism and anti-Zionism while motivating you to respond with effective skills and strategies. We'll look at students’ experiences with antisemitism, stereotyping, and prejudice in schools and in the rest of their lives.
So You Want To Be A Mensch - Katelyn Bleiweiss
What is a mensch? How are our decisions and actions in daily life rooted in Jewish values? We’ll answer these questions as we use Jewish ethics and culture to explore the traits of a mensch. Join us to create your own personal mensch code where you define the Jewish values that are meaningful and important to you.
OPTION 2:
The Big 10: An Adventure in Core Jewish Values – Carol Lahana
Who knows 10? We all know 10! They are the Ten Commandments, of course! The super important ten listed on the tablets and given to us at Sinai. But what makes these ten so special? In The BIG 10, we will find that if we do just a little bit of digging beneath the surface, we can find important lessons to live by. Discover the Jewish values hidden in each commandment and explore how we can each use these values to guide our everyday behaviors, priorities, and decisions.
OPTION 3:
Words to Action: Empowering You to Address Anti-Semitism – Lisa Stone
Would you know what to do if:
· You found swastikas on a door of your school?
· Someone gave you a “Heil Hitler” salute?
· Someone accused you of killing Jesus?
We're Jews because of all the good we experience as Jews. But we also have to deal with prejudice and hate directed at us as Jews. ADL's (the Anti-Defamation League's) Words to Action is an interactive workshop that empowers you with practical, safe responses to antisemitism and all forms of hate. Words to Action gives greater awareness of antisemitism and anti-Zionism while motivating you to respond with effective skills and strategies. We'll look at students’ experiences with antisemitism, stereotyping, and prejudice in schools and in the rest of their lives.
Session B: 8:15-9:00 p.m.
Below are the 8th & 9th grade elective options.
OPTION 1:
Houston Jewish History – Melissa Cohen-Nickels
In this class, we'll explore the story of Jewish immigrants in Houston, starting with the first settlers and the Galveston Movement. This movement was started by a wealthy Jewish man, Jacob Schiff, who helped Eastern European Jews avoid overcrowded New York and settle in the American heartland. You'll also learn how Jewish neighborhoods and institutions grew, shaping Houston's culture and community. This class will give you a glimpse into how immigrants built a new life in Texas and contributed to the city's growth and diversity.
OPTION 2:
Museum Mysteries: Discovering Jewish History Through the Kaplan Museum – Carol Emery and Melanie Nonmacher
Step into the past and uncover the stories of Jewish life, culture, and tradition at the Mollie and Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica! In this hands-on elective, you’ll explore fascinating artifacts, dive into Jewish history, and learn the surprising tales behind treasures at Beth Yeshurun. Perfect for history buffs and anyone curious about what's in the hallways at Beth Yeshurun, this class brings history to life with exciting discoveries and meaningful connections to our Jewish identity.
OPTION 3:
Building You: Strength, Purpose, and Resilience – Rabbi Dovid Goldstein
Discover the tools to become your best self in this engaging class. Through six transformative lessons, you'll explore building your confidence, embracing your unique strengths, and staying motivated in the face of challenges. Learn how to prioritize what matters most, uncover your purpose, and create a resilient mindset to guide you through life's ups and downs. This is your roadmap to thriving—because who you are is your greatest superpower!
OPTION 4:
Jerusalem Peacebuilders Leadership Training – Rabbi Steve Gross and Will Parker
This class focuses on providing participants with the skills they need to become future change-makers for peace. The four themes of the course include identity, communication, understanding conflict, and conflict resolution. The course is highly interactive and incorporates engaging games, exercises, music, and theatrical roleplay.
OPTION 5:
Stepping into the Fire: Exploring Torah through Bibliodrama – Carol Lahana
There's a tradition that says God wrote the Torah with black fire on white fire. Black fire is the letters and words we read on the scroll. White fire is all the stuff in the background that doesn't get written down and that we've never seen... until now. Through Bibliodrama, a cool, interactive, fun form of midrash using drama and improvisation, we will add color to the white fire. We'll step into the shoes of biblical characters and imagine, for example, what Eve was thinking as she ate a piece of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, what it was like living on Noah's ark for almost a year, how Joseph felt being thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers. Come step into the fire with us and "become" Torah!
OPTION 6:
Exploring Identity Through Mindfulness and Yoga – Tamara Richter
Discover the stories that shape who you are through the power of yoga and mindfulness. In this unique class, you’ll connect with your Jewish heritage and personal identity by blending movement, reflection, and deep exploration of your experiences and traditions. Each session will guide you to ask meaningful questions about your roots and spark conversations with your family. Join us to move, breathe, and reflect on the journey that makes you uniquely you.
Houston Jewish History – Melissa Cohen-Nickels
In this class, we'll explore the story of Jewish immigrants in Houston, starting with the first settlers and the Galveston Movement. This movement was started by a wealthy Jewish man, Jacob Schiff, who helped Eastern European Jews avoid overcrowded New York and settle in the American heartland. You'll also learn how Jewish neighborhoods and institutions grew, shaping Houston's culture and community. This class will give you a glimpse into how immigrants built a new life in Texas and contributed to the city's growth and diversity.
OPTION 2:
Museum Mysteries: Discovering Jewish History Through the Kaplan Museum – Carol Emery and Melanie Nonmacher
Step into the past and uncover the stories of Jewish life, culture, and tradition at the Mollie and Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica! In this hands-on elective, you’ll explore fascinating artifacts, dive into Jewish history, and learn the surprising tales behind treasures at Beth Yeshurun. Perfect for history buffs and anyone curious about what's in the hallways at Beth Yeshurun, this class brings history to life with exciting discoveries and meaningful connections to our Jewish identity.
OPTION 3:
Building You: Strength, Purpose, and Resilience – Rabbi Dovid Goldstein
Discover the tools to become your best self in this engaging class. Through six transformative lessons, you'll explore building your confidence, embracing your unique strengths, and staying motivated in the face of challenges. Learn how to prioritize what matters most, uncover your purpose, and create a resilient mindset to guide you through life's ups and downs. This is your roadmap to thriving—because who you are is your greatest superpower!
OPTION 4:
Jerusalem Peacebuilders Leadership Training – Rabbi Steve Gross and Will Parker
This class focuses on providing participants with the skills they need to become future change-makers for peace. The four themes of the course include identity, communication, understanding conflict, and conflict resolution. The course is highly interactive and incorporates engaging games, exercises, music, and theatrical roleplay.
OPTION 5:
Stepping into the Fire: Exploring Torah through Bibliodrama – Carol Lahana
There's a tradition that says God wrote the Torah with black fire on white fire. Black fire is the letters and words we read on the scroll. White fire is all the stuff in the background that doesn't get written down and that we've never seen... until now. Through Bibliodrama, a cool, interactive, fun form of midrash using drama and improvisation, we will add color to the white fire. We'll step into the shoes of biblical characters and imagine, for example, what Eve was thinking as she ate a piece of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, what it was like living on Noah's ark for almost a year, how Joseph felt being thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers. Come step into the fire with us and "become" Torah!
OPTION 6:
Exploring Identity Through Mindfulness and Yoga – Tamara Richter
Discover the stories that shape who you are through the power of yoga and mindfulness. In this unique class, you’ll connect with your Jewish heritage and personal identity by blending movement, reflection, and deep exploration of your experiences and traditions. Each session will guide you to ask meaningful questions about your roots and spark conversations with your family. Join us to move, breathe, and reflect on the journey that makes you uniquely you.