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:
Israel Up Close: Stories, People, and Connection – Aviv Ben Tovim
Join Aviv, our community shaliach, for an inside look at Israel you won’t find in textbooks. Through stories, games, and conversations, you’ll explore Israeli culture, daily life, and the big questions facing Israel today. Together we’ll discover how Israel’s history, people, and traditions connect to our lives as Jewish teens in Houston. Come prepared to share your thoughts, ask questions, and experience Israel from a completely new perspective.
OPTION 3:
Words to Action: Empowering You to Address Anti-Semitism – Lisa Stone
Would you know what to do if:
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:
Israel Up Close: Stories, People, and Connection – Aviv Ben Tovim
Join Aviv, our community shaliach, for an inside look at Israel you won’t find in textbooks. Through stories, games, and conversations, you’ll explore Israeli culture, daily life, and the big questions facing Israel today. Together we’ll discover how Israel’s history, people, and traditions connect to our lives as Jewish teens in Houston. Come prepared to share your thoughts, ask questions, and experience Israel from a completely new perspective.
OPTION 3:
Words to Action: Empowering You to Address Anti-Semitism – Lisa Stone
Would you know what to do if:
- You found swastikas on the door of your school?
- Someone gave you a “Heil Hitler” salute
- Someone accused you of killing Jesus?
Session B: 8:15-9:00 p.m.
Below are the 8th & 9th grade elective options.
Jews Around the World: The Global Jewish Adventure - Melissa Cohen-Nickels
Pack your bags (no actual luggage required) and grab your passport, we’re heading on a whirlwind tour of Jewish life from Marrakesh to Mumbai, Warsaw to Buenos Aires. Over 6 weeks, we’ll meet fascinating Jewish communities, taste their foods (at least in our imaginations), hear their music, and uncover how the same traditions can look wildly different depending on where you are in the world. Along the way, you might learn a few words in Ladino, Yiddish, or Amharic, discover why some Jews eat challah and others eat injera. This isn’t your typical history class, think of it as Jewish travel without the jet lag (or TSA). By the end, you’ll have a fully stamped “Jewish passport” and a serious case of wanderlust… for Jewish culture.
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.
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!
Israeli Dancing - Tamara Richter
The joy of movement is everywhere—from Israeli dancing to TikTok! Israeli dancing is lively, fun, and meant for everyone, no matter your skill level. The best part? You don’t need to know a dance to join in! In this class, we’ll learn classic Israeli dances, discover the stories and meanings behind them, and even try creating our own. No experience needed—just bring your energy, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone!
Israel Unpacked: Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask – Sarah Williams
Curious about Israel in ways that go beyond headlines? In Israel Unpacked, we’ll watch video shorts that ask the tough stuff—like Are Jews indigenous to Israel?, What happens when religion and politics collide?, and What if everything you thought about the West Bank is wrong? Using these snapshots from Israel 101 and other Unpacked series, we’ll explore Israel’s history, culture, and identity together—and discover how it connects to your world today.
Pack your bags (no actual luggage required) and grab your passport, we’re heading on a whirlwind tour of Jewish life from Marrakesh to Mumbai, Warsaw to Buenos Aires. Over 6 weeks, we’ll meet fascinating Jewish communities, taste their foods (at least in our imaginations), hear their music, and uncover how the same traditions can look wildly different depending on where you are in the world. Along the way, you might learn a few words in Ladino, Yiddish, or Amharic, discover why some Jews eat challah and others eat injera. This isn’t your typical history class, think of it as Jewish travel without the jet lag (or TSA). By the end, you’ll have a fully stamped “Jewish passport” and a serious case of wanderlust… for Jewish culture.
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.
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!
Israeli Dancing - Tamara Richter
The joy of movement is everywhere—from Israeli dancing to TikTok! Israeli dancing is lively, fun, and meant for everyone, no matter your skill level. The best part? You don’t need to know a dance to join in! In this class, we’ll learn classic Israeli dances, discover the stories and meanings behind them, and even try creating our own. No experience needed—just bring your energy, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone!
Israel Unpacked: Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask – Sarah Williams
Curious about Israel in ways that go beyond headlines? In Israel Unpacked, we’ll watch video shorts that ask the tough stuff—like Are Jews indigenous to Israel?, What happens when religion and politics collide?, and What if everything you thought about the West Bank is wrong? Using these snapshots from Israel 101 and other Unpacked series, we’ll explore Israel’s history, culture, and identity together—and discover how it connects to your world today.