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.
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.