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 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 The Ten Commandments, of course! The super important 10 that were listed on the tablets and given to us at Sinai. But what makes these 10 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 of the commandments 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, Goldensohn Fellow at ADL
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 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 The Ten Commandments, of course! The super important 10 that were listed on the tablets and given to us at Sinai. But what makes these 10 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 of the commandments 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, Goldensohn Fellow at ADL
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.
Unveiling Jewish Folktales: A Journey Through Tradition and Imagination – Melissa Cohen-Nickels
Step into the vibrant world of Jewish folktales in this dynamic course. "Unveiling Jewish Folktales" invites you to discover the magic and wisdom woven into timeless stories that have shaped Jewish culture for centuries. From the enigmatic Golem to clever rabbis and heroic figures, this course will take you on an engaging adventure through narrative, history, and creativity. Unlock the secrets of Jewish folktales and gain a deeper appreciation for their enduring relevance. Engage in hands-on projects, lively discussions, and creative storytelling, all while building critical thinking and presentation skills. Whether you're a budding storyteller or simply curious about cultural heritage, this course promises an exciting and enriching experience.
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.
Dude, Where’s My Kippah? A Journey into Jewish Manhood* – Joe Mabry
In this interactive class, you'll dive into what it means to be a Jewish man today. Using the Moving Traditions Shevet curriculum, we’ll explore topics like identity, responsibility, and masculinity through a Jewish lens. This elective provides a space to talk about real issues with your peers while discovering how Jewish values can shape your journey into manhood. Expect honest conversations, hands-on activities, and a lot of fun.
*Teens are welcome to join as they self-identify, and nonbinary teens are welcome in whatever space they feel most comfortable.
Rosh Hodesh: It’s A Girl Thing* – McKenzie Sigle
Join us as we honor the Jewish tradition of Rosh Hodesh, a special time for women to gather and reflect together. Through creative activities, open discussions, and fun experiences, we’ll explore important topics like body image, friendship, relationships, and managing stress. This space is about building confidence and connection through a Jewish lens, empowering you to grow with your peers in a supportive and engaging environment.
*Teens are welcome to join as they self-identify, and nonbinary teens are welcome in whatever space they feel most comfortable.
Inside Israel – Ari Schroder
Inside Israel takes students on a dynamic exploration of the land, people, and culture of Israel. Through interactive lessons, videos, and discussions, we’ll delve into Israel's history, geography, and diverse society, discovering how Israel plays a key role in Jewish identity and global affairs. This course invites you to engage with contemporary issues and develop a deeper understanding of Israel's significance in the Jewish world and beyond.
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.
Step into the vibrant world of Jewish folktales in this dynamic course. "Unveiling Jewish Folktales" invites you to discover the magic and wisdom woven into timeless stories that have shaped Jewish culture for centuries. From the enigmatic Golem to clever rabbis and heroic figures, this course will take you on an engaging adventure through narrative, history, and creativity. Unlock the secrets of Jewish folktales and gain a deeper appreciation for their enduring relevance. Engage in hands-on projects, lively discussions, and creative storytelling, all while building critical thinking and presentation skills. Whether you're a budding storyteller or simply curious about cultural heritage, this course promises an exciting and enriching experience.
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.
Dude, Where’s My Kippah? A Journey into Jewish Manhood* – Joe Mabry
In this interactive class, you'll dive into what it means to be a Jewish man today. Using the Moving Traditions Shevet curriculum, we’ll explore topics like identity, responsibility, and masculinity through a Jewish lens. This elective provides a space to talk about real issues with your peers while discovering how Jewish values can shape your journey into manhood. Expect honest conversations, hands-on activities, and a lot of fun.
*Teens are welcome to join as they self-identify, and nonbinary teens are welcome in whatever space they feel most comfortable.
Rosh Hodesh: It’s A Girl Thing* – McKenzie Sigle
Join us as we honor the Jewish tradition of Rosh Hodesh, a special time for women to gather and reflect together. Through creative activities, open discussions, and fun experiences, we’ll explore important topics like body image, friendship, relationships, and managing stress. This space is about building confidence and connection through a Jewish lens, empowering you to grow with your peers in a supportive and engaging environment.
*Teens are welcome to join as they self-identify, and nonbinary teens are welcome in whatever space they feel most comfortable.
Inside Israel – Ari Schroder
Inside Israel takes students on a dynamic exploration of the land, people, and culture of Israel. Through interactive lessons, videos, and discussions, we’ll delve into Israel's history, geography, and diverse society, discovering how Israel plays a key role in Jewish identity and global affairs. This course invites you to engage with contemporary issues and develop a deeper understanding of Israel's significance in the Jewish world and beyond.
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.