Kehillah High
9th 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.
9th graders will take all three of these classes by the end of the year.
OPTION 1:
Wait, That's in the Bible? – Rabbi Gideon Estes
Learn about the third section of the Tanakh, Ketuvim, or writings. This class will explore the great stories, poems, and teachings of this frequently overlooked section of the bible. We will look at stories of great love, loss, and wisdom to live with the complexities of life.
Wait, That's in the Bible? – Rabbi Gideon Estes
Learn about the third section of the Tanakh, Ketuvim, or writings. This class will explore the great stories, poems, and teachings of this frequently overlooked section of the bible. We will look at stories of great love, loss, and wisdom to live with the complexities of life.
OPTION 2:
Hearing Voices: How and Why Did God Speak to the Prophets – Cantor Kenneth Feibush
Were the prophets crazy or courageous when they told people they heard the voice of God? Sometimes, the prophets heard a voice, saw a vision, had a dream, or were possessed by spirits. This class will explore the roles of these messengers of God in the Torah and discuss whether there are modern-day “prophets.”
Hearing Voices: How and Why Did God Speak to the Prophets – Cantor Kenneth Feibush
Were the prophets crazy or courageous when they told people they heard the voice of God? Sometimes, the prophets heard a voice, saw a vision, had a dream, or were possessed by spirits. This class will explore the roles of these messengers of God in the Torah and discuss whether there are modern-day “prophets.”
OPTION 3:
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Torah – Rabbi Samuel Rheins
In this class, you will have a birds eye view into the weekly Torah portion. We will be looking at difficult passages, inspiring texts, and stories. Through study and delving into the wisdom of the great commentators, a new light will be cast on the stories essential to our identity. We will take a deep dive into the multifaceted layers of a different Torah portion every week, including an examination of biblical characters, themes, and commentaries.
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Torah – Rabbi Samuel Rheins
In this class, you will have a birds eye view into the weekly Torah portion. We will be looking at difficult passages, inspiring texts, and stories. Through study and delving into the wisdom of the great commentators, a new light will be cast on the stories essential to our identity. We will take a deep dive into the multifaceted layers of a different Torah portion every week, including an examination of biblical characters, themes, and commentaries.
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 LahanaThe 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!
Namastay Grounded: Yoga, Mindfulness, and Jewish Wisdom – Tamara RichterFind balance, strength, and connection through yoga and mindfulness infused with Jewish wisdom. This class will help you stay grounded—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—while exploring identity, resilience, and self-discovery themes. You’ll connect with your inner self and the traditions that shape you through movement, breathwork, and reflection. Come stretch, breathe, and center yourself in a meaningful practice that blends ancient wisdom with modern mindfulness.
Title TBD – Rabbi Nati Sten
Class description coming!
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 LahanaThe 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!
Namastay Grounded: Yoga, Mindfulness, and Jewish Wisdom – Tamara RichterFind balance, strength, and connection through yoga and mindfulness infused with Jewish wisdom. This class will help you stay grounded—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—while exploring identity, resilience, and self-discovery themes. You’ll connect with your inner self and the traditions that shape you through movement, breathwork, and reflection. Come stretch, breathe, and center yourself in a meaningful practice that blends ancient wisdom with modern mindfulness.
Title TBD – Rabbi Nati Sten
Class description coming!
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.