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Jewish Learning and Living
At Temple Menorah, we strive to make our Jewish Learning and Living (JLL) program engaging for both learners and their families. We give everyone an opportunity not just to learn about Judaism but to live it as well. Our Shabbat-based model brings students and families to learn about and celebrate Jewish life together. At JLL, Jewish learning happens in both formal and informal capacities.
Mifgash
TK-Sixth Grade
Jewish learning at JLL happens in both formal and informal capacities. Activities in Mifgash (“gathering”) enable learners to explore:
- Becoming. Personal growth and fulfillment as an individual.
- Belonging. In a family, in our community, and in the world.
- Behaving. Via sacred routines, as well as hands-on work to repair the world.
Through the celebration of holidays, engagement in creative rituals, study of our sacred texts, exploration of Jewish values, and connections to the Jewish community, our learners and their teachers will discover — individually and in collaboration with others — meaning and purpose.
Ivrit
Third-Seventh Grade
Older learners attend an additional day to learn to read Hebrew (Ivrit), our people’s ancient language.
Learners in grades 3–6 work on Hebrew decoding skills to become confident readers, and gain mastery of Shabbat evening and morning prayers. As part of their Hebrew studies, learners will also explore the meaning and history of the liturgy, developing and deepening their personal understanding of the prayer experience.
As they approach the 7th grade year, learners begin the process of preparing for B’nai Mitzvah. In 7th grade, they meet twice a week to master the skills needed to lead a Shabbat service as well as to explore what it means to become a Jewish adult with all of the privileges and responsibilities that entails.
Through exploration of Jewish history as well as current events and world issues, the learners explore what it means to be a Jewish person, and how our commitments to Judaism encourage us to make a difference in the world.
Tichon, for 8th through 12th grade
Tichon is our post-b’nai mitzvah program with opportunities for 8th–12th graders. Learners in 8th–10th meet every Wednesday for dinner, classes, and activities. Classes cover topics of interest to teens — from Jews in pop culture to the situation in Israel to moral and ethical debates. Each week begins with dinner followed by elective classes, followed by a half-hour teen-directed activity.
We also have special events throughout the year where teens engage in social-emotional workshops, social action opportunities, and community outreach.
Learners in 10th grade participate in Confirmation, which involves weekly study with Rabbi Schuldenfrei and a Confirmation service at the end of the year. Confirmation participants are also eligible to attend the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar in Washington, D.C. Post-Confirmation, 11th and 12th graders are invited to participate in internships through the RAC and the URJ as well as additional social action opportunities.
In addition to the classes and social time, highlights of our program include:
Guest speakers and workshops
Helping teens navigate complicated issues like antisemitism, their relationships with Israel, and their own experiences as Jewish teens growing up in the South Bay.
Kulam, via Moving Traditions
These sessions explore issues of identity, equity, and justice with Jewish wisdom as a guide. More important now than ever, this program will help teens to reconnect with each other in brave, safe spaces that foster open and honest discussions.
New This Year
South Bay Jewish Teens
We are happy to announce a new joint venture which will bring together teens from most of the South Bay congregations. Under the leadership of a teen board, the group will gather throughout the year to celebrate holidays, engage in social action events, and develop a teen community. All Jewish teens from 8th-12th grades are welcome to participate.
Jewish Learning and Living
Madrichim
Teens may also participate as Madrichim (assistants) in our Jewish Learning and Living program. They will have opportunities to work closely with the younger learners, plan and run special activities, work in our Hebrew Lab and otherwise contribute to our amazing learning community.
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Upcoming programs and events
Something is always happening at Temple Menorah. Browse our programs, classes, and events, and find a time that works for you.
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