Upper School, 6-12, Class Offering

Sixth Grade: Torah and Avodah

Students explore their relationship to God and sacred community through lessons of Torah and the content of prayer.  Student build skills necessary to develop a dvar torah as well as lead a service. Families participate in a family program that kicks off each semester's program as well as Shabbat worship experiences throughout the year.  Students are tutored in Hebrew once a week for a half hour to deepen their Hebrew skills and prepare for their bnai mitzvah.
Once a Week – Either Sunday 11:15 am – 1:15 pm OR Tuesday 5:30 – 7:30 pm, including Sunday bagel breakfast OR Tuesday dinner. Tutoring schedule options: Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon/evening & Sunday mornings.  Selected Shabbatot and Sunday afternoons for family programs

Seventh Grade: Gemilut Chasadim and Holocaust Studies

Students grapple with issues of the Shoah and explore personal responsibility in tikkum olam, making the world a better place. Students will have the opportunity to begin to build a mitzvah project for their bnai mitzvah.
Once a Week – Either Sunday 11:15 am – 1:15 pm OR Tuesday 5:30 – 7:30 pm, including Sunday bagel breakfast OR Tuesday dinner. Selected Sundays for Community Service projects.

Eighth Grade: Mitzvah Corps

Our Mitzvah Corps will participate in Social Action activities within the context of Judaism.Through a wonderful blend of classroom learning and volunteering out in the community, students have the opportunity to obtain community service hours, have a positive volunteer experience and also learn firsthand Jewish social action and social justice values such as tzedakah, gemilut chasadim and tikun olam.
Once a Week – Either Sunday 11:15 am – 1:15 pm OR Tuesday 5:30 – 7:30 including Sunday bagel breakfast OR Tuesday dinner. Selected Sundays for Community Service projects

Mitzvah Corps: Ninth Grade

A Religious School social action experience
Our Mitzvah Corps will participate in Social Action activities within the context of Judaism.Through a wonderful blend of classroom learning and volunteering out in the community, students have the opportunity to obtain community service hours, have a positive volunteer experience and also learn firsthand Jewish social action and social justice values such as tzedakah, gemilut chasadim and tikun olam. Classes will meet on most Wednesday nights, and then the Mitzvah Corps will meet on Sundays, approximately five times during the course of the year.
Once a Week – Either Sunday 11:15 am – 1:15 pm OR Wednesday 5:30 – 7:30 including Sunday bagel breakfast OR Wednesday dinner. Selected Sundays for Community Service projects

Confirmation: Tenth Grade

Learning from Clergy and making a personal commitment to Judaism
A fantastic and unique opportunity for 10th grade students to study exclusively with our rabbis! The Confirmation program encourages an open exchange of ideas, opinions and questions. Topics include, but are not limited to, theology, Israel, the Ten Commandments, and what it means to be a Jew in the modern world. The year-long program culminates in a meaningful Shabbat morning service and ceremony in which all Confirmands participate. All students will participate in the exciting, meaningful Religious Action Center (RAC) weekend in Washington, DC, as they find the Jewish principles they have learned come to life.
Once a Week – Wednesday 5:30-7:30 including dinner.  RAC Trip March 2-5, 2012

Israel Moadon: Teen Israel Club: Eleventh and Twelfth Grades

Bringing Israel to lives and hearts of our teenage students
Curriculum for this program will include using Informal Education methodologies for 11th and 12th grade students who would like to learn about and become more engaged with education, politics, advocacy, and connection to the land and people of Israel.
Once a month on Wednesdays 6:15 – 8:00 pm including dinner

Nosh and Drash: Eleventh and Twelfth Grades

Nourishment for the body and soul
Students will meet once a month with Rabbi Strom to study Torah and Judaism with an eye towards their everyday lives. Following the lively discussion, students are invited to participate in a variety of activities with Rabbi Strom, including Wii and other games. It is a terrific opportunity for students in 11th and 12th grad to continue their Jewish exploration and education, while enjoying socializing with their friends and classmates.
Once a month on Wednesdays 6:15 – 8:00 pm including dinner

Teachers' Assistant Program: Eleventh and Twelfth Grades

Student leaders assist in Religious School classrooms for younger students
We prize our many Teaching Assistants who bring their learning and enthusiasm to our lower school classes and our office each week. TA's attend a fall orientation and Wednesday night update meetings a few times during the school year, learning valuable leadership skills as they build relationships with teachers, students, and each other. TA's may elect to be paid or receive community service credit.
TA slots available during K-5 class hours AND occasional Wednesday meetings including dinner 6:15-8:00 pm

TaSTY: Teen Israel Club: Eleventh and Twelfth Grades

Informal Education program for High School students
TaSTY offers education, social and community service events for high school students. TaSTY hosts a monthly Wednesday night "lounge night" where students get together for programming and to hang out. Topics include teen, world, and community issues. TaSTY holds a monthly board meeting on these nights where our student leaders plan and discuss upcoming events for the youth group. TaSTY functions as a youth organization within the North American Federation of Temple Youth. As a member of NFTY and the region NAR (NFTY New York Area Region), our youth group participates in local, regional, and national events.
Once a month on Wednesdays 6:15 – 8:00 pm including dinner