MA’AYAN GRADE-LEVEL CLASSES:

Each session will strive to involve discussion, interactive activities, and group reflection, as well as opportunities for personal reflection and journaling. Guest speakers and/or taking field trips to deepen students’ understanding of specific topics are to be discussed.

Grade 7 – B’nei Mitzvah Class:

In the 7th grade/ B’nei Mitzvah class, students will learn about the meaning behind the prayers and rituals they will be performing during their ceremony. The class will include text studies, speech writing for the day of the ceremony, and working on their mitzvah projects. All students will be asked to sign up for a Shabbat service to help lead prayers in, during the academic year.

Grades 8 & 9 – Real Life Judaism:

In the 8th and 9th grade program, students will explore how Judaism fits into their daily lives, both personally and socially. We will discuss topics such as Jewish values, social justice, and Israel, among others. This program is designed to help students understand the relevance of Judaism in their lives and in society.

Grade 10 – Confirmation Class:

The 10th-grade program will be participating in our confirmation class, which will culminate in a ceremony on the bima. The Confirmation class is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Judaism, connect with their Jewish identity, and prepare for a lifetime of engagement with the Jewish community.

Grades 11 & 12 – Adulting As a Jew:

In the 11th and 12th grade program, students will participate in a class called “Adulting as a Jew.” The class will focus on how to handle anti-Semitism in society, discuss different aspects of Judaism, and what it means to be Jewish as an individual. This class is designed to help students develop a sense of pride in their Jewish identity and learn how to navigate difficult situations as Jewish adults.

MA’AYAN ELECTIVES:

Students will have the opportunity to choose from the following electives: 

• Cantors Chanters:
  Calling teens who love to sing and want to be part of a musical community. Led by the talented Cantor Ettinger, the choir will meet on Ma’ayan evenings to rehearse a variety of music, from traditional Jewish melodies to contemporary songs.
• Kosher Cooking Class:
  In this class, students will explore Jewish food and culture, including traditional Jewish foods and the role that food plays in Jewish celebrations and traditions.
• CBI Teen Social Committee:
  Our vision for the CBI teen social committee is a group of students who are dedicated to planning and organizing fun and engaging events for Jewish teens in our temple and the wider community. Meeting once or twice a month on Thursday evenings, the committee will work together to plan events that will appeal to a wide range of students, while also organizing a college trip for interested teens to visit our state universities in the spring. With their creativity, energy, and commitment, the teen social committee is sure to be a vibrant and exciting addition to our synagogue community.
• Arting & Crafting:
  Teens are encouraged to explore their artistic side. The class will cover a range of art and craft techniques, including sewing, drawing, photography, and more.
• Leadership 101:
  This class is designed to help students develop the skills they need to become strong leaders in their communities. The class will cover a range of topics, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and decision-making.