TEENS

Kesher: A Jewish Teen Experience for teens 8th through 12th Grades
(A Community learning opportunity for High School students)

Our Kesher program promotes community learning for our High School student in grades 8^th – 12^th.

All regular class meetings take place at Temple Beth El from 11:00-12:00.

Service-Learning activities are required for 8^th and 9^th grade students.

We encourage all students to participate in Service-Learning activities when they can, but it is not required for 10^th-12^th grade students.

8^th & 9^th Grade

Students participate in Service-Learning classes. They meet 11 times. There are seven classroom sessions, and students help lead four community-wide service projects. Classroom lessons focus on the Jewish values of service and repair (Tikkun Olam), including background on the social challenges students will encounter through their service projects.

10^th Grade

Students in 10^th grade prepare for their Confirmation which is held in the season of Shavuot in the Spring. Classes are taught by the Rabbis from Temple Emanu-El and Temple Beth El, as part of our community Kesher program, focusing on the student’s Jewish journey, their relationship with God, and lessons of Jewish values along with the meaning of Confirmation in their lives.

11^th & 12^th Grades

Thanks to the JCRC and Professor Jonathan Weisen’s dedication, we offer a high-quality advanced learning opportunity focused on antisemitism. The students learn about the roots of antisemitism, modern antisemitism, and religious and cultural responses. When the students complete this course, they will be well-prepared to defend themselves and their community if faced with anti-Jewish hate in college and adulthood.

Together with Professor Weisen, our presenters are some of the top scholars and instructors from across the southeast. Dr. Jonathan Weisen is a professor at UAB’s Department of History, professor Dr. David Meola is a professor at the University of South Alabama’s Department of History, Dr. Eric Goldstein is a professor at Emory University’s Department of History, and Dr. Dan Puckett is a professor at Troy University’s Department of History and Philosophy. Additionally,our Rabbis and other experts in the Birmingham community are also teachers to our 11^th & 12^th grade teens.