As your teens begin to return to school for the fall, we realize religious school may also be on your mind! Our new Director of Youth Engagement, Jay Ascher, and I have been working very closely with Temple clergy to put together an incredible new plan for Wednesday evenings. We had heard that teens were seeking more content, structure and meaning – and YET, also would need to have fun and see their friends if they are to join us for programming this year. Here’s an outline of what’s new:
The first and third Wednesdays will be spent learning alongside the Beth El teens with our clergy and educational teams as facilitators. This letter outlines our partnership.
The second Wednesday Jay will be working with teens to explore Jewish identity via various medium.
The fourth Wednesday will give teens the opportunity to earn community service hours during religious school with Mitzvah Corps hands-on volunteering.
No two weeks will be alike, which makes each session a new adventure. To see exactly what the calendar looks like for the year, click here. We would love to have you join us; even if it’s been a while since your teen has attended – we welcome you to come check it out.
Enrollment is open nowusing this form. If you are logged in to Shulcloud (reach out to Michelle at 402-556-6536 if you have any trouble accessing your account) all of the information we have on file will auto fill and you will only need to change any updated information.
Travel opportunities available through our learning programs: Community Teen Trip to Israel
SAVE THE DATE: L’Taken Social Justice Seminar in Washington, DC
Jan. 27-30, 2023
Open to all high school students at Temple
Join other Reform Jews from around the country
Registration will open in September
Rabbi Deana Berezin is a chaperone
The education team is excited for the opportunities that this school year will bring for teens. There are many different ways to get involved and to be a part of the community – this email doesn’t even address how Jay Ascher will be implementing the youth group or our madrichim/internship program this year (contact him for more details)! We look forward to seeing and learning with you soon.
p.s. Have you met us yet? Join the congregation for Friday night services next week, August 19, at 6 pm for an official welcome for Jay and myself. I will be giving the dvar torah and would love to get to know you at the oneg!
