Teen Connections.
Opportunities for students in grades 8 - 12
Mitzvah Academy:
Turning Jewish Values into Action
Our Mitzvah Academy keeps Jewish learning meaningful and relevant during the important post–B’nei Mitzvah years. Building on the Hebrew and biblical foundations students developed earlier, this program explores what it means to live Jewish values in the modern world.
Learning takes place in a relaxed, discussion-based environment where teens debate big ideas, explore real-world issues affecting both Jewish and broader communities, and discover meaningful ways to help repair the world (tikkun olam). Students also participate in a variety of hands-on social action experiences, both on and off site. And while the conversations are thoughtful, the atmosphere is always welcoming, social, and fun — because community and friendships are an important part of the experience too.
Mitzvah Academy meets weekly on Sundays from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Madrichim:
Teen Leaders in Action
Our Madrichim program invites high school students to step into leadership within our school community. Serving as teaching assistants in Sunday morning and/or Wednesday afternoon classes, teens work alongside our teachers while learning skills like lesson planning, classroom leadership, and mentoring younger students.
We understand that high school schedules can be busy, so participation is flexible, allowing teens to find a schedule that works alongside their academic, extracurricular, and family commitments.
What begins as a volunteer role often becomes a powerful and formative experience — helping teens build confidence, develop leadership skills, and deepen their connection to Jewish life!
Confirmation
Through class projects, ongoing discussions, and participation in the L'taken weekend in Washington, D.C., our high school students learn to apply Reform Jewish values to modern political and social problems, equipping them with the confidence to be a voice for Judaism as they move to college campuses and beyond.
Confirmation consecration marks the end of formal learning in the Reform movement. Leading the service, students affirm their commitment to the Jewish people and to leading lives guided by Jewish values.
