Grades 8-10 ("Chai School")

Creating Our Judaism

8th-9th grade students study together primarily through discussion-based learning. Through media, social action projects, Jewish texts, and opportunities to meet with community leaders, our 8th-10th graders develop leadership skills that will stay with them throughout their lives. Each student will have input into the topics that the class will study throughout the year. We will offer experiential learning opportunities and some travel to DC.

Topics of study have included:

• Comparative religion through Jewish eyes and how Judaism is both similar and different from other global religions. 
• Global Judaism through American eyes, with a focus on Israel and the middle east.
• Jewish communities all around the world, including the FSU (former Soviet Union), India, western Europe, and Australia, exploring the lifestyle, challenges, foods, and educational practices of Jews living in these varied countries.

Confirmation Class - 10th Grade 

10th grade reaches the “milestone” of Confirmation. The Rabbi teaches a curriculum that focuses on text study. Students become confirmed in a ceremony at the end of their 10th grade year and they lead a Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service together as a class. 

2024-25 Chai School Curriculum

 Throughout the course of the year, our Chai School students are encouraged to volunteer.  Students who complete 45  "commitment hours" over the course of the year, will have fully met the requirements of our Chai School curriculum.  A more comprehensive review our our program can be found here:  2024-25 Chai School Curriculum. 
 

Megan's Muse Creative Arts Contest

Our Chai School students (8th-10th grades) may participate in Megan’s Muse, which is a creative arts contest designed to honor the memory of Megan Berman. There is a cash prize for the winner of Megan’s Muse. 

Madrich Program

Chai School students are also eligible to become madrichim (assistant teachers), in the Religious School. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact us at relschool@bethemeth.org. The application is available online.

2024-25 Schedule

Students in Chai School will meet 9 times, on select Sundays from November through April.  Students will also participate in student-led community-based activities over the course of the year.  Contact us at relschool@bethemeth.org with any questions.