Middle JEWL
Sixth through Eighth Grade
Middle JEWL Sixth Through Eighth Grade Programs Explained
Sixth Grade - Vav
Meets twice per week: Sundays (Session I or Session II) and Tuesdays OR Wednesdays; PLUS four Shabbat retreats throughout the year at Camp TEKO
Broaden their understanding of biblical characters in Jewish text - the good, the bad, and the ugly - through their weekly class by working together as a classroom with fresh and engaging activities; and advance their knowledge of Shabbat prayers with an emphasis on key words, understanding meaning, and finding relevance to their daily lives.
Experience four Shabbat retreats all with their own unique theme: Kehillah Kedosha (building sacred community), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), B’tzelem Elohim (in God's image), and Israel: The Land and the People.
Creating lifelong bonds with other learners at Temple is one way we experience kehillah kedosha (sacred community).
Seventh Grade - Zayin
Meets on Tuesdays OR Wednesdays
Gain a fundamental understanding of the liturgy used in the shabbat morning services by exploring the language of prayer in Hebrew and English.
Search for personal meaning in the prayers that they diligently study during the B’nai Mitzvah years. We will explore the history of and ideas expressed in these prayers, explore what they mean to us today, and connect prayer and social action.
Experience leadership activities focused on helping others. Throughout our time together we will create a trusting community where we can share our own perspectives and learn about the perspectives of others.
Eighth Grade - Chet
Meets five Sundays from 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
learners meet five Sundays throughout the year. The Rabbis cannot wait to explore with students and families (yes, parents are invited to join!). We will tour the Basilica, our partner in interfaith relations; talking with Jewish sports leaders; help the community; and experience the Jewish culture of our city. We cannot wait to see you there!
More About Our Other Grades
Kindergarten through Second Grade
Classes meet on Sunday mornings.
Details for Kindergarten through second grade.
Third through Sixth Grade
Classes meet on Sunday mornings and Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons.
Details for third through sixth-grade classes.
High School JEWL
JEWL’s High School years provide opportunities to deepen connections with peers and Temple Israel’s clergy. Learners build their personal Jewish identities as teens while tackling the challenges of being a citizen of the world. Each Wednesday evening session includes snacks for all learners together.
Details for High School.
JEWL’s educational philosophy is rooted in these principles:
Relational Judaism
JEWL cultivates a culture of kindness so that our learners experience a sense of belonging, form positive memories and develop friendships. We learn with partners, in small groups, and as a class.
Experiential & Project-Based Learning
JEWL encourages exploration, playfulness, and discovery and often encourages learning to work toward a meaningful concrete outcome.
Whole-Person Learning
JEWL addresses and honors the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, ethical, and spiritual aspects of learners' lives within and beyond the classroom. We layer the curriculum to expand the previous year’s content and challenge our learners to go deeper as they grow as members of their families, the wider community, and as global citizens.