"When two people sit and study Torah, the Divine Presence rests between them."
Pirkei Avot

Our BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM and CONFIRMATION ACADEMY prepares children for the adult world of Judaism. The program begins in seventh grade where our students prepare to celebrate what they have learned in their elementary years.  It continues with an in depth study of who we are as Reform Jews and as individuals.  The program has a strong social component and works to develop students decision making skills and help students gain a greater appreciation for their Jewish community.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program

Our B’nai Mitzvah program puts each child at the center of this important milestone event.  Each clergy member meets with the family to design a service that is appropriate, meaningful, and challenging to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah student.  Having prepared for years for this event students meet regularly during the weeks prior to the bar or bat mitzvah with tutors.  They lead the service, read from the Torah, and complete a Mitzvah project to go along with their course of study.  At this pivotal time, families in our school receive ongoing support from the staff and clergy of the synagogue to create a significant and stress-free event.  We welcome participation in our services by ALL members of a child’s family regardless of their religious background.

Confirmation Academy

Students in grades 7-10 attend school on Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30. The first half hour is dedicated to a relaxed dinner and promoting a community feeling among all the students. There are two 40 minute classes each night. First is a “core curriculum” which is specific to each grade level. The seventh grade curriculum finishes out the “essential elements of Judaism” with a study of Anti Semitism and the holocaust.  The eighth through tenth grade core courses enable the students to understand who we are in comparison to other religion’s and other types of Jews in our world.  These experiences enable our students to “confirm” their Judaism at the Confirmation Ceremony which is held at the end of tenth grade.  Cantor Amy Lefko, Rabbi Peter Rigler and Rabbi Lance Sussman all teach in our Confirmation Program.

The Confirmation Academy’s Tuesday night program takes the following format:

6:30 – 7:00 p.m.            Dinner During this half hour there will be time for both socializing and informal learning experiences.
7:00 – 7:45 p.m.            Core Curriculum Classes
        7th  Grade Modern Hebrew and Bar/.Bat Mitzvah Prep
       8th Grade Comparative Religion                                                                    9th Grade Comparative Judaism 
       10th Grade Tools for a Successful Jewish Life
7:45 – 8:30 p.m.            Elective Classes                                                              including: Judaism and Sexuality, A Jewish Book Group,
                       What is Kabbalah?, Doing the Mitzvah!                                           Art, The Hebrew Hammers Band, Jewish Artifacts – Being a
                       Museum Curator, What should I do?
 

    At KI it is expected that all students continue their Religious Education through Confirmation, here’s why… 

·                      Our program provides promotes identity building and increases self esteem

·                      The academy gives your teenager a chance to reflect on core values rather than absorb modern cultural value and negative media messages.

·                      Where else will they be discussing serious moral issues and playing out real life scenarios with educators who have their best interests in mind?

·                      Students who are involved in religious education in their high school years are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors.
·                      At 13 years old your child is not finished learning about morals, ethics, and how to make good choices.   

Post Confirmation
After 10th grade students in our religious school often continue their education through Gratz Collge’s IM Wise program.  Click here http://www.gratz.edu/page4316.aspx  to be directed to their website for more information.   

Students also elect to stay involved right here at KI.  Besides KIFTY http://www.kenesethisrael.org/youth.htm  (make link)  we have over 50 students who volunteer each Sunday morning in our religious school because they love it so much! 

KI also offers a monthly “schmooze with the clergy” for 11th and 12th graders to continue their education in a fun, informal context. 

  Return to Religious School Page

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