7th Grade Tzedek Program

Just as the journey of B’nei Mitzvah bridges a young person into Jewish adulthood, our 7th grade program ushers students from our TK-6 Religious School program into our Jewish Teen Journey (JTJ) program. Through a mix of formal & informal learning and social experiences, 7th graders explore their Jewish identity and voice within the adult world. By focusing on a variety of local social issues, students will foster their sense of tikkun olam - the Jewish obligation to better the world around them - and share the Jewish vocabulary behind our people's commitment to tzedek (justice) and g'milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). Students will engage in social action, build relationships with one another & the Jewish people, and deepen their own Jewish identities. During each unit, students will participate in hands-on experiences and consider potential ways to be advocates and change makers. Students may earn volunteer hours for their school or hours towards their g'milut chasadim requirement for their B'nei Mitzvah. The year will conclude with students' active participation at Mitzvah Day. 

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JTJ Classes: Judea Goes to College, Hot Topics, Jewish Values & More!

Students in our JTJ Program can continue their Jewish education by participating in Wednesday night dinners and classes that are both fun and engaging! Our 8-9th grade students can choose between "When "Jew" Wish Upon a Star: Jewish Values and the World of Disney" and "Hot Topics: Where Jewish Tradition Meets the Modern World." Meanwhile, our 10-12th grade students can participate in Judea Goes to College: an opportunity to take a college course for 3 general education credits, thanks to a partnership with American Jewish University (AJU). In "Introduction to the History, Culture, and People of Israel,” teens will explore its history and learn how to critically analyze a wide range of subjects. The course includes an examination of the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of the multifaceted society.

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Become a Madrich or CIT! 

Temple Judea teens may choose to serve as role models and teen leaders as Religious School Madrichim, Camp Sababa CITs (Counselors-in-Training), or Beit Midrash Madrichim. While leading small group activities and experiences, and assisting staff, these volunteers serve as role models of Jewish living and help younger kids develop a deep understanding and appreciation of their Jewish identity. With opportunities for personal growth and leadership, teens will enjoy a fun, sometimes challenging, but wholeheartedly rewarding experience! Email  to learn more.

• RS Madrichim: During the school year, teens commit as Madrichim to supporting our teachers & staff by assisting with one of our religious school programs, monthly family programs, photography & videography, or dreaming up a new way to share talents with our community. Teens with Hebrew knowledge and abilities may also volunteer in our Hebrew program and offer extra support to those kids who need it the most. Participation is free, and teens can earn community service hours, plus receive ongoing training with our Assistant Director of Education. Returning 11th and 12th grade Madrichim are eligible to be paid for their work in place of receiving community service hours. Additionally, paid Madrichim who work on Tuesdays will receive an additional $2/hr!
• Camp Sababa CITs: When Camp Sababa is in session, teens commit to supporting our teachers and staff in building and maintaining a supportive, warm, safe, and nurturing camp environment. There is no charge to become a Jr. Camp Sababa CIT volunteer, and teens can earn community service hours for their work. Returning teens (ages 16+) may apply for a paid Counselor position.
• Beit Midrash Madrichim: An elite group of Madrichim who help support our Beit Midrash class on Wednesdays between 4-6 PM (for 1 hour or more). This honor is reserved for older teens with technical skill in Hebrew and chanting, and with capability to act as mentors and teachers. Qualified students should have consistently impressed us with their diligence, excellence, enthusiasm and intellect. Beit Midrash madrichim will receive on the job training and support from our Cantorial team as they deepen their knowledge of Torah and Haftarah trope, build leadership skills, and earn community service hours.

Social Justice Trips

This year we are offering two trip opportunities! Students in grades 8 & 9 are invited to participate in an Civil Rights trip to the South. Through Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, teens will walk in the footsteps of activists who played a pivotal role in the struggle for Civil Rights. Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC on a trip that connects hundreds of Jewish teens and teaches them how to use their unique voices and stories to advocate for change in the halls of Congress. Part-learning, part-bonding, part-sightseeing, this trip culminates by lobbying our elected representees on Capitol Hill. These trips carry an additional cost, but scholarships may be available upon request.

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CITS (Cantors in Training) & HaZamir International Jewish Teen Choir

• Cantors in Training Program: Kids & teens who sing -- share your musical talent and vocal skills with the Temple Judea & larger Jewish community! The CITs help lead Friday night Shabbat services (generally the 2nd Friday of the month). Coaching on Jewish repertoire through the mentorship of Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot and the cantorial team will enhance your performance abilities.
• HaZamir Int'l Jewish Teen Choir: Temple Judea is also a proud supporter of HaZamir: the International Jewish teen choir, which unites Jewishly identified and musically talented teens from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and levels of religious observance. HaZamir high schoolers in the Los Angeles chapter will have the opportunity to learn and sing Jewish choral music at the highest musical standard and perform with other members from 35 chapters across the United States and Israel on the world’s greatest stages. In weekly rehearsals, regional gatherings, and the HaZamir International Festival, HaZamir teens study Jewish text and history, grow as leaders, cultivate a deep connection to Israel, and create enduring friendships that transcend geographic, political, social, and denominational differences. 

HaZamir International Jewish Teen Choir  

Teen Youth Group & Leadership Council

Our 8-12th grade teens are invited to eat & schmooze with a member of the Clergy or staff at Temple Judea once a month on selected Sundays from 12pm-1:00pm. Bring nothing except your love for food and need for socialization, and we will arrange the rest. The fee for this program is $180 ($20/session). Teens are also encouraged to participate in fun & social events where they can connect and socialize in an informal Jewish environment. Our teen leadership plays a pivotal role in helping staff develop a vision for the future of Temple Judea's teen programming. These leaders will be role models, share event information, plan events, and advocate for their peers. Teen leaders may earn 3-5 hours of community service per month. Email  to learn more.

 Confirmation

Our Confirmation program supports our post-B'nei Mitzvah teens as they begin making Jewish choices for themselves. Students can become eligible to become Confirmands between 10th and 12th grade, as long as they have actively participated in at least three programs from 8th grade onward. Confirmands will meet periodically to learn in community during the Spring semester, culminating with a celebration of these students and their Jewish journeys at a peer-led Shabbat service in late Spring / early Summer. Students can become eligible to become Confirmands between 10th and 12th grade, as long as they have actively participated in at least of three of of these programs from 8th grade onward:

JTJ CLASSESSOCIAL JUSTICE TRIPSRELIGIOUS SCHOOL MADRICHIM (Teen Leaders) CAMP SABABA CITsHAZAMIR INTERNATIONAL JEWISH TEEN CHOIR
* Attendance at a Jewish Day School also counts towards becoming a Confirmand.