Temple Judea is committed to providing our 8-12th grade students a fun and engaging way to continue their Jewish education in a way that will inspire a personal connection to Judaism. Students who attend Wednesday learning will meet for dinner at the Temple from 6-6:30pm, followed by grade-appropriate learning designed to help our teens explore how to put their Jewish values to work in the real world.
Ever feel like the world is chaotic, and knowing the "right" choice isn't as simple as it looks? Whether it’s navigating group chat drama, dealing with a sketchy situation at school, or figuring out how to stand up for a friend—life moves fast.
Each session we tackle real-world dilemmas. We’ll dive into everything from ancient debates to modern controversies, see what Jewish wisdom has to say, and debate where we actually stand. No judgment, no easy answers—just real talk about how to navigate life with a solid Jewish foundation.
For 8th and 9th graders, this class helps teens build confidence, character, and real leadership skills through the lens of Jewish values. Through lively discussions, hands-on challenges, and collaborative projects, students will explore what it means to lead with responsibility, inclusivity, integrity, and compassion—at Temple Judea, at school, and in everyday life. It’s a chance for teens to find their voice, strengthen friendships, and grow into the kind of leaders our community needs.
Jews are no strangers to internal debates over any number of controversial (or non-controversial) topics. That spirit of debate extends to how Jews participate in American civic life. We will look back into American history and present day, developing expertise about Jewish values present on both sides of policy debates: slavery, prohibition, religious freedom, immigration, and more. This class will certainly augment the experience of any student planning to attend the L’Taken trip to Washington, DC.
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. We celebrate these students and their Jewish journeys at a peer-led Shabbat service on May 21, 2027. Confirmands will meet periodically to learn in community (dates TBA) during the year.
