Opportunities for Teens at BK
Learning with Rabbi Elliott and Rabbi Ariann
Learning with Rabbi Elliott and Rabbi Ariann
Join us for six potluck Shabbat dinners and informal learning opportunities over the year, hosted at Bnai Keshet and in teens’ homes. The theme of this year’s learning is “Mahloket Matters” - how to have arguments that matter. Sign up for dinner and hosting here.
Dinners will be on: October 13, November 17, December 16, January 12, February 16, and March 29
Travel with Rabbi Ariann and Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann of SAJ
This year, we will be taking two trips: an 8th grade only trip to Philadelphia (March 1-3), and a 9th-12th grade trip to Washington DC to participate in the L’Taken (to repair) seminar (February 9th-12th).
For our 8th graders, the Philadelphia trip will provide an opportunity to connect with fellow Reconstructionist teens, learn about the deep history of Jews in the US, and participate in social justice programming (as well as some surprise activities).
Our 9th-12th graders will have the opportunity to be the first BK group to attend the long-running L’Taken Social Justice Seminar. On L’Taken, you will have the opportunity to impact our country as you share your views on social justice topics with decision-makers on Capitol Hill. Our sample schedule for the L’Taken Seminar, provides more details about the programming throughout the weekend and different topics that we will explore together.
Registration is now open for the L'Taken trip February 9th - 12th, 2024
Our program is designed to both expose you to a variety of public policy issues and explore the Jewish values that inform Jewish advocacy around these issues. Throughout the weekend, we will give you the knowledge and tools to write an effective, persuasive and passionate speech on a topic of your choice to present when you visit the offices of your Senators and Representatives on the Monday of the program. The Monday Hill visits with Congress is a unique experience that very few Americans take advantage of and one that can have a significant impact on the course of legislation. After meeting with our students, Members of Congress have chosen to co-sponsor, offer amendments to and vote for pieces of legislation that participants discussed. We expect to have similar stories to tell after you present your speeches this year.
The trajectory of our programming goes from broad to narrow—first, exposing you to a range of topics and eventually encouraging you to focus on a single, specific issue about which you are particularly passionate. On Friday and Saturday, you will have the opportunity to attend programs on a range of topics, including Israel, the environment, reproductive rights, LGBTQ civil rights, church/state separation, international relations and more! On Sunday, with the support of your chaperones and the RAC Staff, you will pick a specific topic and write a speech to deliver on Capitol Hill on Monday.
We will be traveling again with SAJ teens and Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann and will have plenty of opportunities to connect and deepen our relationship with this historic and thriving Reconstructionist congregation.
Teens attending either trip are required to attend Friday night Shabbat learning dinners and 8th grade classes (if in 8th grade).
Registration opens for both trips in October.
With gratitude to a large grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest, Bnai Keshet has partnered with Shomrei Emunah, Temple Sholom of West Essex, and Temple Ner Tamid to create the Jewish Teen Collaborative. As a group, we will be holding four special events this school year, in hopes of growing the program over coming years. Mark your calendars for the following programs now. Individual sign-ups for programs will be available.
Sunday, October 22nd, 3-5pm: Volunteering with Family Promise + Pizza Dinner, in Montclair
Sunday, December 3rd, 4-6pm: Axe Throwing + Dinner in Bloomfield
Saturday January 20th: Dinner and Broadway Show
Thursday, March 14th, 6:30-8:30pm: Social Gathering and Show, Montclair
Sign up to be a madrikh/e/a this year and help students from Pre-K through 6th grade succeed in Bet Midrash. Madrikhim are teen assistants in the Bet Midrash. Our madrikhim are role models for younger students, demonstrating an enthusiastic and joyful attitude about Jewish learning and teaching younger children by example how to be a mentsch in the world. Madrikhim assist teachers with executing their lessons, which includes helping students with projects, individual and group work, and Hebrew reading and writing, making photocopies, taking attendance, and other duties as agreed upon with your supervising teacher and Rabbi Ariann.
Being a madrikh/e/a is a volunteer position for one year and a paid position thereafter. Pay can be withheld in exchange for community service hours required by your school if discussed first with Rabbi Ariann. Paid madrikhim are responsible for handing in all required financial forms to Ariana before the first pay period of the year. Sign up here to serve as one of our madrikhim this year.
Other Opportunities for Teens at BK
Become a teen leader for MESH: https://www.bnaikeshet.org/mesh.html or contact Lisa Siegartel for more information
Offer a d’var Torah, chant Torah, or help lead services: Contact Rabbi Ariann for more information
Sat, September 30 2023
15 Tishrei 5784