The Te’anim (first year) are studying the theme of ‘brit’, covenant.  They will consider many different aspects to this theme through study of various Jewish texts, beginning with the Torah. The class is designed to give students practice in reading and asking questions of the text and examining interesting things about the language and form of the text itself.

The Rimmonim (second year) are diving into the theme of individuals and communities.  This topic is especially relevant to this age group as many of them are becoming Bnai Mitzvah, figuring out their own Jewish identities as well as where they fit into their Jewish communities.  We use various Jewish text to examine this issue and the tension as well as synthesis between individual identity and community.

The T’marim (third year) are looking at the theme of leadership.  As the oldest members of the Kesher student community, they are in a position to consider what it means to be a leader, how they are developing as Jewish leaders, and what role models Judaism has through which to understand this topic.  They look at texts that reflect aspects and characteristics of leadership, discuss the diverse nature of leaders, as well as think about the challenges leaders face in communities.

Unit 2 – Jewish Living

In this unit the themes are brought in to daily life to consider how they are reflected in things such as brachot (blessings), tfillah (prayer), and lifecycle rituals.  The Te’enim are focusing on tfillah, specifically Shabbat tfillah.  The Rimmonim are thinking about how individuals mark time in Jewish life and mark significant events in their lives and where Jewish community fits into all of that.  The Tmarim are focusing on brachot and marking time and moments in our daily life.  They are also thinking about the role of Jewish leaders in daily Jewish life.

Unit 3 – Israel

All three groups are exploring modern Israel as a place where many of these themes are played out.  The Te’enim are gaining a greater understanding of the modern state and its role in Jewish life, as well as the complexities of the conflict in the area.  The Rimmonim are considering Israel as a place where issues and tensions between individual Jews and the collective challenge each other.  The Tmarim are looking at leaders in Israel’s history and their role in making Israel what it is today.

Unit 4 – Electives

There will be 3 electives to choose from.  This unit will begin after Pesach and the students will be presented with the options at the end of March and make their selections.  Stay tuned for a description of the electives.

Ma’ariv (Evening Prayer)

At the end of each day, we come together to pray as a community.  We use the tfillot of the Maariv service and add explanations, stories, and thoughts which help the students pay attention and bring more meaning to prayers, the words that are said.
Sanheddrin (Great Assembly)

Several times a year, the entire B’nai Mitzvah community meets to discuss, debate, and learn together. It is an opportunity for peer leadership and decision-making. Modeled on the Great Assembly of the Rabbinic period, the Sanheddrin is chaired by students who have become B’nai Mitzvah.

The Sanhedrin of 5764 passed a bill calling for the creation of a bank system in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program to allow kids to borrow money from the bank to be able to buy stuff at Porter Square!  We look forward to the new assembly of the Sanhedrin 5765.