Confirmation Program
INTRODUCTION
The Beth El Youth Academy encompasses all Jewish formal and informal educational opportunities for Beth El teens from 8th to 12th grade. Each year carries a different focus, which builds upon the previous year’s foundations.
Benefits to being a part of the Beth El Youth Academy
FREE USY or Kadima membership from Beth El schools
Three (3) years of participation in B.E.Y.A. qualifies students for a scholarship for college or a Jewish trip
Access to the refurbished Boltansky Youth Lounge with TV/VCR/DVD, stereo and much more
Participation in the Beth El Family Retreat, April 24th-26th
CURRICULUM FOR EIGHTH TO TWELFTH GRADERS
8TH and 9th Grade Classes
Classes meet two (2) Monday evenings per month and are led by talented Confirmation teachers. Dinner will be served.
8th Grade
This year’s eighth grade in B.E.Y.A. will explore issues of Jewish identity and social justice inside and outside of the classroom, through a partnership with the Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC), we will focus our attention on community service. The goal of this program is to learn about tikkun olam and the mitzvah of repairing the world through the process of “doing” and “building”. Our projects will range from visiting the sick, helping the environment, and learning with the elderly.
Another aspect of the year will be meeting with youth from a neighboring church and mosque in order to explore different aspects of their religions. Students will have the opportunity to visit their religious institutions and be able to show off Beth El as well.
9th Grade
As is tradition in B.E.Y.A. the ninth grade students will meet with Beth El’s Rabbis to explore moral, ethical, and theological questions. Topics will range from identity and exploration to intermarriage, Facebook, and MySpace. Discussions will be led by Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken.
The traditional confirmation ceremony will take place after two (2) years of participation in the B.E.Y.A. This ceremony is scheduled for Erev Shavuot.
10th-12th Grade (Post- Confirmation)
The Post-Confirmation class will meet two (2) Monday evenings per month and are led by talented Confirmation teachers. Dinner will be served.
Post-Confirmation students will engage in discussions about moral, ethical and theological questions with the Rabbis. This year the first day of class will be a car wash in the school parking lot, to get to know everyone and to raise money for tikkun olam.