Grades seven through ten are challenging years in a Religious School. Adolescents enter the struggle between independence and dependence, and Religious School can offer the arena where this struggle can be safely played out. Contemporary issues are major units of study in these grades, with room for disagreement, participation and debate. This adult level of interaction is an important aspect of each grade, from seventh grade to Confirmation.

Seventh Grade
The seventh grade will study Judaism in America, its roots and branches. Beginning with the first waves of immigration and the many reasons why Jews left their homeland to come to America, the students will journey through the ghetto, the shtetl, Ellis Island, immigration and Yiddishkeit. Each student will become involved with Jewish genealogy and delve into the exciting history of their own family tree. This study enables the students to take nourishment from the past, appreciate the present and contribute to the future. Current events, Torah study and conversational Hebrew are also essential parts of our studies.

Eighth Grade
There are two major units of study in the eighth grade. The goal is to help students realize the responsibility and challenges involved in being an "adult" in the Jewish community. “Why Be Different: A Look into Judaism” and teaching mitzvot are central resources. Experiential field trips incorporating mitzvot will also take place. A partnership with our senior congregants called "Spark HeartAction" has been added to our eighth grade program. Designated gatherings between eighth graders and seniors will create opportunities for new relationships, insight and a sharing of wisdom.

Active learning processes utilizing group discussions, outside speakers and role-playing games as well as field trips will be strongly emphasized in all units. The second unit focuses on choosing values and making decisions in one's life. A unit prepared by the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs involving Judaism and the urban poor is a powerful and relevant segment of our eighth grade curriculum.

The eighth graders will also study Israel - her history, culture, problems and special place in the world. The students are guided in the study from Herzl until today by guest speakers. Films, speakers and current newspaper articles and magazines help give the students an understanding and connection to the Jewish State.

Ninth Grade - Pre-Confirmation
The ninth grade curriculum covers a course in Comparative Judaism and Comparative Religion. Students first examine the various branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstruction and Reform. What are the differences and what are the similarities? From here we study the comparison of the traditions, rites and religious doctrines of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We examine religious ideas Judaism and Christianity share, the doctrines on which our two religions agree and disagree (the trinity and doctrine of original sin) and areas where the potential for conflict exist. Islamic concepts are introduced and a trip to a local mosque takes place in the first semester.

The ninth graders will also become involved in a study of the Holocaust. Although many students were introduced to this unit in the public schools, we feel strongly they should have the opportunity to continue their study in their own synagogue as part of a small Jewish community.

From time to time, the ninth graders will participate in special programs on current issues and concerns, either during an extended day or during the regular Religious School hours. Guest speakers, films and trips are an essential segment of the curriculum.

Tenth Grade - Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacred and meaningful chapter in a young Jew's life. It certainly marks a milestone in one's religious education and comes at a time when young people are expected to have some definite feelings about their values and hopes for the future.

Guided by the rabbis and Confirmation teachers, the students enter a year of personal exploration -- an exploration of their relationship to their fellow human beings and their relationship to God. The weekly Torah portion will also be integrated into the tenth grade curriculum.

The students are given an overview of Jewish history and traditions. They then move on to such issues as cults, intermarriage, anti-Semitism and the suffering of the good. What is it to be a thoughtful adult, practicing Jew? What does religion mean to me? Who is God? Questions such as these are confronted and explored. Guest speakers will also be an integral part of the year, helping the students become aware of the issues facing Jews today.

Pre-Confirmation and Confirmation students will have the opportunity to participate in elective courses of their choice, taught by the senior staff, faculty and guest presenters.

Confirmation follows the completion of tenth grade. It is a year of intellectual and emotional self-examination culminating in a reaffirmation of faith at the Confirmation service, which we celebrate during our observance of Shavuot.