"Dor Hahemshekh" (DHH) means "The Next Generation", and that is how we view our post B'nai Mitzvah middle and high school students at Bet Am Shalom - as torch bearers who will carry Jewish tradition into the future. We offer serious learning for our young adults who are ready to grapple with complex philosophical, theological and moral issues.

Traditional texts and subjects are taught in an environment that encourages free expression, respect for varying traditions, and thoughtful discourse. Meets weekly on Monday nights, starting at 6pm with pizza and concluding at 8pm.

5773 School Calendar 2012-2013 with links for more information about events.

Teen community programs and social programs, including retreats

Social Action Opportunities

Click here for 2013-2014 school registration

DHH Programs and Classes
2012-2013

Madrichim Program
Madrichim Teacher and Supervisor: maypzee [at] gmail [dot] com (May Zamechek)

Learn the skills to work as a grades K-6 teacher's aide, in our Shorashim program, youth group, or on Shabbat mornings as a Junior Congregation Leader. The word madrich means "guide" or "instuctor." Teens can earn Madrichim Certification by attending madrichim classes and workshops, observing classes and working as a madrich/a.

• All our madrichim are continuing their Jewish education either in our Dor Hahemshekh program on Monday nights or at other Jewish education programs.
• 8th graders who are on a path to earn their Madrichim Certification will take a monthly class and observe classes/programs outside of class time. Those who complete their observations in 8th grade are eligible to work as madrichim starting in 9th grade.
• 9th-12th graders can work as madrichim and be paid.  
• 9th & 10th graders attend a monthly class on Mondays with Madrichim Supervisor May Zamechek to improve their madrichim skills and discuss their experiences as madrichim.  
• 11th & 12th grade madrichim touch base with May about their experiences as madrichim.

Contact Education Director eddirector [at] betamshalom [dot] org (Abby Reiken) for more information.
 

8th Grade:

May Zamechek, Instructor

Students will explore their Jewish identity, decision-making, and leadership skills through the successful and impressive Facing History and Ourselves curriculum.  Learning will take place through discussions, text study, and hands-on projects, including creative arts workshops. 

9th & 10th Grade: 

First period (6:35-7:15pm) "Jewish Values & Empowerment" with Jack Gruenberg
For half the year the teens will explore the realities of poverty through a Jewish lens.  The curriculum includes experiential activities, compelling videos, Jewish texts, thought-provoking simulations, and hands-on projects.  Teens will be empowered with the understanding and advocacy skills to perform tikkun olam (repairing the world).
During the second semester, teens will deepen their connection to Israel through a new multimedia curriculum, which they will continue in 11th & 12th grade. Teens will discover and discuss the connections between Jewish values and Israel’s strengths as a country.

Second period (7:20-8pm): "Pirkey Avot & The Greatest Jewish Thinkers" with Rabbi Les Bronstein
The core sayings of the ancient Rabbis are contained in one short book: Pirkey Avot. Those sayings generated all of Jewish thinking through the ages: about ethics, right and wrong, belief and disbelief, good and evil, reward and punishment, Jews and the rest of the world. We will learn some Pirkey Avot each week, and then make connections to our greatest thinkers throughout history: Maimonides, Luria, Spinoza, Buber, Heschel, Kaplan, and more.

First period (6:35-7:15pm): "Torah and Spirit" with Rabbi Les Bronstein
Each week we will work through a short, powerful selection aimed at finding spiritual and personal insights into the weekly Torah portion.  Our “sefer” (our Torah study book) will be the brand-new volume Text Messages: A Torah Commentary for Teens containing deep insights from hundreds of living American rabbis, cantors, and educators.

Second period (7:20-8pm) "Challenging Decisions" with Jack Gruenberg
Through this course, teens will think critically about challenging decisions they will be making on their own post high school, including how to respond to protests against Israel and how to live Jewishly away from home.  A new multi-media Israel curriculum and a variety of Jewish sources will provide questions and insights for us to explore together.