Double Chai Teen Learning
Double Chai Teen Learning
Double Chai is the grades 7-12 learning component of the Temple Beth David teen community. The program offers a flexible mix of electives, community service, experiential learning, and a great way for teens to stay connected to their Jewish friends.
In accordance with Temple Beth David's beliefs regarding inclusion, our teen community is supportive and welcomes all youth. We affirm different learning needs, gender identities and celebrate that each person is created b'Tzelem Elohim, in the image of God.
Wednesday Evenings
Although we will miss the community dinners, our teens will still connect with our community and each other.
Each student will choose between in-person or remote participation in the same experiences. The program will run in-person indoors using all temple spaces. Anyone who prefers remote only will Zoom into the classes taking place at temple.
There will be a few Sunday afternoon and Shabbat morning sessions in place of Wednesday evening to take advantage of daylight, being outdoors, and building communal connections. NAWDTY youth group will also support peer connections.
Seventh grade has one core course and an elective. Students learn about Torah for our lives, Jewish ethics and the Holocaust.
Eighth and ninth graders have all elective choices, and tenth graders start to work towards Confirmation.
Eleventh and twelvth graders participate in Lishma (learning for its own sake.) They have electives, special sessions with the rabbis based on student interest and a field trip to a local college campus and Hillel.
Confirmation
Confirmation, tied to the holiday of Shavuot, is a learning experience and rite of passage that recognizes high school teens as young adults and honors their questions, beliefs and commitment to Judaism.
In-depth study and discussion with our Rabbis are hallmarks of our tenth grade Confirmation process. It concludes with a community-wide service created and led by the teens that affirms their commitment to the Jewish people.
TELEM (temporarily suspended)
TELEM is an innovative program that integrates community service, learning and reflection. Students learn leadership and programming skills, gain wisdom from intergenerational experiences, focus on Jewish values and make a difference in the lives others. Our students volunteer with senior residents of Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham on Sundays.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
- Preparing Meals for Father Bill's
- Westwood Interfaith Walk for Hunger
- ADL Forum on Confronting Anti-Semitism
- L'Taken Social Action Seminar in Washington D.C.
Sample Electives
Recent electives have included:
- Jewish Circus Arts
- Jewish Justice League: What Makes a Hero?
- The Forbidden Bible: Stories Your Sunday School Teacher Never Taught
- Real Life Stories of Israel
- Green Teens - Judaism and the Environment
Sun, January 24 2021
11 Sh'vat 5781
New Double Chai Schedule
Wednesdays
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Class/Electives
Some activities occur on Sundays afternoons or Shabbat mornings.
Links
2020-2021 Registration Form/ON LINE FORM
Shorashim Religious School Overview/INFORMATION
Shorashim Religious School Calendar 2020-2021/INFORMATION