Middle School Grades 7-8
Middle School (Grades 7-8)
Havurah's Middle School emphasizes kehillah and kesher (community and connection). It strives to be fun and to help students stay connected with their friends and/or expand their circle of relationships and community. Recognizing that many families are involved with B'nai Mitzvah preparation, the program is held in groups of classes throughout the school year. Classes and activities focus more on culture than religion, with the intent of exposing students to diverse ways of being Jewish.
Designed for 7th and 8th graders, our Middle School offers students and families a unique blend of programs. In prior years, students have learned about and experienced Jewish cooking, watched and discussed Jewish films, considered Jewish customs and rituals concerning health and body image, and participated in tikkun olam projects.
Meeting Times
Havurah Middle School meets on Wednesday evenings during the school year, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Each class begins with dinner (6:30 to 7:00 pm), when students socialize with each other and with Havurah's High School students. Then students have class from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. During the 2024-25 (5785) school year, Grade 7 will meet on with Rabbi Benjamin for their Cohort classes on 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 and 11/13. Grade 8 meets for classes on 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 and 11/13 as well, then Grades 7 and 8 meet together for classes on 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29 and 2/5.
Parent Participation
All parents participate in facilitating the Middle School program. Some join the High School parents in providing dinner on class nights, while others assist in the classroom or plan activities. At times parents are also asked to drive students to events. Parent Orientation for Havurah Middle School will be held on October 23. Details and RSVP coming soon.
Tuition & Registration
Enroll here for 2024-25 (5785) Middle School - grades 7 and 8. Contact Carrie Kirschner with questions, carrie@havurahshlom.org
For tuition assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
Resources for Middle School Parents
Wed, April 30 2025
2 Iyyar 5785
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
Havurah Updates
Upcoming Events
IP = In person only (normally at Havurah Shalom);
ZM = On Zoom/online only;
HYB = In person and online; and
ANN = In person at Havurah's Annex.
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025
Wednesday, Apr 30th 6:30p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025
Wednesday, Apr 30th 7:00p to 8:15p
(This class will now be starting on January 8.) Using an in-depth, word-by-word approach, we discover literal meaning(s), ancient layers of understanding, and our own personal interpretations that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding skills necessary. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025
Shabbat, May 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. Join us afterward for a light community brunch provided by the Lunches and Noshes Committee! Free childcare is provided. For Zoom information, please email info@havurahshalom.org. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:00p to 5:15p
This program gives children a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement while integrating parents and children in a caring Jewish community. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:45p to 5:15p
Parents of Grade 6 students gather during Shabbat School and Havdallah to celebrate their students. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p
Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism. All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions. (Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.) -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 1:00p to 4:00p
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Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 6:30p to 8:30p
Commemorate the last day of Pesach and Yitzkor in community Passover not only invites us to retell our ancient story but to look at our current reality and ask: what is our mitzrayim today? The obstacle in our personal and communal life? Where can we break through in an act of courage and compassion? April 20th & May 4th, 6:30 PM at Havurah, join Harriet Cooke for a writing/drawing group to explore this theme along with Yitzkor, the Sephirot and Counting the Omer. (It is recommended to attend either just the first session or both sessions.) -
Monday ,
MayMay 5 , 2025
Monday, May 5th 6:30p to 7:45p
We will address topics such as countering white nationalism and antisemitism, Jewish perspectives on reparations, repairing Jewish pioneer memory, and responding to racial microaggressions. Facilitated by Karen Sherman and Adela Basayne. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 6 , 2025
Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00p
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