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 12-14 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. Additional social and other activities occur on other dates. We will post the class dates for 2021-22 as soon as they are finalized.
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.
Tuition & Registration
2021-22 Havurah Youth Education Program Enrollment Form
For tuition assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
Resources for Middle School Parents
Sun, May 29 2022
28 Iyyar 5782
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
Upcoming Events
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Monday ,
MayMay 30 , 2022
Monday, May 30th 7:00p to 8:30p
We will read three novels that ponder the human response to severe trauma—William Styron's Sophie’s Choice, Toni Morrison's Beloved and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things—and explore whether and how these novels illuminate how people process, integrate and adapt to traumatic events. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 31 , 2022
Tuesday, May 31st 7:00p to 8:30p
Join the Leadership Development Committee for a two-part orientation for new Committee Chairs. We will be in Zoom Room Gimel. -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 1 , 2022
Wednesday, Jun 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
A thorough decoding of Exodus 13:17-17:16, Song of the Sea. We continue to build vocabulary and delve into what it means to escape oppression, rejoice, receive privilege at the expense of others, and keep moving. We will refer to ancient and modern midrashim (interpretation) that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding ability needed (even slowly). Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. We will meet in person and in Zoom Room Dalet. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu. -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 1 , 2022
Wednesday, Jun 1st 7:00p to 8:15p
Rabbi Benjamin will guide students and parents in responding to the text with their own questions and walk through the Shabbat morning service. (Please check back close to the date of this event for information on gathering. Depending on circumstances, it may take place in person, on Zoom or both. If it will be accessed via Zoom, please use Zoom Room Heh. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu.) -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 1 , 2022
Wednesday, Jun 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
For cohort members. (Members, please check back close to the date of this event for information on gathering. Depending on circumstances, it may take place in person, on Zoom or both. If it will be accessed via Zoom, please use Zoom Room Dalet. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu.) -
Friday ,
JunJune 3 , 2022
Friday, Jun 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p
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Saturday ,
JunJune 4 , 2022
Shabbat, Jun 4th 10:00a to 12:00p
Please join us in welcoming Arianna Gammage as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 5 , 2022
Sunday, Jun 5th 10:00a to 12:00p
We will celebrate Shavuot with a morning service, including Yizkor and a short Torah service, and we will also welcome a new Torah to Havurah Shalom, lent by the Lager Family. Afterward, enjoy an oneg with simple dairy (and non-dairy!) treats. -
Monday ,
JunJune 6 , 2022
Monday, Jun 6th 12:00p to 4:00p
Mahjong meetups take place the first and third Monday of the month. At noon, we will offer a training session for beginners and those who want to brush up on their skills with experienced players, followed by the regularly scheduled game, which runs 1 to 4 pm. Based on interest, an evening option can be scheduled for people who are unable to attend during the day. Please contact Leah Hershey if you are interested. -
Monday ,
JunJune 6 , 2022
Monday, Jun 6th 5:30p to 6:30p
We are a group of Havurah members interested in climate social justice. We will be reading "Braiding Sweetgrass" to connect to indigenous wisdom about life and social action around the environment. We are reaching out to see if new people want to join our lively and joyful book discussions. Open to non-members as well as members. We will meet every other Monday through July 4.