Summary: Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, one of the most important Jewish thinkers of the 20th century, wrote that there are many ways to be Jewish. According to a recent Pew Study on Jewish identity, contemporary Jews connect to their religion in diverse ways, from observing Jewish law and being a part of a Jewish community, to living an ethical/moral…
Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to: Understand the purpose of Tzelem LGBTQ+ and coming together; Get to know each other individually and as a group; Understand expectations and hopes for the year; Understand Jewish naming and the connection to the LGBTQ+ experience
2-3 months before. Decide with your team which sessions you are using with which grades and insert dates and times into your school calendar; Send note to parents with dates and times of family sessions; Assess staff and decide who you want to facilitate; Tell your Moving Traditions Field Team Member the dates of your…
Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to: Identify the way gender norms are expressed and enforced in participants’ communities; Articulate the ways these gender norms can be limiting; Have a deeper understanding of their parent or child’s experience as a teen/preteen; Feel supported by a community that values authenticity as…
Many high-achieving teenage girls think of self-criticism as a motivator. However, recent studies show that teens with high levels of self-compassion report less anxiety and depression, especially when facing academic stress. In this session, teens will explore how they might practice self-forgiveness and self-compassion in their lives. This exploration will be guided by the themes and rituals…
Here are the sound files of the Prayer for the New Month for each month: Tishrei; Heshvan; Kislev; Tevet; Shevat; Adar; Nisan; Iyar; Sivan; Tamuz; Av; Elul
At a Glance Judaism places a lot of importance on transitional periods. This session, a continuation of Becoming a Highschooler 1a, is guided by Jewish wisdom about transition after the High Holidays. Participants will draw from Jewish wisdom to discuss what of their eighth grade selves they are leaving behind, what from eighth grade they…
Introduction: Objectives: Re-establish guidelines for the group as a place where boys can be themselves; Reflect on the relationship between their Jewish identity and other aspects of their identities, including their male identities; Respond to the questions “how are Jewish people identified?” and “what, according to the world, makes me Jewish?” This session is meant…
Objectives: Consider Jewish texts related to being a Jewish woman. Explore strategies for being their authentic selves
At a Glance: Facilitator’s Tip: Because the subject of this session deals with pressure to be perfect, it is likely that anxiety levels may be high. Be aware of this and if you sense participants might need a break at some point, invite everyone to take a few breaths together, to get up and do…
