Fall 2025 Courses

Core Courses (6:30-7:20)

7th/8th Grade 
Rabbi Saks, Teen Funders: Philanthropy in Action (Fall) 

Become a philanthropist and make a real impact! In this hands-on course, students will take charge of a fund and learn how to give strategically using the ChangeMakers: A Journey through Jewish Teen Philanthropy curriculum. Together, they will explore Jewish values around giving, engage in consensus-building exercises, and ultimately decide as a group which organizations to support. Each student will also make a personal giving pledge, reinforcing the power of communal responsibility. 

9th Grade 
Rabbi Emanuel, Jewish Roots, Global People: Who We Are & Where We’ve Been (Fall & Spring) 

What does it mean to be part of the Jewish people? This immersive course explores Jewish identity, history, and sacred texts. In the Fall, students will examine Jewish Peoplehood—exploring global Jewry, denominations, and Israel-Diaspora relations.

In the Spring, they will dive into the Foundations of Jewish Texts, engaging with Torah, Talmud, Mishnah, and Midrash. Students will be encouraged to attend services in all four local synagogues, enhancing their understanding of diverse Jewish practices and deepening their learning in the Tefillah course. 

10th Grade 
Rabbi Steinitz, Jews: Evolution & Revolution (Fall) 

What happens when an ancient tradition collides with a changing world? In this class, we’ll explore how Jews responded to the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the rise of nationalism. Through debates, case studies, and role-play, we’ll trace the birth of Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reconstructionist Judaism, the rise of Zionism, and Jewish secularism — and ask what there choices mean for us today.

11th Grade 
Diana Koester, Advanced Topics in Antisemitism (Fall) 

Antisemitism has existed for centuries, but how has it evolved, and what can we do about it today? This course examines the history and modern manifestations of antisemitism, equipping students with knowledge and strategies to confront bias and hate. Through case studies, media analysis, and historical exploration, students will gain the tools to understand and respond to antisemitism in various contexts. 

12th Grade 
Rabbi Shore, Living Your Values: Jewish Ethics & Leadership (Full Year) 

What does it mean to lead a life guided by Jewish ethics? This course challenges students to think deeply about moral decision-making, Jewish leadership, and their personal responsibilities as they prepare for life beyond high school. Through exploring classic and modern Jewish texts, students will engage with contemporary ethical dilemmas, ranging from business ethics to social justice, medical advancements, and political activism. 

This course fosters personal reflection, lively debate, and real-world applications of Jewish values, preparing students to engage meaningfully in Jewish life, their communities, and the broader world.

Electives (7:40-8:30)

Cooking with Chef Nate!
Hone your knife & safety skills, while learning new & ancient recipes to share with friends and family. This class is for students 14+.

Finding Your Madrichim Mojo! with Ora Jezer
How can you be the best Madrich/a that you can be? Come and learn some new skills, as well as tackle new leadership challenges in this new pilot program that will also pair you with an SU Hillel mentor!

In Darkness & Light through Pastels with Morah Koester
This term’s art class will use pastels as our medium in exploring the relationship, both artistically and Jewishly, between darkness and light. Understanding that one cannot exist without the other, this interplay has profound implications for a deeper appreciation of ourselves as artists, as Jews, and as Jewish artists.

Jewish Jam Band with Maura Koenig
This largely student-led and student-driven class will allow you to explore music making with other Jewish teens. Will it be a beautiful session or a mad cacophony? That’s up to you.

Not Bored Games!
Come try your hand and board games, new and old, with Jewish themes. Who will be the champion?

Looking for a serious challenge — and a serious reward? SUPA: Hebrew 101 is a college-level modern Hebrew course in which you earn 4 (widely transferrable) Syracuse University credits before you even graduate high school.

You’ll build real Hebrew skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening — while exploring Israeli culture, music, and more.

✅ 4 college credits

✅ A transcript from Syracuse University

✅ A huge boost for your college applications

✅ Hebrew skills you can actually use

✅ Satisfy your future college language requirement early

This course requires commitment: classes meet for both hours of Epstein as well as many Thursday evenings. There’s homework and college-level assessments. But if you’re ready to put in the work, you’ll walk away with 4 college credits and a new connection to the Hebrew language.

📅 Open to 10th–12th grade students

🎓 College credit through SUPA

$460 additional SUPA tuition payable to Syracuse University

Scholarships and SUPA financial assistance may be available.

Spots are limited — reach out now if you’re interested!