YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM GUIDE

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1 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM GUIDE

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3 YOUR JEWISH STORY BEGINS HERE August 2017 Av 5777 HELLO, AWESOME TBAM FAMILIES! Welcome back to another exciting year of youth engagement adventures here at Temple Beth Am! We are thrilled to share with you the continued growth and evolution of programs for K 12 th graders. This year is packed to the brim with programs like the newly-revamped BAFTY 78 youth group, a brand new 12th grade track for Social Justice Teen Fellowship, a volunteer trip to Give Kids the World Village, and more BAFTY K-12 th youth group events than you can count! Get excited for weekend retreats in South Florida with hundreds of Jewish teens, old favorites like BAFTY s fourth annual Jog for Jenny 5K and the third annual Back to BAFTY BBQ, a new J-Chill ice cream hangout for B nai Mitzvah students, temple shul-in s and camp overnights, community service opportunities, incredible trips to Orlando, Guatemala, Peru, Washington D.C., and more! Thank you for your support and commitment to the varied opportunities we provide our youth for continued Jewish learning and living! A person s Jewish journey can take many different forms. The Jewish journey is a common buzzword among youth educators. To journey is to explore, adventure, and experience. Your Jewish journey does not end with your B nai Mitzvah, Confirmation, or high school graduation; on the contrary, your Jewish journey is a lifelong exploration of the self, bolstered by a strong, caring community. The magic of Judaism is expressed through many layers. This year, we will continue to provide educational and experiential opportunities for Jewish youth through a youth engagement program that enables you to choose and live your own unique Judaic story. We strive to provide for the diversity with which different individuals explore their Jewish identities. Judaism is a multi-faceted, ever-evolving story replete with a large and supportive community, relevant life lessons and values, and the continual development of the self. Everyone has a story. We, as educators, aim to learn about and develop YOUR story, celebrate the stories we create together, embrace and relive the timeless and progressing story of our Jewish people, and discover the many chapters of stories that are not yet written. As part of our youth engagement program this year, and in honor of Israel s 70th birthday on Yom HaAtzma-ut, we will be exploring the question, What is your Israel story? Whether you ve been to the Holy Land three times or only know Israel as Wonder Woman s home country, everyone has or can have an Israel story. To celebrate 70 years of Israel is extraordinary. We are beyond excited to creatively explore Israel s layered and unique state this year! Youth begins with you, and we need your input and your presence to be successful. As you read through the program guide, please don t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions. We can t wait for another year of growth, learning, and Jewish adventure! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Cheers, JACKI ALTMAN TAMARA DONNENFELD Youth Engagement Director Director of Lifelong Learning jaltman@tbam.org tdonnenfeld@tbam.org Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS BAFTY K 2 (K, 1 st and 2 nd Grade Youth Group) BAFTY 34 (3 rd and 4 th Grade Youth Group) BAFTY 5 and BAFTY 6 (5 th and 6 th Grade Youth Groups) rd and 4 th Grade Shul-In th Grade Overnight 6 th Grade Retreat BAFTY 78 (7 th and 8 th Grade Youth Group) BAFTY (9 th 12 th Grade Youth Group) Monday Night CHAI Shevet Achim and Rosh Chodesh Clubs J-Adventure, Travel Opportunities for 7 th 12 th Graders Madrichim Program College Connection Torah Tuesdays with Rabbi Barras Social Justice Teen Fellowship (11 th and 12 th Grade) Sushi in the Sukkah (7 th 12 th ) Adult Learning Sessions Summer Opportunities Israel Opportunities Registration and Fees Stay Connected Back to BAFTY BBQ Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 4

5 BAFTY K 2 Get excited for BAFTY K 2, our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade youth group! We meet three times a year on a Sunday afternoon for games, food, friends, and fun! BAFTY K 2 is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about and begin the journey of Jewish youth group, a community that sticks together through high school graduation and beyond! Mark your calendars for these awesome BAFTY K 2 dates! Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 12:00 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 12:00 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 12:00 1:30 p.m Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 5

6 BAFTY 34 Our 3rd and 4th grade youth group meets the FIRST Wednesday of every month from 3:15 3:45 p.m. in the TBAM cafe outside the youth lounge. We love hanging out, eating yummy snacks, celebrating Jewish holidays, and engaging in fun programs, including art projects, sports and games. Save the BAFTY 34 Dates The first Wednesday of the month from 3:15 3:45 p.m. in the cafe! September 6 October 4 November 1 December 6 January 10 February 7 March 7 April 4 May 4 BAFTY 34 Off-Campus and Shul-In Dates October 8, 2017 BAFTY 34/56 Laser Tag December 1-2, rd and 4th Grade Shul-In at TBAM April 15, 2018 BAFTY 34/56 Outing Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 6

7 BAFTY 56 BA F T Y 5 The BAFTY 5 youth group meets the THIRD Wednesday of every month from 3:15 3:45 p.m. in the TBAM cafe outside the youth lounge! Make friends, play games, and celebrate being awesome Jews! Save the BAFTY 5 Dates The 3rd Wednesday of the month from 3:15 3:45 p.m. in the cafe! September 13 October 18 November 15 December 20 January 24 February 21 March 21 April 18 May 16 BA F T Y 6 BAFTY 6 meets once a month during the last half hour of Religious School. This is an opportunity for the 6th graders to become close as unit. Get excited for camp-style activities and fun Judaica-fueled programs! Save the BAFTY 6 Dates Once a month from 12:00 12:30 p.m. during the last half hour of Religious School! September 24 November 19 December 3 January 21 February 25 March 18 BAFTY 56 OFF-Campus and Shabbaton Dates October 8, 2017 BAFTY 34/56 Laser Tag October 28-29, th Grade Retreat at Camp Choee November 10-12, 2017 NFTY-STR Hatikvah Kallah (6th 8th) February 9-10, th Grade Shabbaton at Camp Choee April 15, 2018 BAFTY 34/56 Outing April 29, 2018 NFTY-STR Miami Pop-Up (6th 8th) Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 7

8 3 RD AND 4 TH GRADE SHUL-IN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 ST SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 ND Calling all Religious School and Day School 3 rd and 4 th graders. Get excited for the TBAM overnight adventure of a lifetime. Join us for a Shabbat scavenger hunt, games, s mores, friends, and more! REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 27, 2017 Sign up at For more information please contact Jacki Altman, Youth Engagement Director, at jaltman@tbam.org or FIFTH GRADE OVERNIGHT A Shabbaton experience for Day School and Religious School students at CAMP CHOEE FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018 Shalom, TBAM 5 th Graders! Get excited for 24 hours of camp-style fun, new friends, and awesome Shabbat shenanigans. Join your friends for a weekend of s mores, tie-dye, trivia, games, nature, and more! December 18 January 19 Early Bird Registration IMPORTANT DATES January 7 and January 9 Parent Info Meetings January 20 February 5 Regular Registration Registration and more info at Questions? Contact Jacki Altman, Youth Engagement Director, at or jaltman@tbam.org SIXTH GRADE RETREAT CAMP CHOEE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 TH - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 TH Join the 6 th grade cohort for a weekend of Shabbat, team-building activities, class bonding, and fun! This event is FREE (included as part of the 6 th grade Religious School program)! REGISTRATION: SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER 20, 2017 Register online at Questions? Please contact Lisa Reichert at lreichert@tbam.org or Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 8

9 BAFTY 78 WHAT IS BAFTY 78? BAFTY 78 is TBAM s AWESOME middle school youth group! NEW this year, BAFTY 78 will meet every Monday night from 5:45 6:45 p.m. in the Adult Reading Room during the first hour of Monday Night CHAI for awesome, meaningful, and FUN youth group programs led by our new youth group advisor. Explore Judaism through the lens of pop culture, cooking, community service, games, and more! It can be hard to stay connected to Judaism in the epic aftermath of your B nai Mitzvah. BAFTY 78 wants to help celebrate your big Jewish milestone! Join us for J-Chill, a monthly ice cream hangout for B nai Mitzvah conquerors! Get excited for this monthly YUMMY and EPIC study break! In addition to AWESOME weekend activities, such as Sushi in the Sukkah and an ifly indoor skydiving event, BAFTY 78 also has a phenomenal travel opportunity to take part in NFTY STR s Hatikvah Kallah in Miami Beach from November Middle school students travel from all over Florida to spend a weekend together making FRIENDS, celebrating Shabbat, and participating in INCREDIBLE activities. Can t wait to see you around BAFTY 78! BAFTY 78 meets during the 1st hour of Monday Night CHAI from 5:45 6:45 p.m. Sign up at BAFTY 78 Important Dates Sunday, August 27, 2017 Back to BAFTY BBQ Monday, September 25, 2017 First Day of BAFTY 78! Friday, October 6, 2017 Sushi in the Sukkah Friday, November 10 NFTY-STR (Hatikvah) Kallah (6 th 8 th ) Sunday, November 12, 2017 Saturday, April 14, 2018 Sunday, April 29, 2018 Stay tuned for more BAFTY fun this year! BAFTY 78 & BAFTY ifly Day Trip NFTY-STR Miami 6 th 8 th Pop Up Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 9

10 BAFTY (9 TH -12 TH ) LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS AMAZING PEER-LED PROGRAMS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS EXCITING OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS WHAT IS BAFTY? BAFTY (Beth Am Federation of Temple Youth) is our awesome high school youth group that brings together a diverse group of Jewish teens to engage in meaningful Judaic programming, form lasting friendships, travel to NFTY regional events, and participate in amazing programs around Miami! We meet once a week during the first hour of Monday night CHAI (Mondays, 5:45 6:45 p.m. in the youth lounge) for programming led by the fantastic teen leaders of the BAFTY Board. Join your teen peers for impactful, epic activities that explore social justice issues, leadership skills, Jewish identity, global culture, and life! THE BAFTY TREE OF LIFE URJ, Union for Reform Judaism NFTY, North American Federation of Temple Youth NFTY is a movement that builds strong, welcoming, inspired communities through teen-powered engagement. Together, we pursue Tikkun Olam, personal growth, youth empowerment, and deep connections, all rooted in Reform Judaism. There are over 500 Reform congregations throughout North America who sponsor Temple Youth Groups (TYGs)! NFTY-STR, Southern Tropical Region There are 19 different NFTY regions. Miami is part of NFTY STR, which serves Jewish teens from the Keys to Central Florida. We have five annual regional events (schedule below) that reunite the NFTY-STR teens! BAFTY, the greatest youth group ever! Join the fun at NFTY-STR REGIONAL EVENTS 5778 Event Date Host/Location FALL KALLAH October 13-15, 2017 Camp Geneva Fruitland Park HATIKVAH KALLAH (6 th -8 th grade) November 10-12, 2017 Temple Beth Sholom, Miami Beach WINTER REGIONAL December 26-30, 2017 Orlando Airport Marriott SPRING KALLAH March 16-18, 2018 Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El, Plantation LLTI April 20-22, 2018 Temple Judea, Miami CAMP JENNY May 24-29, 2018 URJ Camp Coleman Cleveland, GA Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 10

11 BAFTY BAFTY MISSION STATEMENT (9TH-12TH) (EDITED BY THE BAFTY BOARD ) BAFTY is a safe, accepting environment where passionate teens come together as an involved Jewish community. BAFTY is a place where we learn who we are as people, as Jews, and as friends.

12 MONDAY NIGHT CHAI (7 TH -12 TH ) Monday Night CHAI is the best night of the week! Monday nights are for teens to see their Jewish friends, choose from a diverse selection of awesome Judaic electives, and enjoy a yummy dinner together! BAFTY and the new BAFTY 78 youth group meet during the first hour of Monday Night CHAI for incredible, FUN, and meaningful social and educational programming! MNC SCHEDULE BLOCK 1 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. DINNER 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. BLOCK 2 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Join us for Monday Night CHAI Orientation on September 18 th Regular classes start September 25 th FIRST SEMESTER 1 ST HOUR CHOICES BAFTY Join our 9 th 12 th grade youth group in the youth lounge for exciting, hilarious, and engaging programming led by the fantastic teen leaders of the BAFTY Board. Experience impactful programs that explore social justice issues, leadership skills, Jewish identity, global culture, and life! Forge your own adventurous story while building indescribable bonds with the greatest humans around! BAFTY 78 Get excited for a weekly dose of fun and friends with TBAM s newly-revamped middle school youth group, BAFTY 78! Disconnect from the stress of school and join us in a relaxed, open setting for exciting programming that celebrates Judaism through the lens of pop culture, cooking, community service, games, and more! Meet lifelong friends and have a blast! B nai Mitzvah Readiness B nai Mitzvah is one of the most celebrated Jewish milestones. Hebrew prayer mastery is a skill for lifelong Jewish engagement. Pre-B nai Mitzvah students are encouraged to participate in this class to strengthen their fluency in reciting and signing the prayers and feeling more comfortable in synagogue service setting. RRR (Rock, Rap & Religion) Popular music can be a useful educational tool, tapping student enthusiasm, while reinforcing Jewish teachings. This curriculum mixes Torah-based interactive programs with music, lyrics and videos to create awesome discussions and activities. RRR reveals the close bond between Jewish values and mainstream American culture by using songs whose messages are integrally, if not uniquely, Jewish. Rock and rap stars are cultural heroes, and their voices can be invaluable allies in the minds and hearts of youth! Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 12

13 MONDAY NIGHT CHAI (7 TH -12 TH )...continued Judaic & Holocaust Studies (Middle/High School Credit, Both MNC Semesters) Looking for middle school or high school credit? Yearning for a more academic Judaic structure? This course is a multidisciplinary introduction to Jewish Studies. Over the course of the year, we will explore anthropological, historical, literary, political and cultural foundations of what it meant and continues to mean to be Jewish. Our readings will include primary and secondary sources on such topics as: the Hebrew language and heritage, monotheism, Diaspora, Anti-Semitism, Zionism, the Holocaust, the State of Israel, Jewish identity and modern-day genocides around the world. The course is divided into two semesters: the first semester will be Jewish Studies, while the second semester will focus on Holocaust Studies, including modern genocides and the State of Israel. This course requires the student to dedicate all MNC sessions (semester 1 & 2) to this course. The syllabus has been reviewed by Miami-Dade County Public School s Department of Social Sciences and approved to meet the requirements for the elective courses identified. School credit for the win! FIRST SEMESTER 2 ND HOUR CHOICES Got Philanthropy?* Giving back to the community and volunteering for a good cause creates a rewarding feeling; it feels good to help others. In this course you will learn Judaism s stand on various social justice issues, as well as participate in handson projects for local charities and non-profit organizations! Led by Rabbi Judy Kempler, this course will specifically outline the importance, tradition and lasting impact of the B nai Mitzvah project. Certified community service hours awarded! Sheva Plus: Mysteries of the Torah* Rabbi Barras will guide middle school students in a discovery journey as they delve into Jewish text and strengthen their Jewish identity. Modern Hebrew through Games Want to learn how to speak Hebrew? Hebrew is the official language of Israel, along with English and Arabic. Join our fun and interactive class as we incorporate new Hebrew words and phrases into our vocabulary! Learn how to speak the language of the modern Jew through board games, cards and charades! If you are planning to visit Israel in the near future or just want to impress your friends and family, this course is for you! Confirmation (10th grade only) Confirmation is a life-cycle milestone developed by leaders of the Reform Movement about 100 years ago to honor teenagers who are continuing their Jewish education into adulthood. Tenth grade students gather to meet, learn, struggle, and engage with our clergy, faculty, and each other to reaffirm their Jewish identity, commitment to Jewish learning and the Jewish people. Temple Beth Am s incredible Confirmation program also includes an impactful social justice trip to Washington D.C. in January Sign up at * Courses are mandatory for 7 th grade students whose bar/bat mitzvah is in th grade students will take either Got Philanthropy? or Sheva Plus first semester and then switch to the other class for the second semester Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 13

14 SHEVET ACHIM AND ROSH CHODESH CLUBS FOR 8 TH AND 9 TH GRADE STUDENTS Rosh Chodesh and Shevet Achim offer a different Judaic education alternative for the busy 8 th and 9 th grader who craves meaningful, relevant Judaic learning and peer connection, but may not be able to commit to the weekly Monday Night CHAI program. These monthly programs create experiences for 8 th and 9 th grade girls and boys, respectively, and act as a supplemental learning opportunity in addition to or instead of Monday Night CHAI. Rosh Chodesh, our female program led by Rabbi Judy Kempler, and Shevet Achim, our male program led by Josh Laurence, both work to inspire Jewish teens to openly explore fundamental questions of identity and society. The programs help teens reach their full potential by connecting relevant content with enduring Jewish values, and by fostering positive peer-to-peer relationships through our trained mentors. These programs empower Jewish teens to grow into adulthood with confidence, compassion and a lifelong commitment to Jewish community! Life as a teenager can be stressful! Between school, enrichment classes, sports, family and friends, teens have little time to decompress. Rosh Chodesh and Shevet Achim offer an opportunity to bond with friends, explore issues that are pertinent to your life, and learn about yourself and each other. In a safe and close knit group, participants will develop a support network that will nurture their soul as well as give them the tools to navigate the journey of growing up as a Jewish American teen. Shevet Achim meets on the 1 st Wednesday of every month from 5:30 7:00 p.m. Shana Tovah October 4 November 1 December 6 January 10 February 7 March 7 April 4 May 4 Rosh Chodesh meets on the 3 rd Wednesday of every month from 5:30 7:00 p.m. Shana Tovah October 18 November 15 December 20 January 17 February 21 March 21 April 18 May 16 Sign up for Shevet Achim at and Rosh Chodesh at Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 14

15 J-ADVENTURE TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR 7 TH -12 TH GRADERS WE DIDN T REALIZE WE WERE MAKING MEMORIES, WE JUST KNEW WE WERE HAVING FUN. L TAKEN SOCIAL JUSTICE SEMINAR January 19-22, 2018 Hey, Confirmation class! Are you ready to change the world at the L Taken Social Justice Seminar? In partnership with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), TBAM s Confirmation class will have the opportunity to impact the political process as they, along with teens from all over the U.S., share their views on social justice topics with their district s decision-makers on Capitol Hill. Not only will the D.C. weekend feature incredible social justice programs, but also includes visits to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum and Smithsonian Mall, as well as a beautiful Havdalah at the Jefferson Memorial. Can t wait to see you in D.C., change-makers! GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE, ORLANDO, FL February 15-18, th 12 th graders are invited to participate in an incredible mitzvah weekend in Orlando! This President s Day weekend, join teens from Miami and Boca Raton to volunteer at Give Kids the World Village, a resort for children with life-threatening diseases and their families. Spend the holiday weekend giving back! Sign up by November 17 at NFTY-STR HATIKAVAH KALLAH (6 TH 8 TH GR ADE) TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM, MIAMI BEACH: November 10-12, 2017 Calling all 6 th 8 th graders! Get excited for an awesome weekend intro to our national Jewish youth group, NFTY! Youth groups from all over Florida will be traveling to Miami Beach to spend a weekend together celebrating Shabbat, bonding, learning, and having a blast! Youth group travel fun isn t just for high school. Meet new friends and experience something incredible! Can t wait to see you there! To register and for more info, visit Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 15

16 J-ADVENTURE...continued U RJ BI E N N I A L BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: December 6-10, 2017 TBAM teens are invited to participate in URJ Biennial a.k.a. Reform Judaism s Event of the Year! Join hundreds of teens and adults from all over the country in Boston for a leadership experience unlike any other! Participate in riveting events, celebrate Shabbat with thousands of your closest friends, make connections, sing your heart out, tour colleges, and hang for the weekend in the wonderful city of Boston! Represent TBAM with pride, while having the time of your life! To register and for more info, visit or Jacki at jaltman@tbam.org i F LY BA F T Y DAY T R I P April 14, 2018 Join BAFTY 78 and BAFTY for an indoor skydiving adventure at ifly in Ft. Lauderdale! High flying antics, lunch out on the town, and road trip fun make for a guaranteed epic day! Sign up by March 23, 2018 at AND SO MUCH MORE! There s always more adventuring to be had in the TBAM Youth Department! Stay tuned for J-Adventure updates throughout the year! Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 16 BECAUSE OF YOU, I LAUGH A LITTLE HARDER, CRY A LITTLE LESS, AND SMILE A LOT MORE

17 MADRICHIM PROGRAM MADRICHIM TEACHING ASSISTANT PROGRAM FOR 9 TH 12 TH Hey, 8 th 12 th graders! Do you love working with young children? Are you interested in earning community service hours? Our Madrichim Program is here for you! The Madrichim program is a fantastic way to develop leadership skills, earn community service hours, and stay involved with Temple Beth Am! Madrichim serve as teacher s assistants and role models for students in grades K 6 on Sunday mornings and/or Wednesday afternoons during Religious School. You will have the amazing opportunity to help our younger students grow and develop Jewishly by: Leading small group discussions and lessons, including the Word of the Week. Assisting children who need academic, social, or emotional support. Helping keep the classroom running smoothly by collecting tzedakah, prepping art projects, preparing snacks, and more! Serving as a positive Jewish role model, showing our students just how much fun and meaning there is in Jewish learning and life! WHEN CAN I TEACH? Grades K 6 Sundays 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Grades 3 5 Wednesdays 3:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m. HOW DO I APPLY? Apply online at Madrichim training sessions will occur from 9:15 10:00 a.m. during the first part of Religious School on Sundays! We will focus on leadership skills, address challenges and successes in the classroom, practice informal teaching techniques, and bond as a unit! COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer your time and earn the hours How Bout Shabbat 3 rd and 4 th Grade Shul-in 5 th Grade Shabbaton Mitzvah Day Purim Carnival Jog for Jenny 5K Stay tuned for more opportunities this year! Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 17

18 COLLEGE CONNECTION FOR COLLEGIATES AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Are you 18 to 24 years old? Are you in college or away from home? Let us help your families shower you with care packages, Judaism, and a taste of Temple Beth Am during the year! Keeping in touch with Judaism while balancing major life changes can be difficult, but TBAM is here to help! Our College Connection program is designed to keep you passionate and curious about Judaism as you transition into adulthood. Yay adulting! HIGH HOLY DAYS, CHANUKAH AND PASSOVER PACKAGES During the High Holy Days, Chanukah and Passover, we will compile and send three care packages stuffed with Jewish goodies, gifts and helpful resources for continuing to lead a Jewish life on campus and post-graduation. It s only $54 for three care packages (postage is on us!). Sign up at What s in a package? Items vary year to year here are some examples: High Holy Days: Play Doh, Jewish calendar, fruit snacks, honey sticks, tea and more! Chanukah: Portable charger, candles and yummy goodies, including gelt, dreidels and a gift card! Passover: Chocolate matzah, TBAM mug, macaroons, wild animals masks, Seder plate and more! THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT HAVE NO MEASURE: HONORING ONE S FATHER AND MOTHER, ACTS OF KINDNESS, AND BRINGING PEACE BETWEEN A MAN AND HIS FELLOW. BUT THE STUDY OF TORAH IS EQUAL TO THEM ALL. MIKSHNAH PE AH 1:1 TORAH TUESDAYS WITH RABBI BARRAS Tuesdays just got TORAH IFIC! 9 th 12 th graders are invited to participate in Torah Tuesdays with Rabbi Barras! Join our esteemed head rabbi for illuminating discussions about the mysteries of Judaism on the first Tuesday of every month from 5:00 6:00 p.m. Sign up at Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 18

19 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEEN FELLOWSHIP JEWISH TEENS CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE MITZVAH AT A TIME The Social Justice Teen Fellowship program is an exclusive, action-oriented program for 11th and 12th graders that seeks to empower Fellows to take responsibility and action for significant social, economic, and environmental problems, both within and beyond the Jewish community. Limited to a small group of motivated teens, Temple Beth Am s Social Justice Teen Fellowship combines Jewish text study with social justice activities and includes a social action trip to Comalapa, Guatemala on November 9 12, This unique year-long program develops a commitment to the Jewish people and community service. It offers exceptionally- motivated 11th and 12th grade students incredible opportunities to not only explore Jewish life, but also to make a difference in the world. Our Fellows become active participants, leaders and agents for change in the Jewish and wider global community. Our programs are guided by the following values: Jewish Learning: Our Fellowship program provides a framework and a springboard to prompt advocacy and action through the study of Jewish texts. Social Activism: Judaism calls for responsible engagement with the world around us. Our program brings teens in contact with real social justice issues within our communities and empowers them to apply their talents to bring about solutions and/or alternatives in order to repair the world. PRO GR A M H IGH LIGH T S Eight Saturday or Sunday social action programs (between September 2017 and May 2018) Temple Beth Am Social Justice Speaker Series programs A 4-day social action trip to Comalapa, Guatemala (scheduled for November 9 12, 2017)

20 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEEN FELLOWSHIP...continued Our first Cohort of the Social Justice Teen Fellowship was a smash success! Our teens truly demonstrated their commitment to the pursuit of justice with passion and open-mindedness. Due to the success of SJTF s initial year, we created a second year option for all incoming 12 th grade participants of the Social Justice Teen Fellowship. As a result of the group s impactful Guatemala venture, this special track s programs will focus on environmental issues and ecology. The Fellowship will consist of 4 locally-based social action programs that showcase the Jewish value of Shmirat HaAdamah (caring of the earth) and a 4-day ecology-based trip to Peru in the spring (March 22 25, 2018). A crucial aspect of experience is reflection. As part of SJTF s yearlong initiative, teens actively participate and contribute to a blog. The Social Justice Teen Fellowship blog provides participants with a physical reminder of the program and ensures continued reflection of their social justice explorations. Check out our SJTF blog at REFLECTIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS: Jonah Snyder on the Kosher Food Bank: We have a moral obligation to help people in need. Participating in this activity could make a big difference in someone s life. Food insecurity is a major problem in our country and community here in Miami. The food I bought may have ended up in the mouths of students who need it in order to do well in school. Josh Silberwasser on Immokalee: This trip showed me how the values written in the Torah and the Talmud still apply to everything in today s society. Workers rights and proper conditions for living were mentioned such a long time ago in the Torah, however, many acts of injustice still take place. Keren Szmuler on Guatemala: I met a woman named Shoshi who was helping us work on compressing some of the trash into blocks that would later be stuffed into tires. We were so surprised to find that Shoshi was only 19 years old. In America, at 19 years old, most people are in school studying to get their degrees. But in Guatemala, they do not have those opportunities. This is why it s so important that people volunteer so that more schools can be built and more people can get an education Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 20

21 SUSHI IN THE SUKKAH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 TH, IN THE SUKKAH FOLLOWING SHABBAT SERVICES Presented by BAFTY 78 and BAFTY, join your BAFTY friends and Jewish teens for a yummy Sukkot sushi celebration! Free for BAFTY Members $10 for non-members R.S.V.P. by October 4th at ADULT LEARNING SESSIONS Monday Night CHAI fun isn t just for kids! Join your fellow TBAM parents for four informative and exciting programs for adults. Come for the program, stay for the community. OCTOBER 23, 7:00 P.M. What Are Colleges Looking For In A College Essay? Presented by Leah Messing (Chapel) JANUARY 29, 7:00 P.M. Teen Anxiety Presented by Elaine Rotenberg, Clinical Director at Jewish Family and Children s Service MARCH 19, 7:00 P.M. Nutrition, Health and Judaism (Adult Reading Room) To R.S.V.P. contact Anita Marks at amarks@tbam.org Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 21

22 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES What are you up to during the summer? Check out some of the incredible camps and programs offered by the Union for Reform Judaism! URJ KUTZ CAMP URJ Kutz Camp is an incredible and exciting environment where Jewish teens can learn invaluable skills to better themselves as leaders in their home communities. In order to learn specialized skills, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of interests, including song leading, social action, leadership, Torah study, and Hebrew language! URJ CAMP COLEMAN Our regional Union for Reform Judaism Camp, URJ Camp Coleman, has been a second home to a number of TBAM campers. Campers experience a summer of fun activities, engaging rituals and informal education that bring Judaism to life in a warm, nurturing community. There are many opportunities for teens, ranging from leadership development programs to becoming a counselor after your senior year in high school! NFTY MITZVAH CORPS Mitzvah Corps is for high school students interested in having a meaningful and exciting summer engaging in Tikkun Olam, giving teens the chance to make a difference and experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes only with helping another person. There are six different program sites around the country: California, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, Louisiana and Costa Rica. Open to participants entering grades URJ 6 POINTS SPORTS ACADEMY URJ 6 Points Sports Academy is located in Greensboro, NC and the 100 acre campus of American Hebrew Academy where sport activities are blended with Reform Jewish summer camp programs and values for a well-rounded summer experience! For campers entering grades URJ 6 POINTS SCI-TECH ACADEMY Scientific inquiry meets fun! Develop hypotheses, perform experiments, and test out new technologies in a supportive, vibrant Jewish community. Our campers ask big questions, and discover real answers. Located just outside of Boston s science and technology corridor on a pristine campus, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy offers a top-quality educational program along with access to the best and brightest minds in the Jewish science and technology community. 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy is the Reform Jewish camp that curious minds have been waiting for. Entering grades 5 9. For more information about summer programs and TBAM s Jewish Camping Initiative visit our website: and sign up for the summer of a lifetime! Summer program scholarships available Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 22

23 ISRAEL OPPORTUNITIES Israel is what we re all about! Your Jewish travel experiences aren t complete without a trip to Israel! Get ready for the journey of a lifetime! Here are just a few of the options for Israel travel in high school: NFTY IN ISRAEL Imagine the most incredible summer of your life. NFTY in Israel offers a variety of different programs that connect you to the Jewish homeland. Hike, climb, discover, and explore with new friends from across North America! Return home with endless personal accomplishments, meaningful memories, and stories you ll never forget. Open to participants entering grades 11 and 12. ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL IN ISRAEL Alexander Muss High School is a non-denominational, pluralistic, academic study abroad program in Israel for high school students! Education is imparted through experience and history is infused into all outings and adventures! The two month study abroad program follows a chronological curriculum of 4,000 years by actually traveling through history, using the land of Israel as a living classroom. Open to participants entering grades LEON MARTIN MARCH OF THE LIVING April 19 May 4, 2017 The March of the Living is a two-week international experience where teens from around the world come together each year and bear witness to the Holocaust in Poland and then travel to Israel to rejoice in the Jewish Homeland. The program commemorates Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, marching from Auschwitz to Birkenau, and celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, in the streets of Jerusalem. Open to participants in grades 11 and 12. GIFT OF ISRAEL Formerly known as Passport to Israel, Gift of Israel helps to provide students with the opportunity to participate in an educational trip to Israel during their teen years. The program is sponsored by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. The plan works this way: Each year, for up to ten years, the family contributes a maximum amount of $100, and a match of up to $100 will be made by Temple Beth am and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. At any time between 10th grade and the student s senior year in college, the accumulated funds and interest can be applied toward the cost of an educational trip to Israel. Over the total saving period, your child will accumulate, with interest over $3,000. While this will not cover an entire trip to Israel, it will provide a significant portion Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 23

24 REGISTRATION AND FEES To sign up for MNC classes, please visit GRADE PROGRAM COST 7 th 12 th Monday Night CHAI* Mondays 5:45 8:15 p.m., includes dinner 10 th Confirmation* Includes Monday Night CHAI, and L Taken seminar in Washington, D.C. 11 th and 12 th Social Justice Teen Fellowship* Application required 8 th 9 th Rosh Chodesh (Girls) and Shevet Achim (Boys) 3 rd and 1 st Wednesday of the month respectively, 5:30 7:00 p.m. * Additional $18 for non-tbam Members $1,090 $2,000 $1,100 $300 Join the BAFTY fun at GRADE BAFTY TEMPLE YOUTH GROUPS (TYG) COST K 2 nd BAFTY K 2 Fee covers membership dues and program materials 3 rd 6 th BAFTY 34 and BAFTY 56 Fee covers membership dues, program materials, snacks 7 th and 8 th BAFTY 78 Fee covers membership dues, program materials, snacks 9 th 12 th BAFTY Fee covers membership dues, NFTY-STR membership dues, program materials, snacks $36 $50 $100 $ Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 24

25 STAY CONNECTED T BA M T E E N T I M E S Stay up to date on all the incredible youth activities and opportunities with our monthly TBAM Teen Times ! YOU T H E NGAGE M E N T & BA F T Y ( K 12 T H ) ON LI N E Visit for awesome youth engagement and BAFTY youth group info! This is your source for event flyers, forms, pictures, videos and much more. For more information, click on the Campus Life section and look for Youth Engagement or you can find us under Schools and YERS (Youth Engagement Religious School). JOI N US ON FAC E B O OK A N D I N S TAGR A M Like our Facebook page and Instagram profile and receive updates and reminders about upcoming programs and events! Keep up-to-date on BAFTY adventures and stay in touch with your friends! Like TBAM Youth on Like BAFTY on Follow BAFTY on Instagram: bafty_tyg GE T I N T OUC H For more information about youth life at Temple Beth Am, please contact: Jacki Altman Youth Engagement Director jaltman@tbam.org Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement Program Guide page 25

26 BACK TO BAFTY BBQ SUNDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 12:00 2:00 P.M. TBAM ATHLETIC FIELD Enjoy a yummy BBQ lunch and refreshing sno cones! Cool off with fun water sports, including an inflatable slip n slide! Reunite with old friends! Learn about/sign up for BAFTY. TBAM s incredible youth group for K 12th! WHO All ages! K 12th grade and their families WHAT An awesome welcome back extravaganza BRING Bathing suit, appetite, and a smile COST Free for current BAFTY K 12 members $5 for non-members/adults R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, August 23rd IF I AM NOT FOR ME, WHO IS FOR ME; AND IF I AM (ONLY) FOR MYSELF, WHAT AM I? AND IF NOT NOW, WHEN? PIRKE AVOT 1:14 IT S GOING TO BE A WONDERFUL YEAR, TBAM YOUTH!

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28 Janet z l and Richard Yulman Campus 5950 N. Kendall Drive Pinecrest, FL