Teens (8th-12th)

Overview
The Millstone Scholars Program is a unique opportunity for 7th & 8th grade students to study the great ideas and leaders of Jewish and Western civilization, Zionism, and the heroic story of modern Israel. Designed for students in public or secular private schools, Millstone Scholars engage in a one-year sequence of an in-person core seminar combined with special programming including field trips, national debates, writing contests, and educational family events.

In an era of declining Jewish identity and rising anti-Semitism, the Millstone Scholars Program aims to create confident and knowledgeable Jewish leaders of the future. The Millstone Scholars program is built around 3 core trimesters that aim to equip Millstone Scholars with the knowledge to grow as American Jewish leaders. They are:

• Jewish History and Civilization: We begin the course with an introduction to the Hebrew Bible—the foundational book that shaped Jewish and Western civilization. Discover the origins of the Jewish people, the animating themes throughout Jewish texts, and the legacy of great Biblical leaders from Abraham to Maimonides.
• The Founding of Modern Israel and Zionism: Building on the introduction to the Hebrew bible, our second trimester focuses on the vibrant history of State of Israel, understanding the different streams of Zionist thought, and discussing what Zionism means for the Jewish State and for the Jews of the world.
• The Jewish Experience in America: Explore the rich history of Jewish life in America and the profound impact of Jewish ideas on American society. Trace the journey of Jewish immigrants, the challenges, and opportunities they encountered, and the ways Jewish communities have contributed to culture, politics, and civic life. This course highlights key figures, movements, and moments that illuminate both the Jewish story in America and the broader American narrative.

Who Is Eligible?
Millstone Scholars is for 7th & 8th graders attending secular (public or private) schools. Please note that all participants must apply through the Millstone Scholars program directly.

Schedule & Time Commitment
Beth El will host a local cohort on Thursdays from 5-6:15 pm beginning in mid-October. Participants will engage in weekly seminars for 75 minutes, and will be expected to complete readings in advance of each session. They estimate that each session will require 30-40 minutes of reading in advance.

All supplementary activities (Millstone National Debate, Field Trips, etc) are conducted outside of these weekly gatherings. They are not mandatory, though we strongly encourage students to attend as they significantly bolster the Millstone experience!

Cost:
The Millstone Scholars program costs $745 in tuition + $100 for hard copies of the reading materials (optional, but recommended).

Questions
For further questions about the Millstone Scholars program check their website.

For further questions about Millstone Scholars at Beth El, email Alyssa.

In today’s world, our teens are challenged about their histories, identities, and connections to our community. We believe that to fully embrace who they are, they should have the opportunity to connect with how our tradition thinks, how our identities were/are formed as a people, and how we mark time through our shared histories and celebrations. Each of our three units is designed for them to think deeply, reflect earnestly, and make personal meaning as they walk through Jewish life. We challenge them:

• What do our Jewish texts teach us about our actions? 

• Who are my people, what do I owe them, and how do I represent myself in the world? 

• How do I live a life shaped and sanctified by Jewish time? 

The three units are:

      Unit 1: Mitzvot and the Text

      Unit 2: Israel, Peoplehood and AntiSemitism

      Unit 3: Jewish Time — Sacred Seasons and the Rhythms of Jewish Life

Cost (including dinner & materials):

      Whole year (3 units): $1,200

      Individual units: $500 each

Schedule & Dates: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm

• Unit 1: 
  • October 13, 20, 27
  • November 10, 17, 24
  • December 1, 8
• Unit 2: 
  • December 15, 22
  • January 5, 12, 19, 26
  • February 2, 9
• Unit 3:
  • February 23
  • March 2, 9, 16, 30
  • April 6, 13
  • May 4 (Yom HaShoah), 18

Register for Hebrew High Here>>

Throughout the year, we have special opportunities for teens to celebrate Shabbat with their peers at Beth El. In addition to our annual Youth and Family Engagement Shabbat, we also encourage teens to participate in the adult services on a regular basis by reading Torah. This past year, we launched a new program training teens who are confident Torah readers to mentor other teens as they work to strengthen their skills. To learn more about these initiatives to participate in and lead Shabbat services, contact Cantor Gaby at gschvartz@bethelnr.org. Teens are also invited for Shabbat dinners with our clergy—keep an eye on teen emails for these opportunities!

Our K-7th Grade Religious School has a broad spectrum of opportunities for teens to get involved supporting teachers in the classrooms. This opportunity is for teens in grades 9-12 and can take place on Thursdays, Sundays, or both. To apply to be a madrich/a next year, email Alyssa Berman, Director of Youth and Family Engagement, at aberman@bethelnr.org.

Stay tuned for this year’s Board.