Confirmation & Post-Confirmation

A life-long commitment to Jewish learning is one of BETC’s core values. As such, we hope and expect that our students will continue their Jewish learning through high school and beyond.

Beginning in 8th grade, the Confirmation program offers students the opportunity to deepen their Jewish knowledge, and students are encouraged to explore and wrestle with issues, ethics, traditions, texts and theology that will serve to shape their Jewish identity as young adults.

 

Confirmation students meet on Thursday nights from 6 - 8 pm. Students are offered the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in dinner before class begins, providing time to meet, socialize, and connect with friends. 

 

 

Retreats

8th Grade: Students participate a day trip to Boston (including a self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt, visits to local American Jewish History exhibits, or visits to local historical shuls, and dinner).  They explore the roots of our Jewish tradition in our home city. 

9th Grade: Students enjoy a weekend in Jewish New York, visiting Ellis Island, participating in unique and inspiring Kabbalat Shabbat services at B’nai Jeshrun, and touring the Tenement and Jewish Heritage Museums.

10th Grade: Students participate in a special trip to the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C. for a Teen Political Action Seminar. This four-day program, called L’Taken, focuses on Judaism and social action. The program includes creative worship services, social action training, and a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with Representatives and Senators.  There is also an opportunity to tour the Holocaust Museum and Washington, D.C. 

In addition, students have a weekend retreat, or Shabbaton, to prepare for their Confirmation service.

 

 

 

POST-CONFIRMATION (Grades 11 - 12)

Students in 11th and 12th grade are invited to participate in Panim el Panim (Face to Face), our Post Confirmation program, which is an informal learning experience guided by our Director of Education.  Panim el Panim meets on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00 at the temple.  The program includes dinner. Curriculum is taught as a series of modules, based on the interests of the students and the guidance and expertise of the staff.

Panim el Panim is designed to give students an opportunity to continue their Jewish learning throughout high school, maintain strong friendships with BETC peers & a connection with the BETC community, think about the role that Judaism could play in future life choices, and transition more easily into Jewish life throughout college and beyond.