Teens @ Am Shalom
Note that Registration for our TEEN programs is conducted through our online School Registration system. Registration is here.
*Madrichol and Shir Chadash Application - for 8th-12th graders (*This is a Google form, and should be filled out by the TEEN and does not need login.)
Teens @ Am Shalom is our learning program that offers flexibility and directed learning for our 9th-12th graders. We want to give more students a variety of paths to Confirmation in their 10th grade year, including both learning and community activities.
There are SIX different ways for a student to accrue credits toward Confirmation:
- Students can receive 1 credit for each learning trimester attended.
- Students can receive 1 credit for being one of our madrichol for the year
- Students can receive 1 credit for being a member of Shir Chadash
- Students can receive 1 credit for serving on the Am Shalom (AShTY) Teen Board
The learning year is divided into three trimesters, and learners can enroll in 1, 2, or 3 trimesters. You can register for the whole year at once, or separately by trimesters.
In order to be eligible for the Confirmation Seminar (and participate in the Confirmation ceremony at the end of the 10th grade), learners will need to accrue 3 credits each year. (So - 3 credits in the 9th grade year, and 3 credits in the 10th grade year, including the Confirmation Seminar, which is required for Confirmation. Eighth grade is a separate program, your student may register for our 8th grade program, work as a madrichol and/or go on the Chicago IsraelNow trip.)
Teens @ Am Shalom also includes learning opportunities for our 11th and 12th grade students to continue the conversations. Previous participation in Confirmation programs is not required.
Trimester Dates
Fall Trimester
10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19
Winter Trimester
12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11
Spring Trimester
2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12
Courses for 9-12th graders
Biblical Influencers: The Truth Behind the Stories Learn about the stars of the Bible and the real stories that made them famous!
Beyond the Basics: Minor Jewish Holidays You may know a lot about Chanukah and Passover, but what do you know about Tu B’Av and Shemini Atzeret?
A culinary exploration of how Judaism and food intersect around the world, beyond matzah ball soup and brisket.
In partnership with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), you will have the opportunity to impact our country as you share your views on social justice topics with decision-makers on Capitol Hill. This group will meet in seminar weekly and travel to Washington, D.C. February 9-12, 2024
Finding ourselves in Jewish Art: Creative expression helps us to have a richer and more meaningful Jewish life. Come explore your creative Jewish side.
Why Does Israel Matter to Us? Our relationship to Israel can be complicated and what we see on the news can add extra layers to it. This class will discuss a variety of modern and historical ideas about Israel and help teens acquire language to talk about Israel.
Our teens are, more than ever, confronting issues and definitions of their own identities. This culminating learning experience helps to synthesize where Judaism fits into those identities. Students will affirm and confirm their place in our community. To facilitate this intensive look at the self, we have a retreat experience and conclude with the Confirmation ceremony. (Both are required for the authenticity of the learning experience.)
Confirmation Retreat dates TBD
Confirmation Ceremony: May 19, 2024 at 3:00pm
11th/12th Grade Additional Opportunity:
11th/12th Grade Seminar - We are so happy to be able to again offer our 11th & 12th graders an opportunity to continue their Jewish development through thoughtful conversations about the many topics that matter to them such as environmentalism, community health, civil rights, and how do we think of Israel in today's world. 11th/12th Grade Seminar will meet in person once a month October-May for a total of 8 sessions. We will meet on Wednesdays after Hebrew School (6:00 - 7:30pm) - dinner will be provided.
Dates: 10/18, 11/15, 12/13, 1/17, 2/21, 3/20, 4/17, 5/8
There is no cost for this program but we do require registration.
Am Shalom is proud to be a member of the Union for Reform Judaism.