CHALLAH classes are hosted by CBI and open to any teens in grades 8th - 12th. CHALLAH classes are designed to:
- Deepen Jewish knowledge through focused skill-building
- Prepare teens to enter the world as well-rounded Jewish young adults
- Help develop lifelong Jewish learners
- Foster Jewish joy
Schedule
CHALLAH follows a trimester schedule and meets on Thursday nights, with the exception of school breaks and Jewish holidays, from 6:45 pm - 8 pm. There is an additional Supper Club option each week from 6 pm - 6:45 pm.
Each CHALLAH session includes a community gathering led by Rabbi Ariella Rosen, a one-hour class, and social time.
סְתָו / stahv / fall trimester: October 20th - December 15th
Courses:
Jewish food studies: Fermentation and Baking
Beyond Fiddler on the Roof: Jewish Theater Past, Present, and Future
חורף / choref / winter trimester: January 5th - March 2nd
Courses:
Crafting Judaica
Garage Band, Literally
Supper Club (11th and 12th grade only - enrollment permitting, 10th graders might be considered)
אֲבִיבֵ / aviv / spring trimester: March 16th - May 25th
Courses:
The Jewish Graphic Novel
Jewish artists have played a key role in the development of graphic narrative as a unique genre, from the earliest superhero comics to masterpieces like Maus. In this course, we will learn about the history of Jews and comics and graphic novels, and dive deeply into some very recent works that draw from Biblical narrative, Jewish folklore, modern history and collective memory in describing Jewish experiences in North Africa, France, Israel, Poland, and New York's Lower East Side.The course will culminate with students' own creative projects where they will put image and text together in their own graphic narrative experiments. This is a great course for readers, writers, and artists of all kinds! Led by literature professor and Springfield College Dean of Arts and Sciences Rachel Rubinstein.
B'Midbar: Into the Wilderness
Food! Fire! Friends! What are the skills one needs in order to navigate the wilderness of land and of spirit? What did the Jewish people learn about survival as they wandered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt? In this class, we will learn how to forage wild foods, build fire safely, and cook over a campfire. In addition, we will share experiences navigating the unknowns of our own internal lives, and build tools to support ourselves and each other in this ever-changing world. This class will take place outside, in all weather conditions! This course will be led by Rose Cherneff, the former Farm Manager at Abundance Farm.
Supper Club
(11th and 12th grade only- enrollment permitting, 10th graders might be considered)
When the rest of CHALLAH leaves for their other classes, linger over dinner for relaxed and meaningful group discussions facilitated by Rabbi Ariella. Topics might range from current events to big questions exploring identity, community, and how we prepare for life after high school. We'll set the agenda together.
Questions? Contact CBI teen engagement coordinator Aaron Kagan at aaron@cbinorthampton.org.