Temple Emanu-El

Our Youth (K-12)

Temple Emanu-El endeavors to creatively nurture and involve our Jewish youth. In developing our programming, we aspire to create a welcoming, warm environment in which our young people can thrive socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. We offer a variety of programs — for families with children in Kindergarten to those with teens in high school — fostering a positive sense of Jewish identity and providing a foundation for formal religious learning experiences.

Religious School	Our Religious School has earned a reputation for innovation and excellence. Beginning with kindergarten and continuing through high school, classes and programs are designed to enrich the spiritual and cultural life of our students. Studies include Hebrew, theology, ethics, prayer, Jewish history — including study of the Bible and the history of Israel and Zionism. In addition, our students participate in social action programs and evening retreats to develop a greater sense of Jewish community, family and ethical obligation. Kindergarten - 6th grade: Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30; 7th - 10th grade: Saturday mornings beginning at 9:30, Hebrew School (4th-6th grade): Wednesday afternoons; September through May.
Family Shabbat Services	Family Shabbat services and dinners are scheduled throughout the year specifically for families with children in grades K-6. This program provides the opportunity for children to celebrate a special Shabbat together as a family and as a class.
Confirmation / Post Confirmation	At the completion of the tenth grade, our students celebrate their Confirmation. This group celebration affirms each student’s abiding commitment to Judaism. For those entering the 11th and 12th grades, we offer exciting post-Confirmation programs which combine academic learning and Jewish experiential activities
Youth Group	Known as BIRTY (Birmingham Temple Youth), our Temple’s youth group for grades 8-12 is connected with both NFTY-SE, the southeast region’s Reform youth group, and NFTY, the National Federation of Temple Youth. Our youth group educates and involves our young people in activities reflecting Jewish values, helping them to develop bonds with other Jewish youth throughout the region
PEACE / Birmingham	This very special program brings African-American teens together with Jewish teens to learn about one another. Monthly dialogue
Undernights	The goal of this program is to nurture and encourage friendships among our religious school students. For each grade level, the Undernight provides our children the opportunity to experience Temple Emanu-El and get to know their classmates during a fun-filled Saturday evening.
Tikkun Olam	The Tikkun Olam Program provides specific ways for our children and their families to engage in the work of “repairing the world”. From collecting clothing and non-perishable food to actually working with a social agency, “repairing our world” is a major focus in our religious school. Additionally, each year our congregation participates in Mizvah Day which provides an opportunity for our congregants to join hands and make a difference by working with social agencies throughout the community for the day.
Chaverim	Because one of our goals is to create a congregational family, we are committed to our “Chaverim Program” which pairs our younger students with older students within our religious school program.
Madrikhim	We encourage our young people who have completed the eighth grade to return to our Sunday morning program as assistants. Their enthusiasm and spark brightens our classrooms and they serve as wonderful role models for our children.

Excellent opportunities for your children (or grand children) to receive significant incentive grants (up to $1500!) and scholarships to attend Henry S. Jacobs Camp as well as many other kinds of Jewish summer time extracurriculars! Click here to download an application.

For Temple Emanu-El's 2004-2005 Parent Youth and Education handbook, Click here

2007-2008 Forms, Click here

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