Confirmation

Our program for 8th through 10th Graders is one through which students earn midot credits for participating in a variety of activities.  In addition to a monthly formal class, these options include attending services, taking part in youth activities, being madrichim in our religious school,  independent (or small group) study with one of the clergy, and other activities.  

The idea behind this is that students will receive credits for participating in Jewish life, so that when they are Confirmed, they have a sense of their Jewish selves and what they are confirming. Each year, we expect that each student will earn 108 points; we will do everything we can to help all of our students be successful in this endeavor.  

Click here to find a document which notes the midot opportunities—credits may also be given for other activities that students suggest. Students can submit their Midot Points here, as well as on paper. 

In addition, here is more information about our programs this coming year:

• Classes will take place once a month on Sundays from 12:00 to 2:00 (immediately following Religious School), including lunch.  There will be a Welcoming Lunch on August 25 and the first class is on September 8. The Classes will be taught by the clergy.  Each grade’s learning will be divided into 3 units, with special all Confirmation learning opportunities in between units:
  • 8th Grade: Different ways of believing: Different Ways of Being Jewish and different religions, Antisemitism and The Shoah, and Reform Judaism
  • 9th Grade: Jewish Ethics: Tuning Our Moral Compass (how does Judaism help us make choices), Israel, and Intimacy and Sexuality: Making Choices for Myself
  • 10th Grade: What’s My Torah: How has Torah and understanding of it changed, and how does that influence my understanding of it?; Living Torah: How do we live a Jewish life? How does Judaism influence our actions? How do we put it all together?; and preparation for the Confirmation Service.

• Confirmation Dates - 2019-2020

   

  August 25, 2019 – Welcoming Lunch – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  September 8, 2019 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  September 21, 2019 – Selicot – 7:00 – 9:00 pm

  Help with and attend Selicot service

   

  October 13, 2019 – Sukkot – 5:30 – 8:00 pm

  Help with and attend Sukkot dinner & service

   

  October 27, 2019 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  November 3, 2019 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  November 10, 2019 – 3:30 – 7:00 pm

  Interfaith Thanksgiving Meal Packing

   

  December 8, 2019 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  January 12, 2020 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  January 19, 2020 – Mitzvah Day – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

  Help with Mitzvah Day

   

  February 2, 2020 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  February 21 – 24, 2020 – L’Taken – Washington, DC

   

  March 6, 2020 – Purim Shpiel – 7:00 – 9:00 pm

  Help with Purim shpiel

   

  March 15, 2020 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  April 5, 2020 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  April 28, 2020 – Participate in Community Yom Hazikaron Program

  Details to follow

   

  May 3, 2020 – Class – 12:00 – 2:00 pm

   

  May 28, 2020 – Secret Service (10^th Grade) – 7:00 – 9:00 pm

   

  May 29, 2020 – Confirmation Service (10^th Grade) – 7:00 – 9:00 pm

  8^th & 9^th Grade present at service