9th Grade Classes
Shelanu has designed first bell classes for each grade cohort. These carefully designed selections serve as the required class for first bell for all students. Students will be automatically placed in their respective first bell class – there is no need to register for these.
Freshman First Bell
Ask Big Questions
Dr. Caroline Winstel McLeod
Based on a national initiative created by Hillel International (the North American organization of Jewish students on college campuses), the Ask Big Questions project curates reflective conversations with students while allowing participants to build community with those around them. Each week is set up just like a Passover Seder; teens engage in meaningful conversations, explore big questions, share personal stories, use interpretive objects, and involve all participants around the table.
Freshman Second Bell
The Jewish Obligation of Accessibility (Class Full)
Dr. Caroline Winstel McLeod
This class explores disabilities through Jewish social justice lens of repairing the world by developing solutions and ideas to help create a society that recognizes that we are all created in God’s image (Betzelem Eloheim). Through STEAM, adaptive sports and hands on learning, students will learn more about the Jewish values of disability, inclusivity and opportunities for change. This class is open to all grades
Modern Israeli Culture (Class Full)
Chaverim M’Israel
In this course, students will continue to explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Learn about holidays as they’re celebrated in Israel, and engage with Israeli shows, modern artists, and technology. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. This class is open to students in all grades.
Creation
Rabbi Kopnick
Creation: So you read the creation story in Genesis and say, "yeah, right!" But maybe it is not that simple. Maybe there's a way to believe that God inspired our Torah to stand the tests of time and scientific theory Don't believe everything the Creation Museum says, but don't throw away our Torah, either! Join Rabbi Sandford Kopnick from Valley Temple as we explore the way the Creation story matches up with our own beliefs. If we have time, we'll look at Creation ideas from other religions, too!