Adath Israel
2026–2027 Shelanu Class Calendar
In addition to classes, Shelanu offers social programming throughout the year. Travel opportunities will take place over MLK Weekend; please visit the Shelanu Travels tab for additional details.
Fall Sunday Evening Sessions
October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, 15
The full fall series will take place at Wise Temple from 5:00–7:00 PM and includes dinner. Shelanu will ensure that required classes do not overlap in scheduling.
The Madrichim Leadership Program requires additional dates outside of the six fall evening sessions:
- An August orientation for all new and returning Madrichim
- Additional learning sessions for first-year Madrichim from 12:30–2:00 PM on January 10, January 31, February 28, and April 4. These will rotate between all participating Synagogues.
Programs
- 9th Grade Programs
- 10th Grade Programs
- 11th Grade Programs
- 12th Grade Programs
- Shelanu Travels
Required For Adath Israel 9th Graders: Resetting the Table
Since October 7, differences in opinions and perspectives have come to the forefront of Jewish educational spaces. Join Shelanu 9th graders to gain tools and skills for productive communication across differences.
This is a required class for 9th Grade Adath Israel students.
9th Grade Adath Israel second bell options
Chavarim M’Israel
In this semester-long course, students will explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Engage with Israeli game shows, modern artists, technology, food, music, and everyday culture while building meaningful connections with Israeli peers. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. Open to students in all grades.
Girls in Trouble
Dr. Caroline Winstel McLeod
How do stories of women in Torah reflect the complexity of our own lives? How can art can help us deepen our connections to these ancient texts? The Girls in Trouble class brings women in Torah to life through art, text, and personal reflection.
Returning Madrichim Program
The Returning Madrichim Program builds on the foundation and offers expanded opportunities for leadership, teaching, and mentorship. This program is designed to help teens move from supporting the classroom to actively shaping it, while strengthening their role as leaders in both synagogue life and the broader Jewish community. This program is optional Adath Israel Madrichim. If you complete at least 75% of the sessions, including orientation, Adath will add $1 per hour to your pay following course completion.
Returning madrichim will continue developing:
- Leadership and facilitation skills
- Lesson planning and classroom teaching strategies
- Inclusive community-building practices
- Confidence in mentoring younger students and peers
- Jewish leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom
Dates: August 16 orientation as well as October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, 15. The full fall series will take place at Wise Temple from 5:00–7:00 PM
Maimonides Moot Court Competition (Formerly Moot Beit Din)
Year long competitive debate class
Open to 10-12 Graders
Teacher: Lowell Lustig
Embark on a rich and engaging learning journey with our local teacher, Lowell Lustig. Through this premiere program, students will grapple with contemporary ethics through a prism of Jewish legal tradition. Powered by the Hadar Institute and supported by Maimonides Fund, the Maimonides Moot Court Competition is an international competition for high school and college students, in which participants defend ethical arguments grounded in Jewish wisdom in response to a modern ethical issue. This is a yearlong course that includes travel opportunity in the Spring and extra class sessions.
Adath 10th graders second bell options:
Girls in Trouble
Dr. Caroline Winstel McLeod
How do stories of women in Torah reflect the complexity of our own lives? How can art can help us deepen our connections to these ancient texts? The Girls in Trouble class brings women in Torah to life through art, text, and personal reflection.
Chavarim M’Israel
In this semester-long course, students will explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Engage with Israeli game shows, modern artists, technology, food, music, and everyday culture while building meaningful connections with Israeli peers. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. Open to students in all grades.
First bell
Returning Madrichim Program
The Returning Madrichim Program builds on the foundation and offers expanded opportunities for leadership, teaching, and mentorship. This program is designed to help teens move from supporting the classroom to actively shaping it, while strengthening their role as leaders in both synagogue life and the broader Jewish community. This program is optional Adath Israel Madrichim. If you complete at least 75% of the sessions, including orientation, Adath will add $1 per hour to your pay following course completion.
Returning madrichim will continue developing:
- Leadership and facilitation skills
- Lesson planning and classroom teaching strategies
- Inclusive community-building practices
- Confidence in mentoring younger students and peers
- Jewish leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom
Dates: August 16 orientation as well as October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, 15. The full fall series will take place at Wise Temple from 5:00–7:00 PM
Maimonides Moot Court Competition (Formerly Moot Beit Din)
Year long competitive debate class
Open to 10-12 Graders
Teacher: Lowell Lustig
Embark on a rich and engaging learning journey with our local teacher, Lowell Lustig. Through this premiere program, students will grapple with contemporary ethics through a prism of Jewish legal tradition. Powered by the Hadar Institute and supported by Maimonides Fund, the Maimonides Moot Court Competition is an international competition for high school and college students, in which participants defend ethical arguments grounded in Jewish wisdom in response to a modern ethical issue. This is a yearlong course that includes travel
11&12th Grade Text Class –
Explore timeless Jewish texts through the lens of modern life. In this discussion-based class for 11th and 12th graders, local rabbis will guide students through meaningful conversations about identity, ethics, relationships, justice, and what it means to live Jewishly today. No prior text experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to ask big questions.
Chavarim M’Israel
In this semester-long course, students will explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Engage with Israeli game shows, modern artists, technology, food, music, and everyday culture while building meaningful connections with Israeli peers. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. Open to students in all grades.
Second bell option for Adath Israel 11th graders:
Girls in Trouble
Dr. Caroline Winstel McLeod
How do stories of women in Torah reflect the complexity of our own lives? How can art can help us deepen our connections to these ancient texts? The Girls in Trouble class brings women in Torah to life through art, text, and personal reflection.
Chavarim M’Israel
In this semester-long course, students will explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Engage with Israeli game shows, modern artists, technology, food, music, and everyday culture while building meaningful connections with Israeli peers. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. Open to students in all grades.
11&12th Grade Text Class –
Explore timeless Jewish texts through the lens of modern life. In this discussion-based class for 11th and 12th graders, local rabbis will guide students through meaningful conversations about identity, ethics, relationships, justice, and what it means to live Jewishly today. No prior text experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to ask big questions.
Returning Madrichim Program
The Returning Madrichim Program builds on the foundation and offers expanded opportunities for leadership, teaching, and mentorship. This program is designed to help teens move from supporting the classroom to actively shaping it, while strengthening their role as leaders in both synagogue life and the broader Jewish community. This program is optional Adath Israel Madrichim. If you complete at least 75% of the sessions, including orientation, Adath will add $1 per hour to your pay following course completion.
Returning madrichim will continue developing:
- Leadership and facilitation skills
- Lesson planning and classroom teaching strategies
- Inclusive community-building practices
- Confidence in mentoring younger students and peers
- Jewish leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom
Dates: August 16 orientation as well as October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, 15. The full fall series will take place at Wise Temple from 5:00–7:00 PM
Maimonides Moot Court Competition (Formerly Moot Beit Din)
Year long competitive debate class
Open to 10-12 Graders
Teacher: Lowell Lustig
Embark on a rich and engaging learning journey with our local teacher, Lowell Lustig. Through this premiere program, students will grapple with contemporary ethics through a prism of Jewish legal tradition. Powered by the Hadar Institute and supported by Maimonides Fund, the Maimonides Moot Court Competition is an international competition for high school and college students, in which participants defend ethical arguments grounded in Jewish wisdom in response to a modern ethical issue. This is a yearlong course that includes travel
11&12th Grade Text Class –
Explore timeless Jewish texts through the lens of modern life. In this discussion-based class for 11th and 12th graders, local rabbis will guide students through meaningful conversations about identity, ethics, relationships, justice, and what it means to live Jewishly today. No prior text experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to ask big questions.
Chavarim M’Israel
In this semester-long course, students will explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Engage with Israeli game shows, modern artists, technology, food, music, and everyday culture while building meaningful connections with Israeli peers. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. Open to students in all grades.
Second bell option for Adath Israel 12th graders:
Girls in Trouble
Dr. Caroline Winstel McLeod
How do stories of women in Torah reflect the complexity of our own lives? How can art can help us deepen our connections to these ancient texts? The Girls in Trouble class brings women in Torah to life through art, text, and personal reflection.
Chavarim M’Israel
In this semester-long course, students will explore Modern Israel with the Chaverim M’Israel. Engage with Israeli game shows, modern artists, technology, food, music, and everyday culture while building meaningful connections with Israeli peers. This hands-on course will be active and engaging for all. Open to students in all grades.
11&12th Grade Text Class –
Explore timeless Jewish texts through the lens of modern life. In this discussion-based class for 11th and 12th graders, local rabbis will guide students through meaningful conversations about identity, ethics, relationships, justice, and what it means to live Jewishly today. No prior text experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to ask big questions.
Optional Program: Etgar 36
Join your local rabbis and Shelanu classmates for an immersive trip to Atlanta and Alabama from January 15–18 to retrace the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the Jewish role within it. During the Etgar 36 Civil Rights Journey, students will meet with primary sources who were at the center of the Movement, hear their stories firsthand, and experience the sites, sounds, culture, food, and people of the American South.
Registration is not yet open as we finalize payment details and funding opportunities.