Leadership & Learning Institute (LLI)
Programs for High School Students, Grades 8-12
At Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, we know that there are many doorways through which to enter Jewish living and learning. Post Bar or Bat Mitzvah, we want to give our teens relevant experiences through which they can engage Jewishly, on their own terms, opening their own doors. We realize that it also important to offer students an opportunity for meaningful extra-curricular activities to supplement and enhance the learning they do in school. That’s why we have worked with parents and students to develop the Leadership and Learning Institute.
Whether your teen is interested in study, music, community service, or just hanging out with other Jewish kids, our Leadership and Learning Institute offers something for everyone.
When it comes to Learning, our teens are challenged by the texts of Jewish tradition, brought to light by our talented and innovative teachers and clergy.
When it comes to Leadership, we offer our teens opportunities to take risks, be role models, be with role models, and develop the skills that they will need to lead in high school, college, and beyond.
At the Leadership and Learning Institute our teens take charge of their own Jewish identities: finding their own meaning in Jewish life, opening the doors to Living Judaism.
For more information about the LLI at Temple Emanuel, contact Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin at (310) 409-2951
Leadership and Learning Institute: LLI
Program Descriptions
8th grade MIT (Madrichim in Training) Program (CS), (Full Year, Sep-May)
If students are interested in being Madrichim (teacher’s Aides) in the Religious School when they are in High School, they can sign up for the 8th grade MIT (Madrichim in Training program).
Madrichim training sessions 1x/month on Sunday mornings throughout their 8th grade year
Students will build skills as leaders and teacher’s aids (learning how to work one on one with students, being a role model, learning styles of students and themselves, etc.)
Sunday mornings from 10:00-11:30am
8th grade students can choose Mitzvah Corps OR the MIT program/pre-confirmation class, but cannot do both.
8th-10th Grade Pre-Confirmation options
8th and 9th grade Pre-Confirmation class with Rabbi Aaron
“What does Judaism say about… Ethical Dilemmas?”
Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00am
10th grade Pre-Confirmation class with Rabbis Geller & Mason-Barkin:
(Semester 1, September to mid-January)
“Asking our Questions”
Students tackle the big questions of Judaism that intrigue them.
This curriculum of this class is developed by the students, based on their interests and passions.
Sundays from 11:45-12:45 (Semester 1, September - December)
10th grade Confirmation Program with Rabbis Geller & Mason-Barkin:
(Semester 2, September to mid-January)
“Confirming Jewish Identity”
Students explore the role and purpose that Judaism has in their lives, highlighting the aspects of Judaism that are most important for them choose for themselves.
Sundays from 11:45-12:45
8th grade students can participate in both the MIT program and Rabbi Aaron’s pre-confirmation class.
9th grade and 10th grade students can participate in both the Madrichim program and classes with the rabbis.
Post-Confirmation – 11th and 12th grade
Rabbi Mason-Barkin’s Leader’s K’vutzah (group):
By Invitation: LLI Participants who have shown dedication through active participation in 8th - 10th
Monthly meetings with Rabbi Mason-Barkin in local coffee shops or Jewish cultural events suggested by participant interest
9th-12th grade enrichment programs
Madrichim (CS)
9th-12th graders can work as teacher’s aides in the Religious School.
Madrichim can work in classrooms, in the office, or with specialists.
Role models for Religious School students.
Participate in Madrichim Development workshops throughout the year.
Madrichim can choose to receive a salary or community service credit.
9:00-11:30 on Sundays, and 4:00-5:15 on Wednesdays
MATCH (Money and Teenagers Creating Hope) (CS)
MATCH, Money and Teenagers Creating Hope, is Temple Emanuel’s Teen Philanthropy Foundation for students in grades nine through twelve.
Hands-on experience of philanthropy, helping to prepare members for a life-long commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam.
Junior Cantors
With Cantor Yonah Kliger
Leadership in synagogue prayer services throughout the year, including leadership roles in High Holy Day Family Services.
Forum for students to grapple with the themes and ideas of the prayer service
Meets weekly on Shabbat (Saturday) afternoons
Rosh Hodesh: It’s A Girl Thing!
With Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin
7th-8th grade (girls only!)
A values-based, experiential Jewish program for teenage girls that strengthens self-esteem and Jewish identity.
Meets 1x/month
Trip to Sacramento (L’Taken Social Justice Seminar)
(April 20th-23rd)
A weekend of public policy and Jewish values
An intensive study kallah focusing on Jewish values with more than 100 Reform congregations from across the country.
Includes an opportunity to lobby on Capitol Hill, tour the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and participate on Havdalah on the National Mall
*a (CS) mark indicates that this program qualifies for community service credit
For information about the Leadership and Learning Institute, contact Kelley Courtney at (310) 409-2950.