Baltimore Education Initiative for Teens of Reform Judiasm
Curriculum

BEIT RJ Curriculum 2008-2009

Each BEIT-RJ student will take elective classes and core classes during the school year. 11th and 12th grade students will have the option to take a 3 credit-bearing course during the year instead of elective and core classes.

A BEIT RJ student will:
  1. Have a general knowledge of the great books of Judaism
  2. Know how to find answers to their questions and have the enthusiasm and interest to do so
  3. Feel empowered to continue Jewish studies and participate in Jewish life post high school
  4. Have a general knowledge of Comparative Judaism and Comparative Religion
  5. Have an understanding of, an appreciation for, and a commitment to the State of Israel
  6. Recognize the importance of a communal Jewish experience
  7. Want Judaism to inform their decision-making and their life
  8. Recognize that Judaism is relevant, timeless, and dynamic
  9. Have a respect for tradition and an openness to change
8th Grade Core Curriculum- Ethics & The Great Books
1st Semester: URJ Sacred Choices Curriculum- Examines how Judaism can help our students make informed healthy decisions regarding relationships, peer pressure, and school related issues.
2nd Semester: Choice of 3 classes, Ethics through the Great Books
  1. Bio-ethics: Stem Cell to Euthanasia
  2. Blood & Lust in the Bible
  3. Environmental Ethics
9th Grade Core Curriculum- Reform Judaism, Comparative Judaism, Comparative Religion

3 Trimesters- Students will rotate through the classes throughout the year
  1. Reform Judaism
  2. Comparative Judaism
  3. Comparative Religion

10th Grade Core Curriculum- Confirmation

11th-12th Core Curriculum- Junior/Senior Track

3 Choices of Year Long Core Classes
  1. Sacred Choices High School Curriculum
  2. American Jewish History
  3. Building Bridges
11th-12th Core Curriculum- 3 Credit Class through Towson University

Jewish Identity and Culture
This course will explore Jewish identity and culture in relation to larger concepts of power, privilege, and oppression. Class discussions and readings will focus on the development of "Jewish identity and culture" in tandem with, and in opposition to, "mainstream culture." We will also address the politics of identity, identification, and assimilation in relation to both secular and religious experience of Judaism.

2008-2009 8-10 Electives
  • Youth Group
  • Jewish Art
  • Israeli Self Defense
  • Jews in Sports
  • Jews in the Media
  • Jews in Rock n' Roll
  • Madrichim Training Course
  • Jewish Cooking
  • Family Guy and Family Values
  • Journey Through The Siddur
  • Judaism and the Law

11th-12th Grade Electives
  • Packing For College
  • Environmental Judaism
  • Israeli Self Defense
  • Israel
  • American Jewish History
Participating Congregations

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