Teen School

Click for the 2019–2020 School Calendar.

Click for the 2019 Parent Handbook

7th grade focuses on Tikkun Olam, our mandate to repair the world. Students identify the challenges in our world, the Jewish textual mandate to address them, models of Jews who worked to solve them, and hands-on opportunities to make a difference. The issues and projects that students explore during the class may spark a particular interest for the B’nei Mitzvah Tikkun Olam Project or it may be a jumping off point for exploring other Tikkun Olam interests. 

8th grade focuses on understanding Judaism in relation to other major world religions and on the spiritual and moral lessons of the Holocaust. Beyond a history class, these lessons lead to conversations about our place in the covenant of Israel and how active involvement in the Jewish community can enhance our lives.

9th grade focuses on a number of pertinent values-based choices that we face in our daily lives. Through lively and insightful discussions, we introduce our students to the Jewish values that can guide them as they make these decisions and help them think through their own feelings about certain choices that they will encounter.

10th grade involves our students in an exploration of beliefs and practices that shape the life of the adult Jew. Instructed by Rabbi Gibson, our students struggle with their own theology, learn traditional and creative models of exploring those basic beliefs through prayer, and research the thoughts of others as they develop their own statement about God. The year includes a powerful Shabbat retreat and an ongoing tzedakah commitment. Our Confirmation service on the eve of Shavuot celebrates our students’ confirmed status as members of the adult Jewish community.

11th and 12th grade Seminar: 11th and 12th grade students join Rabbi Gorban for deep learning and engaging conversations about Israel. These discussions will provide a basis for understanding the beginnings of the modern State of Israel, the origins of the various inter- and intra-religious conflicts, and the different visions of what Israel can and should be. With rising anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, this seminar offers a Jewish framework for supporting Israel while grappling with some of its challenges.

Teen school meets on alternate Sundays.
A Weeks: Grades 7 & 10
B Weeks: Grades 8, 9, 11, & 12

Dinner at Rabbi Gibson’s home: 11th and 12th grade students are invited to join 
Rabbi Gibson and his family in his home for a traditional Shabbat dinner. Along with a delicious home-cooked meal, students will engage in conversation with guest speakers, share stories, sing songs, and unwind.

If you have questions, please call the school at (412) 421-7039 or email:
Rabbi Keren Gorban
RabbiGorban@TempleSinaiPGH.org

Marilee Glick, Education Director
Marilee@TempleSinaPGH.org

Debbie Haber, School Administrator
DHaber@TempleSinaiPGH.org