Child Hebrew & Judaic Studies *
Sacred Choices: Adolescent Relationships and Sexual Ethics
Our teens live in a culture in which the societal boundaries about what is sacred and what is to be “saved” for adulthood or marriage have changed. They are continually confronted by pressures to conform and participate in activities and behaviors for which they may not be physically or emotionally ready. In few places where teens spend their time are there opportunities to talk openly and honestly about such issues or to develop their own sense of personal sexual ethics. The synagogue is a natural place for these conversations to take place.
- provides teens with a foundation on which they can make informed, responsible decisions about their health and behavior, including their sexuality
- equips them with age-appropriate tools to help steer through friendships and relationships
- offers Jewish answers to many of their questions about sexual behavior, avoiding the temptation to speak generally about values without grappling with the hard issues
- offers guidance as they lead their children through this challenging time
- builds skills necessary to effectively communicate with their teens
- provides information about adolescent development, enabling parents to best respond to their children's needs and actions
Sacred Choices
Adolescent Relationships and Sexual Ethics
After much discussion and a training session, the “youth group committee” has finally come up with a schedule and fee for the Sacred Choices course. The following is a list of dates and a brief description of each class. Though each class has a specific topic, please be aware that regular attendance is a crucial piece of this curriculum. For more information see http://www.uahcpress.com and click on the link for Sacred Choices. There will be a $50 per family fee for the entire course (all 8 classes).
December 20: Parents
January 10: Youth 6:00-7:30pm Communication and Assertiveness
To help participants become aware of their feelings and to communicate them in a respectful way-particularly in intimate situations with peers.
February 21: Youth
Participants will study texts from our tradition that address the idea of both self-esteem and humility.
March 13: Youth 6:00-7:30pm Self-Control: Who Is a Hero?
While our larger culture may send the message that we should indulge in all our desires and impulses, Judaism teaches self-control as a way of elevating our behavior.
April 24: Youth 6:00-7:30pm Friends and More than Friends
Allows participants to explore the Jewish response to friendships and how it relates to their lives, considering the characteristics and behaviors of the various friendships they have.
April 24: Parent 6:00-7:30pm Talking to Your Kids about Sex
Parents will explore the importance of Jewish values and how they can be used to act as a road map in making difficult decisions.
May 15: Youth 6:00-7:30pm Everyone's Doing It! Addressing Peer Pressure
Participants will analyze the ways they are nfluenced and the ways they influence each other.
May 15: Parent
This lesson will seek to inform parents about the nature of early adolescent relationships. Particularly how adolescent development plays a role in decision making, sexual and otherwise of young teens.
EDUCATION REGISTRATION FORM
Congregation B’nai Torah
Education Application (06-07)
Child’s Name: __________________________________ Rel school Heb/Jud studies
Hebrew Name: _______________________________________Age: _____ Grade: _____
Birthdate: ____________________________________________
Child’s Name: ___________________________________ Rel school Heb/Jud studies
Hebrew Name: _______________________________________Age: _____ Grade: _____
Birthdate: ____________________________________________
Child’s Name: ___________________________________ Rel school Heb/Jud studies
Hebrew Name: _______________________________________Age: _____ Grade: _____
Birthdate: ____________________________________________
Payment Schedule
50% by 1st day, Oct 15
75% by Nov 19
100% by Dec 31
1st Child in Religious School @ $300/member or $600/non-member $__________
2nd Child in Religious School @ $300/member or $600/non-member $__________
1st Child in Hebrew/Judaic Studies @ $400/member or $800/non-member $__________
2nd Child in Hebrew/Judaic Studies @ $400/member or $800/non-member $__________
Total $________________
Make checks payable to: Congregation B’nai Torah
Parent(s) Name: _______________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Telephone: _________________________ E-Mail: __________________________________
Emergency name and phone: _____________________________________________________