What is the Academy?
The Academy is an engaging, dynamic Jewish educational and social experience for students in Grades 8-11. The students in The Academy have a choice of classes, social action events, programs, social events, and more. They have the flexibility to engage in programs and classes at a time that works for their busy schedules. The Academy events, courses, lectures, and programs occur at various days and times throughout the academic year.
The Academy works much like an extension program or university - Students will be responsible for completing 24 credits each academic year. Students earn credits by taking courses, attending services, participating in social action programs, and enjoying an Academy social event. This uniquely diverse and customized program will provide the confidence and experience students need to navigate university life as a young Jewish adult.
Students must earn credits in all “departments” of The Academy. These departments mirror the five core values of Stephen S. Wise Temple:
Lifelong Learning (8 credits)
Community (4 credits)
Social Justice (4 credits)
Israel and Peoplehood (4 credits)
Worship and Spirituality (4 credits)
To see the myriad of choices and exciting options offered, click here.
The Five Departments of The Academy
Lifelong Learning: The Academy encourages teens to be lifelong learners who see Torah as a living document that offers guidance and support for the choices and challenges in today’s world. In addition, students celebrate and find inspiration in the teachings from clergy and educators.
Community: Jewish teens help to keep Judaism alive and vibrant, therefore the Temple wants them to part of the community and to have it become their place to spend time, gather with friends, and add meaning to their lives. The Academy encourages teens to be a participating member of the Wise community. In turn, they are given a safe place to join with other Jewish teens for fun and socializing—and they even get credit! Examples of community activities include: a movie night, Universal Studios, Raging Waters, Limo Scavenger Hunt, and a snow retreat weekend. Credit is also given for being a member of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (LAYO) and for being a counselor or CIT in Mahanayim summer camp.
Israel and Peoplehood: Stephen S. Wise Temple has an undying relationship with the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world. The Academy provides the tools and education about Israel so that teens can continue that love for the Jewish homeland in high school, college, and beyond. In addition, students are encouraged to connect with their Reform Jewish peers across the nation through the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) programs. The Academy offers credit for specific Israel and Peoplehood-related activities that include family or congregational trips to Israel, participating in the Temple’s Yom Ha’atzma-ut programs, attending the Los Angeles Israeli Film Festival, and much more.
Social Justice: The Academy stresses the responsibility our community has for repairing the world. Academy students receive credit for their contributions to the community and the world beyond. The Academy will host four day-long community service opportunities over the course of a year. A student will receive five hours of community service credits (only four are required for the year). However, by completing all four opportunities, a student will receive 20 hours of credits which can be used toward a high school’s community service requirement.
This year's theme for The Academy's social justice component is homelessness. Every other month, on a Sunday, Academy students will spend five hours at the Midnight Mission, a homeless shelter in Downtown L.A., to help and become familiar with the homeless community of Los Angeles. For days and times, click here.
Worship and Spirituality: To ensure the spiritual growth and development in its teens, Stephen S. Wise Temple provides compelling and mature worship experiences. Students are encouraged to participate as a group, with their family, or are welcomed alone into the arms of the Wise community. Worship activities that will receive credit are: attending a Friday night or High Holiday service, attending a Shabbat AM program, or serving on a committee to create a Wise Teen Siddur.