What is the Academy?

The Academy is an engaging, dynamic Jewish educational and social experience for students in Grades 7-12. The students in The Academy have a choice of classes, social action projects, Israel programs, youth group events, and more. They have the flexibility to engage in programs and classes at a time that works for their busy schedules- weekends. The Academy events, courses, events, and programs occur about twice a month or every other week.

The Junior Academy (Grades 7 and 8) and The Academy (Grades 9-12) has revolutionized the way we do post B’nai Mitzvah education.  Both of these incredible programs entail less classroom learning and more experiential -- hands-on experiences -- that will encourage them to get involved socially and academically with other Jewish peers.  It offers a new Jewish learning experience through social justice projects, community building activities, worship services, and connections to Israel.  The Junior Academy also offers a myriad of events and activities that you can choose from to complete a required amount of credits.  Community Social Events are open to any student (membership not required). Parts of the program are designed especially for specific grades, and some are combined. Check the calendar and registration forms for events designated for your particular age group.

• Looks great for college applications
• Build leadership skills
• Grow as a human being and as a Jew
• Meet new friends and stay in touch with old

How it works

Students attend programming that engages them in the five pillars of the temple. We offer many opportunites to fulfill the minimum requirements listed below. Going above and beyond by attending all the programs offered places students in Rabbi Herscher's Honors Circle.

You choose from a variety of events that fit your schedule and interest! Click here for a downloadable calendar.

Participation in Pillars of Stephen S. Wise

*Please see calendar for schedule

**Some classes are not the last Sunday due to holidays. Please see calendar for class schedule.

Choose Community Events: at least three events a year

Socialize and have fun with friends at Youth Group events like Broomball, Mulligan’s, Cook-Offs, Poker Night, Laser Tag, or Scavenger Hunts. Events planned by the Student Board!

Choose Israel and Peoplehood Program: at least three programs a year

Develop a connection to Israel and Jews around the world by attending a Youth Group retreat, AIPAC program, or Israel projects on Campus on Fridays before services or Sunday evenings.

Choose Worship and Spirituality services: attend at least six services a year

Cultivate your spiritual self by attending Holiday, Shabbat, or Minyan services at the temple. Youth Group events are often scheduled on Fridays after services so you can attend two programs in one night.

Choose Life Long Learning Classes: attend eight classes a year, meets once a month

Discover Jewish life and continue to learn about your shared history and tradition with the Rosh Hodesh girl’s class, Gever Group guy’s class, Honors Learning, or other experiential learning class. Classes meet Sunday nights, starting all together for dinner before each class meets separately. 

Choose Social Justice Projects: at least three projects a year

Help spread Tikkun olam and earn community service for school by participating in various projects through out the year. Each project focuses on a different Mitzvah whether it be visiting the Jewish Home for the Aging, Walking for Jewish World Watch, or planting a garden at Brandais.

Getting Info and RSVPs

We know that keeping calendars for spouses, children, school and all the extra circulars we try to fit in can be extremely challenging. To help ease your calendar conundrum, we have information about Academy events in multiple places for you to access.

Here are a few ways to keep track of what is going on in the Academy:    

1.      Facebook:Everything will be up on Facebook including event info, pictures, and updates. LIKE US today to stay in the loop.

2.      Monthly Newsletters: Keep an eye out for the monthly newsletter which will have up-to-date information on upcoming events, important announcements and interesting information on the Jewish teen world. Click on the links to RSVP.

3.      Website: Our website has complete academic calendars, links to the most recent newsletter, and links to RSVP to upcoming events.

Please know that we are trying our best make Academy information available at your fingertips. In return, we ask that you RSVP in advance so we can provide enough food, transportation, and staff.

RSVP’s are extremely important for The Academy. Since we have flexible programming there is no guaranteed number of participants for each event. We can only prepare based on RSVPs. Our last event was a huge success, but we barely had enough food to feed the 20 kids that didn’t RSVP. We had to switch buses from a small bus to a large bus to accommodate the last minute additions.

Ways to RSVP:

1.      Facebook: All events are up on the Facebook page. On the event page, click ATTENDING.

2.      Monthly Newsletters: You can REPLY to a newsletter or click on the link to RSVP. Just include the participant’s name and the event name.

3.      Website: There are RSVP links on our website under Upcoming Events. Again, just include the participant’s name and event name in the e-mail.

As always, we are open to suggestions and feedback about communicating information to parents and students. Although RSVP’s are necessary to prepare properly for each event, a last minute decision to attend is always welcome! The more the merrier.

FAQs

Who can join The Academy?  And what are the confirmation requirements?

Any teens entering Grades 7-12 are eligible for The Academy program. You do not need to be a member of Stephen S. Wise Temple. Academy members can become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in their 7th grade year and are confirmed in the spring of their 10th grade year. To be confirmed, members must complete two academic years in The Academy.

What happens after I register for The Academy? 

Once enrolled, each student will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed information about the year's program. There will be information sessions and orientations as listed below:

Grade 7 Information Session: May 17, 2011, 4:15 pm-5:15 pm
New Student Orientation: September 11, 2012, 12 noon-1 p.m.

What is the time commitment for the Academy?

Unlike other supplementary educational programs that require one class per week for a total of 26-30 weeks, students are required to take one 10 class course that meets once a month and attend other hands-on programs such as youth group events, community service projects, and Friday night services. Even when adding these experiences, based on each student’s schedule, The Academy requires participation about every other week, or twice a month. Students who already attend Jewish educational programs such as Milken or Hebrew High are encouraged, but not required, to take the monthly learning class. 

Can I get community service credit for my school when I participate in The Academy social action programs?

If the student’s school approves The Academy Social Justice Projects, they will be given credit for both The Academy and the school.

Can I take more than one Academy class or can I attend more than the minimum requirements?

Students who go above the minimum requirements will be designated as part of “Rabbi Herscher’s Honor Circle” and will be made mention in college recommendations. Since all Academy classes meet at the same day and time each month, members can only take one class. However, if you want to supplement your Jewish learning in other ways, contact the Academy Dean.

If I am receiving my formal Jewish education at another institution, is The Academy beneficial for me?

Yes! The Academy is designed to enhance a student’s junior and high school education, regardless of what school they attend. For those attending Jewish day schools, The Academy offers a wide variety of Jewish learning opportunities that might not otherwise be available in their formal education.