Please click on the category below to take you to the event descriptions.
Academy Course Offerings
Social Action Events
Academy Retreat Weekends
Community/Social Events
Other Excellent Events
ACADEMY COURSE OFFERINGS
The Great balancing act
Sundays, September 30 – December 2 | 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(8 Credits)
In this course, Academy students have the opportunity to use writings from the Torah and Talmud to study issues that relate to the everyday lives of Jewish teenagers. The students will study topics such as dealing with parents, school, and friendship. This course provides students with the tools to assist them in growing up, becoming adults, and creating lives built on Jewish ethics.
creating spiritual prayer
Thursdays, October 11 – December 6 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(8 Credits)
This course urges the individual to develop a personal identification with prayer. Through this curriculum, the student identified personal spiritual experiences, recognize what elements make those experiences spiritual, and links those elements to those found in Jewish liturgy.
Entering a new dimension: Mysticism
Sundays, December 9 – February 24 | 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(8 Credits)
Academy students receive an introduction to the mystic tradition and its perspective on community. In addition, students study the mystical importance of spirituality, study, and Jewish texts. The course centers upon the writings of the Hasidic and Kabalistic movements.
body ethics
Thursdays, December 13 – February 14 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(8 Credits)
The name for this course comes from the first stories of Genesis and the creation of the human being B’tzelem Elohim(in God’s image). Jewish tradition teaches that the body cannot be separated from the soul; though it provides a home for it, called Body Spirituality). Judaism also teaches that the body is lent to us by God, as Creator and the Source of all life. Therefore, each person has a responsibility to care for their body, referred to as Body Ethics.
This course addressed teenage issues related to the body, its image, and its preservation. Students are asked to reflect on traditional Jewish values in order to develop their own understanding and then make decisions that affect their own lives. Students are asked to share their personal experiences, analyze classic and contemporary cases, study Jewish texts, and explore ethical dilemmas.
content of their character
Thursdays, February 28 – May 1 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(8 Credits)
The name for this curriculum was drawn from the famous “I Have a Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King.
…I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
Dr. King’s simple insight that character has content goes back to a basic Jewish notion that the best way for Jews to understand God is via a series of “Divine Attributes.” God’s nature is made up of a series of traits, and Jews have an obligation to imitate each of these. Being created in “God’s image” means attempting to absorb and act upon the model that God presents. In this course, students have the opportunity to study these values and their practical applications.
god, can you hear me? the quest for god
Sundays, March 2 – June 1 | 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(8 Credits)
What is often presented to students is a polished God, one seen in virtually finished form. In this course Academy students will have the chance to ruminate on these and other interpretations of God, and have opportunity to discuss the implications and intricacies of these interpretations. The curriculum is influenced by, and pays homage to, the book Finding God by Rifa Soncino and Daniel B. Syme.
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SOCIAL Action EVENTS
mITZVAH DAY
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Academy students will go to one of Los Angeles’ many homeless shelters to help those in need. (5 hours, 4 Credits)
tu b’shevat planting
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Mayor Villaraigosa has pledged to plant one million trees in Los Angeles. The Academy will help the mayor realize his vision for a more beautiful Los Angeles. (5 hours, 4 Credits)
social action smorgasbord
Sunday, May 5, 2008
A variety of Social Justice projects designed to help those less fortunate. (5 hours, 4Credits)
other social action opportunities
Look around the Temple and Milken Community High School for other Academy Social Justice projects to help complete a few hours every month.
Additionally, at both the end of year Shabbaton and snow retreat, students will be doing a special social justice project to help earn 2 Credits in Social Justice, but also help earn more community service hours for their school.
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ACADEMY RETREAT WEEKENDS
Academy Shabbaton May 18-20, 2008
The Academy Shabbaton is an intensive three-day weekend designed to cover units in all five of our core values. Academy students will arrive on Friday night at our campsite and enjoy a wonderful weekend full of worship, study, free time, games social action projects, leadership training, and the unique bonding experience that can only happen at camp. By attending the Shabbaton, students will receive 10 credits total, 2 credits in each pillar, for use towards completing their Academy requirement.
Academy Snow Retreat Weekend February 14-18, 2008
We will be going on a four day snow retreat. Even if you do not know how to ski, that’s not a problem, we’ll have tons of activities and things to do. It promises to be a great time and we hope you can come. Students will receive 10 credits total, 2 credits in each pillar, for use towards completing their Academy requirement
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COMMUNITY/SOCIAL EVENTS
If you have registered for any of the following events, two weeks prior to each Community Event you will receive a reminder email requesting that you submit payment on line. Non-Academy Members are encouraged to attend any Community Event at the non-discounted rate that Academy Members receive.
Academy Limo Scavenger Hunt October 13, 2007
For grades 9-12
Enjoy a night on the town with your friends. We will break up into teams, rent limos, and go on a city wide scavenger hunt. 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (1 community credit)
Academy Laser Light Show November 17, 2007
For grades 9-12
Experience an amazing laser light show at the Lasarium in the Los Angeles area. It’s an awesome laser show set to some of the greatest music of all time. 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (1 community credit)
Academy Monte Carlo Night December 5, 2007
For grades 9-12
The Academy presents an opportunity to play all sort of games in our casino like setting; games range from blackjack and poker to war and roulette. Prizes will be awarded.
7:30 pm to 10:30 p.m. (1 community credit)
Academy Lakers Game March 7, 2008
For grades 9-12
We will be attending an exciting Lakers Game. Tickets are very limited and will go fast, so sign up now!!! (1 community credit)
WJTS Movie Night ** October 12, 2007
For grades 7-8
Join us after the 6:15 p.m. service for a delicious Shabbat dinner and a movie. There will be video games, candy, and more!!! 7:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. (1 community credit)
WJTS Broomball ** November 16, 2007
For grades 7-8
It’s like hockey without the skates and hockey sticks. Come to the Temple for the 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service, stay for Shabbat dinner, video games, and more! Later, we will play broomball and drink hot chocolate. 7:15 p.m.-11:30 p.m. (1 community credit)
WJTS Universal Studios December 9, 2007
For grades 7-8
Great rides, loads of fun and a studio tour, need we say more? 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (1 community credit)
WJTS Grand Prix February 10, 2008
For grades 7-8
Get behind the wheel on one of four Racing Tracks including Real Dragsters that take you from 0 to 70 in 3.5 seconds. Race into action at Electric Alley, their state-of-the-art game room, and don’t forget to refuel at the SpeedZone Café and Bar. 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (1 community credit)
WJTS Raging Waters June 1, 2008
For grades 7-8
It’s the end of the year, what better way to unwind and have fun with your friends than at Raging Waters. 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (1 community credit)
** Attending the 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service before these events is a fantastic opportunity to fulfill Academy spirituality requirements as well as Bar Mitzvah requirements
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OTHER EXCELLENT EVENTS
If interested in any of the following opportunities, please give Micah Ellenson a call or email to discuss your enrolment. 310.889.2345 or MEllenson@WiseLA.org
NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth)
Whether functioning as an organization, program, or youth movement, NFTY is a Reform Jewish community for high school students. Advised by a set of adult Jewish youth professionals, NFTY fosters leadership at the national, regional, and congregational level. NFTYites forge and build friendships, lifelong Reform Jewish identities, and leadership skills through community building, worship, social action, and experiential youth-led Jewish educational programming. (1-4 Israel/Peoplehood Credits)
Super Sunday February 10, 2008
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles for their annual Phon-a-thon in three locations. This day raises thousands of dollars to help support Jewish Communities and programs of Los Angeles.
Call (323) 761.8319 to volunteer your time. Be sure to have a Super Sunday representative sign your Academy Form to earn Peoplehood credits.
(1 peoplehood credit/hour volunteered)
MOTL (March of the Living)
The March of the Living is an international, educational program that brings Jewish teens from all over the world to Poland on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built during World War II, and then to Israel to observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day, and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day.
The goal of the March of the Living is for these young people to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and to lead the Jewish people into the future vowing Never Again. Visit www.motl.org for more information. (4 Israel/Peoplehood Credits)
EIE High School Semester in Israel
High school sophomores, juniors and seniors will spend an unforgettable semester immersed in the culture and history of Israel. Through accredited courses and small classes students can be assured that they will reintegrate easily into their home high schools at semester’s end. Students are awarded academic credit. Visit www.nftyisrael.org/eie/ for more information. (4 Israel/Peoplehood Credits)
Israeli Film Festival
The mission of the Israel Film Festival is to spotlight Israel¹s thriving film and television industry, to enrich the American vision of Israel¹s social and cultural diversity and to advance tolerance and understanding. In the last two decades, more than 600 films have been enjoyed by over 650,000 film enthusiasts in Los Angeles, Miami, New York.
(1 Israel/Peoplehood Credit)
Camp Mahanayim Counselor or CIT
Camp Mahanayim is Stephen Wise Temple’s summer camp for kids ranging from pre-school to grade 6. A person is eligible to become staff the summer after finishing 9th grade. It is a great way to gain valuable leadership experience, make new friends, and learn from the campers and other staff, all while having fun. Visit www.WiseLA.org/summercamps for more information.
(2 community credits applied to the Academic Year of your choice!)
Family Camp Counselor November 2-4, 2007
Family Camp Weekend similar to a Shabbaton where families gather, have programs, activities, games, and a relaxing weekend. It is held in Camp Ramah in Ojai over the weekend. Kids ages 5 and up have the option of sleeping in their own cabins with their friends, supervised by counselors. Counselors are expected to run programs during the day, help facilitate other all family programs, and watch the kids at night. It is a wonderful weekend camp experience for which you can earn community service. Contact Rebecca Freund at RFreund@WiseLA.org or 310.889.2345 (2 Community Credits)
Center for Jewish Life
Stephen S. Wise Temple’s Center for Jewish Life offers a compelling series of lectures, dialogues and courses. Speakers from around the world confront critical issues that face the Jewish community and the world at large. Our courses offer opportunities for deeper inquiry into a variety of subjects. For further information, including a brochure of programs, we invite you to call 1.888 380.WISE (9473). (1 Lifelong Learning credit/lecture)
Serve as a Madrich/ah
If you are entering grades 8-12, you may apply to be in our Madrichim Program. As a Madrich/Madricha, you will have the opportunity to assist teachers, work one-on-one with students, and help with school-wide programs. And what will you gain from an experience such as this?
- Learn to delegate tasks, communicate effectively, take responsibility (a great skill for leading school clubs or sport teams)
- Learn to command the attention of a room (a great skill for classroom or internship presentations)
- Gain invaluable adult skills: patience, sensitivity, creativity, spontaneity (great qualities that will shine in interviews and inter-personal relationships!)
(2 Community Credits)
Serve as a Torah reader for High Holy Days or Shabbat Morning Minyan
Call Jill Rosenberg-Price in the Religious School office for an application. JPrice@WiseLA.org or 310.889.2211
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