Confirmation Program
Confirmation Program
Students in the seventh through tenth grade attend our Confirmation Program on Sundays. These classes build upon the foundation laid in the early grades. In the Confirmation Program, our students address how to apply all that they have learned and explore how to use the information to build a Jewish life for themselves which will have meaning for them as they face the challenges of adulthood.
With the skillful facilitation of our teachers, students wrestle with their view of God, explore different expressions of Judaism and the role of religion in our lives. Our students explore the big questions and strive to find answers for themselves. Group activities and discussions assist students in defining and articulating their values. Teachers promote discussions on the issues facing teens today as well as ethical and moral issues facing society. Teachers provide Jewish texts and source material to inform students of the Jewish values, traditions and teachings which can help students use a Jewish lens in their decision making process.
The highlight of this program is the Confirmation year. In tenth grade, the students study with the Rabbi. During this year, they cement the bond that has developed among them and build a special relationship with the Rabbi. During the year, the students attend the L’Takein Seminar presented by the Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism for four days in Washington D.C.. Students learn about the political issues facing our country and the lobbying process and then actually have the opportunity to lobby our legislators on Capitol Hill on the issues that they choose.
The year culminates with the students leading the congregation in worship and sharing the synthesis of what they have learned and they affirm their intention to live Jewishly. Confirmation is a relatively new life cycle celebration emphasizing the importance of continuing one’s formal Jewish education.
In Pirke Avot 5:24, the Ethics of our Fathers, a compilation of our sages’ sayings, Rav Judah ben Tema wrote:
At five, one should study Scripture;
At ten, one should study mishnah [the code of Jewish law];
At thirteen one is ready to do mitzvot;
At fifteen one is ready to study Talmud [the commentary on the mishnah];
At eighteen, one is ready to get married;
At twenty, one is responsible for providing for a family;
At thirty, one is at the peak of one’s powers;
At age forty, one is at the age of understanding;
At age fifty, one attains the age of counsel;
At age eighty, one attains the age of strength.
This statement encapsulates the wisdom that Jewish study is a lifelong pursuit and obligation. Our Confirmation Program provides the opportunity for our students to continue their studies with their friends and within the nurturing structure of our Religious School.
POWELL RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE
2023 - 2024
September 2023
24 First Day of School – Shofar Making
October 2023
1 School
8 School Should Football be Safer? Rabbi Glazer
15 School
22 School
29 School Ellis Island Trip
November 2023
5 School
12 School
19 School Gun Access and Gun Safety Rabbi Glazer
26 No School Thanksgiving Weekend
December 2023
3 School Woodworking – Make Your own Mezuzah
10 School Consumerism – How much is Too Much? Rabbi Glazer
17 School
24 No School Winter Break
31 No School Winter Break
January 2024
7 School Experience
14 School
21 School Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders Rabbi Glazer
27 School
February 2024
4 School What Do You Share on-line? Rabbi Glazer
11 School RAC
18 No School President’s Day
25 School
March 2024
3 School Experience
10 School
17 School LGBTQ+ Rabbi Glazer
24 No School Spring Break
31 No School Spring Break
April 2024
7 School
14 School Israel and Anti-Semetism Rabbi Glazer
21 School
28 School Experience
May 2024
5 School Rabbi Glazer Confirmation Prep w/ 10th grade
12 No School Mother’s Day
19 School Rabbi Glazer Confirmation Prep w/ 10th grade
June 2024
2 Last Day of School Confirmation Prep w/10th grade