Noar B’Yachad (Grades 7-10)

About Our Upper Grades

The Talmud Torah Noar B’Yachad program seeks to inspire our teens to lead their lives as identified, committed Jews, with a thirst for lifelong Jewish learning.

Our Mission

We aim to provide our teens with a rich educational environment that:

• Excites them about the value of lifelong Jewish learning;
• Encourages them to approach contemporary issues from the perspective of a Jewish ethical and moral framework;
• Fosters identification with and appreciation of the State of Israel and its importance to the Jewish people;
• Creates an enjoyable social environment;
• Empowers them to take responsibility for their Jewish lives; and
• Encourages them to find meaningful ways to become active in the Jewish community.

The Core Program

The core classes, which consist of units on tikkun olam, contemporary issues, Jewish text study, world Jewry, American Judaism, comparative religion, Israel, and Jewish values, are the backbone of our Noar B’Yachad program.

Electives

The elective courses offered in the second hour enable students to choose a class based on areas of interest to them. This adds a level of social interaction encouraging teens to advance their Jewish engagement in a specialized affinity group under the guidance of a uniquely qualified educator. Electives range in topic and have included classes with titles such as Jews in Hollywood, No Cheeseburgers in Paradise (a look at Jewish influence on rock and roll), Jews News and Politics, Israel Beit Cafe, and more.

Special Teen Programs

In addition to our regular program of core classes and electives, we provide a broad range of special programming for teens and their parents dealing with issues that impact their lives now or will in the near future. Learn more about other special teen programs at B’nai Israel.

Collaborative Jewish Youth Philanthropy Initiative (JYPI)

Join teens from B’nai Tzedek and Adat Shalom for this collaborative initiative. Philanthropy education offers authentic, real-time experiences that allow teens to be active participants in the process of tikkun olam. This program infuses elements of both Jewish learning and Jewish going beyond giving and helping to inspire our teens to become part of the Jewish community.

In support of this mission, we provide a high-quality educational experience through:

• Interactive, discussion-based classes;
• Field trips and special programs that recognize the outstanding cultural sites, social action opportunities, and human resources available in the our area;
• Social stimulation that enables lifelong Jewish friendships; and
• Highly qualified educators selected for their subject matter expertise, ability to relate to teens, and commitment to the school’s mission

Please contact Education Director, Moshe Ben-Lev (301-881-6550) or Assistant Principal, Rabbi Penina Alexander (301-881-6550) with any questions.