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Spring Semester Courses
6:30-8:30
Video Film Making (8-11) This course is part of our “Experiencing Jewish Education through the Arts” initiative. Guided by video production experts you’ll explore your faith through the lens of a camera! This class will begin with an introduction to the development and production of short form videos. We will introduce the concepts, structure and styles of video production. Structure, interview techniques and editing styles will be developed through hands-on exercises and assignments. You will also learn basic lighting and sound technique. Then we use the cameras and editing programs that the professionals use to record, edit, mix and produce your video! Be ready to actively participate in class!
Paint Your Jewish World
(8-11) Bring out your inner Artist!! Whether you have untapped artistic ambitions or just an interest in learning how to paint, come and feed your creative side at Mercaz. In another “Experiencing Jewish Education through the Arts” course students will learn painting techniques with acrylic paints by a professional artist! Our Judaic teacher will infuse fun activities to get you thinking about Judaism plays into your everyday life and more! No previous painting experience needed, just be prepared to use your imagination and be inspired to create at whatever level of artist you are! We will create pieces to be exhibited during Sukkot next Fall.
6:30-7:30
Leadership Skill Training
(8-10) Recognize your leadership style. Learn the skills necessary to be a good group leader. Discover how to create, plan, and implement group activities and events. Culminating in a practical, hands-on implementation of all you have learned by creating and leading an activity of your own for our community. Let Roni Zeller and Danielle Flicker, the Chaverim M’Israel, teach you how to be a leader through teachings from their background in the Tzofim (Israeli Scout) movement. This class will further your knowledge and practical abilities as a leader.
Grades 9-12
A Candle in the
Dark—Exploring the Holocaust through Art (9-12) The Holocaust changed the Jewish people forever, and true understanding of what happened in those dark days requires both intellectual and emotional experiences. We will use art as the vehicle to understand more about the Holocaust. We will explore how people living under Nazi control used art as a form of resistance - how victims used artistic expression to communicate their protest, despair, and/or hope. We will look at art done after the holocaust as well as looking at contemporary art and how these artists interpreted what happened during and after the holocaust. Students will have many opportunities to process these experiences through the creation of their own art as they learn more about the Holocaust.
Grades 8-12
Comparative Religions
(8-12) We all worship the same God... Don't we? Have you ever wondered why other religions do some of the things they do. Learn about similarities and differences in beliefs, practices, and organization between Judaism and other world religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism.
GLEE! "The
Jew Directions" (8-12) The popular TV series GLEE comes to Mercaz High School! Ever wanted to burst into song in the middle of class like they do on TV? This is your chance! In this new course, you will get to perform songs made famous on the TV series GLEE, while discussing topics teens face in high school from a Jewish perspective. Choir Director Mitch Cohen will teach you the music, while Rabbi Slaton will hold Jewish discussions on GLEE episode themes, such as feeling like an outcast, spreading rumors, bullying, friendship, generosity, relationships, being OK with yourself, and more. Class sessions will be a mixture of watching clips from GLEE episodes, learning musical numbers, and class discussions. If you like to sing, this is your chance! If you don't sing, that's OK, you can still be in this class, there is plenty for everyone to do! If you happen to play an instrument, you can be in the GLEE class band! See you next semester on.... GLEE!
Hebrew through Prayer
(8-12) This class will be filled with a more creative way to look at Hebrew and Prayer. Many people sing along with the prayers in shul, or read the Hebrew but not everyone always knows what they are really praying about. This is your chance to learn what it is all about. We will look at a variety of prayers, not just from the Shabbat morning service, delve into the Hebrew and then follow up with creative activities based on the prayers we learn!
7:35-8:30
Beginner Conversational
Hebrew (8-11) Come and learn and improve your Hebrew speaking skills with a native speaker of the language. Learn everyday terms and phrases that will help you carry on a conversation in Hebrew. This class will immerse you in Hebrew related games and activities. It will improve your vocabulary and conversational skills. So see what Hebrew you can discover beyond the prayer book!
Israel Now
(8-11) Most of what you learn in Hebrew school is ancient history, but do you want to find out what's going on in Israel today? Come learn about current topics and issues in Israeli culture and politics from the perspective of musicians, film makers, artist and journalists. We will discover Israeli culture today by listening to music, watching movie clips and reading newspaper articles. Exploring pop culture will lead to a better understanding of the opinions Israelis have and how they compare to ours in the U.S. Let's find out about issues that don't make it to the newspapers and blogs but come up in comedy sketches, art exhibitions and even on Facebook and twitter.
Questions, Questions,
Questions… (8-11) What do you do when the person in front of you notices you’re wearing a Jewish star, turns to you and says, “You’re Jewish, right? I’ve always wanted to know why Jews...”? In this course, we will look at what makes us unique. Are you comfortable with your identity? How would you describe yourself as a Jew? Come find out more about yourself and your Jewishness. Which Jewish leaders can we emulate? We will discover a deeper understanding of, and the biblical sources for, the Mitzvot, Jewish holidays, and more. This course covers a variety of Jewish identity topics (plus YOUR questions!), discussing what makes us special and unique.
Soul Food - Cooking Israeli
Style 8-11 In the Jewish tradition, you really are what - and how - you eat! Cook with Mikey, a professional Caterer! In this class you will learn to explore the links between food, Jewish life, and Israel. Through preparing food and discussions, we will explore how this evolving cuisine is a connection to its people, from modern to ancient.
Grade 12
Senior
Seminar (12) Look back, look forward, move on…Your final Mercaz challenge! You’ve made it this far—it’s time for the final round! In this class, you and your classmates will reflect on your experiences of these past 4 years and how they will impact your future. It is here that we will help to prepare you for the next stage in life as you leave your homes and congregations. Push yourself to your Jewish limits—think critically and listen carefully to each other and to guest speakers on topics that affect you as you move forward in life. We will focus on the real decisions you will address in college, from issues around dating, diversity, self-expression, confronting anti-Semitism and more. You will gain the skills to continue your Jewish journey in understanding who you are as Jewish individuals and how that fits into the greater Jewish world. Your class will plan and execute a senior project of their choosing and plan the graduation ceremony together during the course of the year. This is a full year course for all seniors.
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