Shaare Emeth Religious School’s 8th Grade Program
Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) in Action
Our 8th grade students have the opportunity to be a part of a hands-on, service-learning experience that meets twice a month on Sunday mornings.
Our year is dedicated to social justice, a core value of Reform Judaism and at the heart of who Shaare Emeth is as a community. For each unit, we focus on specific social justice themes, including poverty and hunger, racial justice, inclusion, and more. After our students gain a strong foundation in the issues, including a study of Jewish texts and values, they move into action to create change about the issues they are studying. We don’t just talk about hunger—we help our local food pantry prep for the winter months. Along with each interactive experience, we reflect and help our students find the lessons for their own lives.
We hope that this experience gives our 8th grade teens a broader perspective on the need to pursue justice and a strong belief that every person can make a difference.