Jewish teens will have the opportunity this school year to earn college credit for afterschool classes in subjects such as Hebrew language, Jewish law and Jewish history.
West Coast NCSY, the youth program of the Orthodox Union, is offering the classes in its newest program targeted at connecting Jewish teens to their heritage: Torah High, an afterschool Jewish studies program for high school students not in Jewish schools.
More than 1,000 students in the United States and Canada participate in Torah High, which was founded by Rabbi Glenn Black,CEO of NCSY Canada.
“In April, I had the privilege of visiting Torah High in Toronto, and I fell in love with the program,” said Solly Hess, West CoastNCSY director. “It’s a combination of college credits, learning and Judaism in a fun and relaxed environment. And free pizza,” he adds. “Don’t forget about the free pizza.”
According to its mission statement, “Torah High classes will provide meaningful and engaging Jewish learning experiences for teens, foster identification with and support of Israel, strengthen positive Jewish identity, and develop Jewish literacy.”
In addition to Hebrew and history classes, courses will be offered in political advocacy and philosophy, exploring these subjects through a Torah lens; one class will compare Jewish law to the American legal system. Teenagers will also be encouraged to express their creativity in classes such as drama.
“We’re not calling it Hebrew school,” says Hess, who will direct the program in Los Angeles. “It’s an afterschool program. It’s a place for kids to develop their creative talents.”
Beginning in early October, classes will run twice a week for one hour. Classes are open to Jewish students in grades 9-12. Tuition has not yet been determined but will be minimal, according to Hess. Torah High will be located in the West Coast NCSY building at 9831 W. Pico Blvd. For more information, contact Hess at (310) 557-6582 or {encode=”SHess@westcoastncsy.com” title=”SHess@westcoastncsy.com”}.
— Daniella Penn, Contributing Writer
