Madrichim

What is the Madrichim + Teen Learning Program?

The Madrichim: Teen Leadership & Learning Program is a chance for post-b'nai mitzvah teens (and/or Jewish teens in 8th-12thgrades) to give back to our TBY and JCAL community. Madrich/Madrichah means “guide” in Hebrew. Madrichim (plural) serve as the teachers' assistants for JCAL. The program is designed to develop participants' social and leadership skills, and expand their Jewish knowledge. It is a personal growth experience tailored to each participant! Madrichim and MITs commit to attending 85% of JCAL unless they choose the “substitute” option. 

Program Journey:

• Year 1 & Year 2 (Generally 8th & 9th Grade): Madrichim in Training Program

  • Includes 4-5 Madrichim Training Sessions/year, plus one-on-one mentorship with me (Rabbi Miriam)

  • MITs work as Madrichim in the classrooms, Hebrew Lab or the JCAL Office under the mentorship and supervision of the teacher and older Madrichim as well as Rabbi Miriam. These years teens develop interpersonal and leadership skills as well as learning what effective initiative looks like in JCAL. Teens learn to start and facilitate conversations, listen to and observe children in order to understand them better. By the end of the second year, most have gained skills to lead group activities. These are the training years. 

  • Tuition: $500 plus registration fee ($50)

  • Eligible for Community Service Hours

• Year 3 & 4, year 5 for those who start early (Generally Grades 10 & 11): Madrichim + Teen Learning Program

  • Teens are now leaders in the classroom, confident in their voice and able to communicate effectively with their teacher and with children. 11th Graders in particular also often mentor MITs. The year includes one to two Trainings, 6-8 sessions of Teen Learning, with Rabbi Zylberman and guest speakers (see below for Teen Learning Program, which is incorporated into these years), and at least two sessions of one-on-one mentorship with me. 

  • Tuition: Free except registration ee ($50)

  • Eligible for Community Service Hours and Hourly Pay

• Last Year (12th Grade): Confirmation Year

  • Same as Madrichim Program + Teen Learning, plus culminating Confirmation/Senior Send-Off Service at end of year. Participants in this program will be invited to speak during that service. 

Stand-Alone Teen Learning Programs (11:30 am - 1:00 pm):

• 8th & 9th Grades: 3 sessions/year on current topics, with various clergy and guest speakers. Includes lunch. No charge except registration fee ($50)

• 10th-12th Grades: 6-8 sessions/year with clergy and guests, on Israel, anti-Semitism, God, and topics driven by students’ interests. Includes lunch. No charge except registration fee.