While each and every grade in Religious School is busy enjoying many interactive and meaningful activities, I would like to share with you the unique program within our school that we call "Confirmation." Our Confirmation program is a three year track program that spans grades eight through ten. Eighth and ninth graders are combined into a large class which is co-taught by Rachel Markowitz and the Educational Director. The tenth graders enjoy a year-long class with Rabbi Mass. At the end of the tenth grade, on Erev Shavuot, our Confirmands lead the congregation in a creative and expressive service in which they officially "Confirm" their commitment to Jewish learning and living. This service culminates the three year track of post-b’nei mitzvah study, but is actually more of a beginning than an ending. It marks the beginning of the next chapter of Jewish adulthood for the Confirmands - and promises that they will remain on their life-long Jewish journeys as they continue to grow and change beyond their teen years.

      The Confirmation program is truly one of the most important components of the Religious School education offered at Temple. Because the students are adolescents and in a more advanced developmental stage, we are able to grapple with a myriad of contemporary young-adult issues that really resonate with teens. In a wonderful communal setting, we explore many topics through a Jewish lens and as a result, we find that Confirmation is a vehicle for the strengthening of Jewish identity amongst our students. We also go on interesting field trips, do many mitzvah projects and gather with teens from other synagogues for special learning opportunities. Confirmation is extremely hands-on and participatory, informal and social, but always facilitated with great structure and opportunities to stretch our minds and grow as individuals. Ask any member of Confirmation that you see to tell you more about our program! Our students are our best advocates for Confirmation!

      I urge parents of younger students to speak positively of Confirmation from an early age in your homes. Teach your children that in no way is Bar or Bat Mitzvah the "end" of Jewish learning! B’nei Mitzvah is but one beautiful milestone along the path of Jewish learning….and Jewish learning is indeed a lifelong pursuit, not just something "for kids." I urge parents to create an expectation in your households that Confirmation is an integral part of a Jewish education and that all of your children will unquestionably participate in this quintessentially important program. Trust me, it will be well worth your effort. Confirmation is an invaluable and precious opportunity for Jewish growth for our teens that is truly unmatched. And we will be saving a spot on the photo-filled "Wall of Fame" in the Temple lobby for your tenth grader someday!