What if there was a Hebrew high school that teens could attend once a week that had interesting and fun classes that were relevant to their lives, as well as fun activities they could opt in to? The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (BCHSJS) is that school, with an array of classes specifically targeted toward students in grades 8-12, and with teachers who know how to relate to that age group.
So why continue Jewish education after bar/bat mitzvah? Current Temple Beth Rishon member and BCHSJS student Daniel Klyde explains, “I wanted to continue my Jewish education after 7th grade because I felt like I didn’t know a lot about the culture of the Jewish people and wanted to learn about more than just prayers and Hebrew.” BCHSJS isn’t your typical Hebrew high school: classes are taught in an engaging way and the students love participating in the discussion. For instance, BCHSJS offers “Tough Questions Jews Ask,” in which students are encouraged to ask anything on their mind regarding Judaism. In fact, many students regard this class as their favorite because, according to 9th grader Ben Shaiman, “it allows me to ask questions I have been wondering about, and I feel comfortable asking them.” However, getting students to share their favorite class isn’t always easy - as Temple Beth Rishon member and current BCHSJS student Sophie Greene puts it, “I don’t really have a favorite class - I like all of them!”
Of course, BCHSJS isn’t just about classes. We offer several events and trips each year, including bowling for 8th graders, a school-wide scavenger hunt in New York City, Saturday night at the movies, our annual trip to a Broadway show, and our annual Shabbaton! But what is it that makes these trips especially great? The great friends teens make in the process. BCHSJS senior Aaron London says he would tell his friends that, “BCHSJS is very much a place for social interaction. As a result, it is very hard not to establish meaningful friendships with a diverse group of people. Ultimately, I would tell my friends that if he or she wants to make friends and learn about Judaism in the process, BCHSJS is the place to do it.”
BCHSJS has great kids, engaging teachers, fun classes, and exciting trips – still having trouble deciding whether it is worthwhile to continue Jewish education after bar/bat mitzvah…? We look forward to seeing you on Thursday nights at our Temple Beth Rishon campus!
Bess Adler | Principal, The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (BCHSJS)
Main: 201 488-0834 | Cell: 201 888-0272 | Fax: 201 488-2126
www.bchsjs.org | Join us on Facebook!
