The Temple Youth Program is an essential component of the overall Temple programming. The entire youth program is managed by a member of the professional staff with an advisor who oversees all the activities of the Youth Groups. There are three groups: one for fifth and sixth graders, one for seventh and eighth graders, and North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), the senior youth group, for ninth through 12th graders. Each group is managed by a committed advisor who organizes events and activities. NFTY also has elected officers.
Activities
Activities range from Shabbat and holiday service participation, building sukkahs, and running the Purim carnival, to social action activities like collecting personal items for the homeless, to pure recreational fun including skating, bowling, white-water rafting, putt-putt, to slumber parties.
Advisory Board
A Temple Youth Advisory Committee composed of Board members and others committed to quality youth programming counsel The Temple youth on their activities and programs. This Committee also works to create a close relationship between the youth, and the rest of the Congregation with the goal of integrating the youth programming into the overall Temple programming.
Post-Confirmation Program
The Post-Confirmation program for students in grades 11 and 12 allows our oldest youngsters to decide for themselves whether or not they want to continue their Jewish studies. This optional and self-motivated decision creates a wonderful learning situation between student and Rabbi. A special graduation ceremony along with a $500 stipend to go to Israel occurs for 12th graders that complete out Post-Confirmation program.
Youth and Parent Resources
The Temple offers a diverse Junior Youth Program for students from fifth through eighth grades. Students have the opportunity to participate in everything from social activities to in-town trips to educational classes.
Gimulute Chasadeem (deeds of loving kindness) is another part of the unique and special program. We offer our students the opportunity to participate in our worship services. We also have a Parent/Child Book Club which provides round table discussions over lunch.
We are proud and excited at the number of our youth that participate in our diverse Junior Youth activities.
Should you want to contact the coordinator of these programs, please do not hesitate to do so: Rabbi Michael Shulman at (615-352-7620) or rabbishulman@templenashville.org.