Although most popularly translated as “prayer” or “worship,” tefillah is more literally defined as introspection and reflection. Our Tefillah program is meant to promote personal and communal growth through engagement with a Jewish tradition; personal expression; and/or sincere communication.
The benefits of a relaxed and consistent morning routine are vast! We offer students the time and support for a morning practice, in community, that includes options like gentle movement, prayer, time outside, caring check-ins and creative play.
9th Grade Tefillah Workshop
The JCHS Tefillah program is meant to promote personal and communal growth through engagement with a Jewish tradition; personal expression; and/or sincere communication. Through a new program called Tefillah Workshop taking place during the first quarter of the school year, 9th graders will spend a handful of mornings together exploring approaches to Jewish prayer as a way to develop personal relationships to a consistent morning practice.
This quarter, all 9th grade students will participate in 5 workshops (during Tefillah) designed to give them a sense of exposure to the range of Tefillah expressions at JCHS. During these mornings, students will be excused from their usual tefillah. More details will be sent directly to families of 9th graders. On Tefillah Workshop days, students who have the practice of praying in the mornings are invited to do so before coming to school.
Tefillah Choices
Chavurah (Student-led, Ms. Rozenblum and Dr. Neufeld)
Chavurah is a student-centered spiritual experience that combines daily ritual, personal sharing, storytelling and group reflection. Most importantly, it’s about learning to listen to others. If you are someone who enjoys hearing about the personal experiences of others, this is a great place for you.
Creativity & Connection (Ms. Hunt)
Start the day with crafts that connect us to others, including the art of writing with glass pens, fountain pens and quills; wax seal making; paper cutting; rubber stamp embossing; rock painting; drawing; diamond painting; small handcrafts; and more.
Crosswords (Ms. Dean)
We will do the daily New York Times crossword puzzles on our own and together. Get into the daily routine of doing this focused activity, in community!
Gardening (Dr. Larkin and Ms. Alejandro)
In this Tefillah, we will start our day with gardening and nature activities designed to tap into your creativity and get you outside. We will grow our own vegetables, herbs and flowers, create wildlife habitat, help green our school, and connect with our creative sides through nature-based crafts.
Mahjong (Ms. Kushnir, Ms. Ticktin, Mr. Brody)
Bam, Crack, Dot — It’s Mahjong O’Clock! Sign up for our Mahjong Tefilah! Play with a fun group, and make your mornings awesome! All experience levels are welcome. There will be an opportunity to LEARN the game and/or enhance your skills.
Morning Walks (Ms. Levinson and Ms. Oehlke)
Join a relaxing walk around the neighborhood, followed by a short stretch before class. If you are looking for morning movement before the school day begins then this would be a great fit!
Philosophy (Student-led, Ms. Castillo)
Philosophy Tefillah is a time in the day for discussion and healthy disagreement. Every day we will have a new prompt, topic, or piece of media to discuss as a group and share our ideas on. Join us if you like philosophy, discussion, constructive argument, or are looking for a time to talk with peers on certain subjects, current events, or anything that comes to mind!
Reading Time (Ms. Beck and Ms. Fauth)
Start your day with reading! It’s a great way to focus your mind and energy, while also delving into the fantastic world of books. No homework, no screens, but lots of sweet old books!
Senior Personal Philosophy (Ms. Alouf and Mr. Pollock)
Personal Philosophy Tefillah will provide an opportunity for 12th graders to both individually and collectively examine life’s burning questions so that students grow to know more about themselves and each other. This tefillah is about sharing, listening, and asking.
Shacharit with Mechitza (Rabbi Brick and Ms. Gluck)
This is a participatory prayer group using a traditional Jewish prayer text. Students pray in separate-gendered seating and are led by a Shaliach Tzibur. Students wear Tefillin and read from the Torah on Mondays, Thursdays, and more! Students learn how to navigate the siddur and become acquainted with traditional Jewish rituals surrounding prayer and are also given the opportunity to share their own learning and inspiration with the Minyan. A Women’s Tefillah is offered weekly.
Yoga Inspired Stretching (Student-led, Ms. Rubin)
A great way to start your day is with gentle stretching, deep breathing, and invigorating relaxation (an oxymoron? come see how it’s not!) We’ll stretch our muscles, relax, and ease into our school day.
Egalitarian Shacharit (Ms. Rabinowitz and Ms. Alouf)
This Tefillah will follow the morning prayer book service. Students of all genders will have equal participation and leadership opportunities. Come learn what it’s like to develop a regular prayer practice. Learn new tunes and be part of a special community! TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS!
Tisch Tefillah (Mr. Gindi)
Tisch, which means “table” in Yiddish, is a gathering around the rebbe’s table for song, stories, and food. This year, Friday mornings at JCHS will be a chance to gather together, sing songs and wordless tunes, hear some inspiring stories, and start the day with a treat to get into the shabbat spirit. Bring your voice and your open heart. FRIDAYS!
