New Quarter of Tefillah!
You can read more about this quarter’s offerings below. As always, please reach out to Adi Alouf, Director of Student & Jewish Life with any questions.
Purpose of Tefillah at JCHS
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.
In a survey last year, 75% of respondents said that Tefillah improves their mood/sense of well-being. Most of the students also said that Tefillah helps them feel more connected to other students and that it is an important part of their day. We are pleased to be growing our capacity for student-led Tefillah offerings, a beautiful way for students to share their gifts through service to the community.
Tefillah Attendance
We want students to be fully part of our community and we need them to be present in order to have a successful tefillah program. Being part of our community means that students arrive on time when school starts (8:15 am on regular days, 9:15 am on late start days). Our students matter, their presence matters, and we miss them when they are not here!
Students are allowed a number of unexcused tardies, as we recognize that mornings can be hard and life happens.
After 5 tardies*, the student, their Dean, and their adults will have a meeting. This meeting is aligned with the Restorative Justice values that JCHS is implementing schoolwide. It is an opportunity for the Dean to work with the family and student to help identify strategies to ensure that the student is present and on time for tefillah.
After 8 tardies*, students might be at risk of not passing tefillah and having to remediate.
Rituals and routines are vital to success and happiness. We are hoping to set our students up for a great day and reinforce the value and importance of daily practice.
*A tardy is arriving after 8:15 am (on regular days, 9:15 am on late start days). This includes arriving on time to campus but entering Tefillah late
Tracking Late Arrivals
We heard from some of you that it is helpful to get an email from the school confirming when your student is marked late to school – so we are going to bring back that system of communication. As a reminder, after 8 tardies/absences each quarter from Tefillah, students may be denied credit for tefillah and will have to remediate this graduation requirement.
Tefillah Offerings: Quarter 1
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.
Puzzles and Games (Mr. Hagen and Dr. Neufeld)
Warm up your brain with a variety of puzzles, games, sudoku and other kinds of mental aerobics — from jigsaw to Crossword puzzles!
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.
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!
Poem-a-Day (Dr. Resnikoff)
Start your day with a poem! “Poem-a-Day” tefillah is a chance to ground yourself in a poem each morning & to respond to that poem in your own writing, or else to work on whatever creative project (textual or visual) is calling you. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing, peaceful yet generative tefillah option, please join us for “Poem-a-Day.”
Reading Time (Ms. Beck and Mr. White)
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!
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.
Sisterhood+ (Ms. Castillo)
Sisterhood+ tefillah is a place for women-identifying and genderqueer students to start their days in community. We’ll be connecting and engaging through a variety of casual morning activities with a literary twist, ranging from crafty creations to deep conversations!
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 ONLY!
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 ONLY!
