Fall 2023 Courses

Core Courses (6:30-7:20)

7th/8th
Rabbi Shore, Moral & Ethical Dilemmas

9th
Maura Koenig, ChangeMakers: A Journey through Jewish Teen Philanthropy

10th
Rabbi Saks, Jewish History

11th/12th
Diana Koester, Advanced Topics in Antisemitism

The rise of Antisemitism in recent years is undeniable; the general dismissive response often surrounding it, infuriating. This course recaps the long history of Antisemitism, highlights its similarities to and distinctions from other forms of prejudice, offers students an open forum to share their experiences, and outlines a brass tacks how-to guide for responding to Antisemitism when we encounter it in various settings. The goal of this course is to help our teens feel more prepared to identify and address Antisemitism when they encounter it.

Youchi Holstein, SUPA: Hebrew 101

Hebrew 101 is a proficiency-based course that develops the five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Students are introduced to the alphabet and script of Modern Hebrew and develop curiosity for the Hebrew language expressed in Israeli and Jewish culture. Students will develop an appreciation for the history of the language and its transition from primarily, the language of the scripture, to the spoken language of contemporary Israel

Electives (7:40-8:30)

SUPA: Hebrew 101
Youchi Holstein

SUPA: Hebrew 101 is a joint effort between Epstein and Syracuse University Project Advance. In this class, students will earn 4 college credits in Hebrew. This class meets for BOTH class hours on Tuesdays, as well as one additional zoom meeting per month, and one additional in-person meeting per month. Over the course of the year, there are three exams. There is additional tuition of $460 ($115/credit). Financial aid may be available through SUPA.

Hebrew 101 is a proficiency-based course that develops the five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Students are introduced to the alphabet and script of Modern Hebrew and develop curiosity for the Hebrew language expressed in Israeli and Jewish culture. Students will develop an appreciation for the history of the language and its transition from primarily, the language of the scripture, to the spoken language of contemporary Israel

Exploring Israel
Maura Koenig

Painting the Twelve Tribes
Morah Diana Koester

This semester's focus in Jewish Art will be on creating paintings that represent the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Students will research details about their assigned tribe to make deliberate choices with regard to colors, symbols, style, and more. Collectively, our class work will result in a glorious gallery representation of our biblical heritage! 

Leadership Council
Jo Cooper

This elective is directed towards students who would like to have a say in the structure and programming of The Epstein School. By combining group discussions with projects and activities, this class will be dedicated to planning and organizing events for the school. In between said events, the group will have a chance to bring their own ideas forward in regards to changes they would like to see in the school, or overall feelings about the program. This full year course is a great way to connect with peers and personally make the changes you want to see.

Stars of David: Jews in Sports
Moreh Scott Miller

NOTE: This class is only open to students who haven’t taken it before.

First time since 2021, Jews in Sports is back!  The following subjects will be covered: 

- Sandy Koufax and the World Series Yom Kippur decision 

- The Olympics - 1936 in Berlin and the 1972 tragedy at Munich 

- Baseball in Israel 

- Anti-Semitism and the tepid response to it with recent comments by prominent athletes 

- Moral decisions - playing sports on Shabbat, gambling and kosher laws

- perhaps a Zoom meeting with Danny Schayes (he has met with us twice before)

Jewish Cuisine & Culture (grades 8-10)
Ora Jezer