Beit Noar
Beit Noar is our program for preteens and teens. “Beit Am”—our name in Hebrew—means “House of the People”. “Beit Noar” means “House of Youth”. It is Beth Am’s answer to the question, “How can my teen get involved?”
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Beit Noar creates spaces and conversations for teens to explore their developing identities and personal leadership. Our programming addresses students’ Judaic academic, social, spiritual and emotional needs in a changing world. Students learn not just what the Torah and Jewish tradition teach us about our past, but how teens themselves can take responsibility for making Judaism meaningful for the challenges of their lives and generation.
Our main Beit Noar classes for grades 7, 8, 9 and Confirmation (10) meet on Tuesday nights from 6:15-8:15 p.m. at Beth Am and some weeks at a community location like a café. Students also participate in a number of fun and interesting field trips on Tuesday nights and on a few, select Sunday mornings during the year.
Tuesday nights operate as two class sessions, with a dinner break in the middle—pizza is included!
Learn more about our Beit Noar by grade!
Seventh graders keep up with their Hebrew skills. They explore the deeper meaning of what it means to become b. mitzvah and to reach this developmental stage. Some of this exploration is done with students and parents learning together. Seventh grade also examines American Jewish history and the different streams of American Judaism.
Grades 8 and 9 study together on a two-year cycle, which includes Jewish history, Jewish ethics, “hot topics,” and how Jewish values are a part of students’ lives and challenges.
Grades 8 and 9 study together on a two-year cycle, which includes Jewish history, Jewish ethics, “hot topics,” and how Jewish values are a part of students’ lives and challenges.
In addition to the regular curriculum and special field trips for all Beit Noar students, ninth graders are invited to participate in a four-day social justice seminar in Washington, DC with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism called the L’Taken Seminar.
Tenth graders spend the year expanding their learning of Jewish ethics and values. We want them to be prepared to lead their lives as thoughtful, grounded Jews no matter the challenges they face in life.
They also take a deep dive into the texts they will read on Shavuot during our Confirmation service, such as the Book of Ruth and the Ten Commandments.
Students will prepare for our annual Confirmation service and celebration and affirm the content of their Jewish identity publicly. The tenth-grade year also includes a number of special events such as:
- Confirmation Recognition Dinner
- Confirmation photos
- Confirmation gift from families to the congregation
- Gifts from the congregation to the confirmands
- Scholarship funds to continue Jewish education after 10th grade
- Class educational day trip to New York City
If you are ready to sign up, please use our Beit Noar registration portal on ShulCloud or contact the main office directly with questions.
- ShulCloud Portal Click HERE.
- Contact the main office (215)886-8000
In addition to the sessions above, students have the chance to learn and participate in additional, experiential and hands-on ways.
Madrichim/Madrichot/Madrichotim
Teens from grades 7 through 12 are invited to sign up for our teen classroom assistant program.
Quick Hebrew Tutorial
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Madrich means “guide” Madrichah – singular, feminine Madrichot – plural, feminine Madricho – singular, non-binary Madrichotim – plural, non-binary
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Folks who participate in this program will join our teachers of younger students as an important part of our staff team. They have the option of working weekly on Sunday mornings in person or on Tuesday afternoons online. All participants will participate in training sessions on some Sundays throughout the year.
Participants are eligible for community service hours for this work.
If you are interested in serving in our younger classes, please use our Beit Noar registration portal to sign up on ShulCloud or contact the main office (215) 886-8000 directly with questions.
Our youth group, BAFTY, is a group of teen leaders who plan and put on programming for and with their peers. BAFTY participation is a great way to get leadership experience and contribute to your youth community. Adult advisors support teens in their leadership roles as they conceptualize and bring to fruition their own ideas and creativity.
BAFTY is open to teens in grades 8-12.
BAFTY678 is a similar organization that engages kids in grades 6-8.
If you are interested in getting more involved in BAFTY, please use our Beit Noar registration portal on ShulCloud to sign up or contact the main office (215) 886-8000 directly with questions.