Registration & Tuition | BISY Board | Childcare
Upcoming Events | Other Opportunities | Resources
8th-12th graders at B'nai Israel have the opportunity to participate in our wide range of unique teen programs, which help them form friendships with their peers and deepen their connection to Judaism. There are many ways for teens to get involved, so there is something that is right for everyone! Please contact Rachel Chancellor, Director of Youth Engagement, if you have questions or would like more information.
We ask that you register your teen for Kesher for the 2023-2024 year, using the below form, if your teen is planning to participate in any of these programs.
What Does Kesher Include?
BISY
B'nai Israel Senior Youth (BISY) is CBI's youth group, open to all 8th-12th graders. BISY hosts teen-led events throughout the year.
One of BISY's most popular traditions are BISY Shul-Ins, which are sleepovers at the temple. These events are always planned by teens, include dinner and breakfast, and are adult-supervised.
BISY is a great opportunity for teens to continue their friendships and form new friendships after their B'nai Mitzvahs.
Jew Crew
Jew Crew is a new addition to B'nai Israel's teen programming. Jew Crew is a space for 8th-12th graders to study, hang out, eat snacks, and every other Tuesday, discuss Jewish pop culture (in movies, TV shows, songs, news, etc). Jew Crew will be from 6:30-8:00 pm every Tuesday evening, and led by Rachel Chancellor, Director of Youth Engagement.
Hadracha
All 8th-12th graders are invited to join the Hadracha program. If you are interested, reach out to Rachel Chancellor.
B'nai Israel's Hadracha program is an opportunity to gain leadership skills, connect with friends, and act as role model to CBI's younger generation.
Hadracha staff can work with any grade (pre-K/K – 7th), with Judaica and/or Hebrew, or help with a Chugim option, like library, art, or cooking.
The Hadracha program includes leadership development trainings. Lunch is always provided at these trainings, and Hadracha are able to connect with their peers about challenges and successes in their respective roles.
Confirmation
Confirmation, open to all 10th graders, is an important step toward lifelong Jewish learning. This program seeks to answer students’ questions and help them experience how Jewish values help shape their own lives. The class is based on topics important to students. The confirmation class is led by Rabbi Mona Alfi. More information can be found here.
For information about Confirmation, please contact Rabbi Alfi.
UPDATED KESHER CALENDAR
Registration:
Please fill out the following form to register your 8th-12th grader for Kesher for the 2023-2024 school year.
2023 – 2024 KESHER REGISTRATION FORM
Tuition:
Tuition fees for each grade cover BISY, Jew Crew, our Hadracha leadership program, and any other teen events. The fee for 10th grade also includes Confirmation costs. Please see above for more details on teen programming.
-
8th–9th grades - $360
-
10th grade - $635 (includes Confirmation)
-
11th–12th grades - $220
Scholarships are available!
2023-2024 KESHER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Kesher scholarships are available for any teens who register. Please contact Leslie Oberst, the Executive Director, if you have questions about scholarships.
Childcare is returning to B'nai Israel! Beginning after Apples & Honey during the High Holy Days, teens will be able to sign up to provide childcare for ages 3-10 during Friday night services. Teens will be paid $20 per Friday night service, or $30 per Second Shabbes. Please email Rachel Chancellor if you are interested in providing childcare for 2023-2024. They will be in touch with you to coordinate signing up for specific dates.
A Land Twice Promised: A conversation with storyteller Noa Baum
Storyteller Noa Baum, an Israeli who began a heartfelt dialogue with a Palestinian woman while living in the U.S., weaves together their memories and their mothers' stories. She creates a moving testimony illuminating the complex and contradictory history and emotions that surround Jerusalem for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Teens can attend this informative event for free!
L'Taken: Social Justice Seminar
L'Taken is a weekend event put on by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) that encourages high schoolers to get involved in social action through a Jewish lens. This weekend gives 9-12th graders the opportunity to learn more about important social justice issues, work with their peers from around the country, and lobby on Capitol Hill on the last day of the event. Teens will also be able to explore the Smithsonian National Mall and the National Holocaust Memorial Museum.
More extensive information can be found on their information page for congregational groups. Please reach out to Rachel Chancellor, Director of Youth Engagement, if your teen is interested in being part of CBI's delegation. CBI is committed to ensuring every teen has an equal opportunity to participate. We implore you to reach out if finances are a barrier.
URJ Heller High – Semester in Israel Program for Jewish High School Students
Teen Justice Fellowship – Powered by the Religious Action Center
- Mental Health
- Sacramento County Mental Health Resources – includes phone numbers for mental health crises
- citiesRISE Sacramento Mental Health Resources – tips for talking to youth
- LGBTQIA+
- Sacramento LGBT Community Center
- Sacramento LGBT Center's Q-Spot Youth Programs
- Resolution on the Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People by the URJ
- Keshet – a Jewish organization for LGBTQ equality in Jewish life
- Keshet Event Calendar
- Keshet resources on gender identity
- Gender Identity
- Learn more about Jewish Summer Camp
- 3 Fun At-Home Science Experiments from Jewish Summer Camp
- Camp Unplugged: Going tech-free at Jewish summer camp
- Food
- From Southern Fried Chicken to Kreplach: Talking to Memphis Deli Maven Marisa Baggett
- 14 Challah Recipes
- Ceremony
