Kesher for Teens

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 the Director of Youth Engagement if you have questions or would like more information.

If your teen is planning to participate in any of these programs, we ask that you please register them for Kesher using the form below.

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.

Hadracha

All 8th–12th graders are invited to join the Hadracha program for the 2024–2025 school year. Please apply using the Hadracha Application 2024–2025.

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. Hadracha accrue hours every week that they work, which can be used in the following ways: a Jewish experience (Camp, NFTY, etc), their Confirmation trip, community service hours, or held for future use. They will be notified each spring of their total hours, and will have the opportunity to choose how their hours are allocated.

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 on the Confirmation webpage.

For information about Confirmation, please contact Rabbi Alfi.

Registration

Please fill out the following form to register your 8th–12th grader for Kesher for the 2024–2025 school year.

2024–2025 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 - $375
10th grade - $667 (includes Confirmation)
11th–12th grades - $375

Scholarships are available!

2024–2025 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

8th–12th graders are 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 the Director of Youth Engagement if you are interested in providing childcare for 2024–2025. They will be in touch with you to coordinate signing up for specific dates.

Please read Congregation B'nai Israel's Childcare Guidelines before signing up to provide childcare.

Other Opportunities

Volunteer at Camp Nefesh

Teens 13+ are invited to be counselors for Camp Nefesh this summer and receive community service hours. Teens can be counselors, meal prep leads, floaters, specialty area counselors, pre-camp prep, or drivers (if of age). Teens can also be part of the Teen Planning Committee, which meets every other week on Zoom to plan all of Camp Nefesh, with adult guidance. If you are interested, reach out to campnefesh@gmail.com.

NFTY Central West Region

URJ Heller High – Semester in Israel Program for Jewish High School Students

Teen Justice Fellowship – Powered by the Religious Action Center

Mitzvah Corps