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Congregation Shaarey Zedek
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Youth, Family & Teens

Youth, Family & Teens

For Our Youngest Families

Thrilling Thursdays

Children ages 0-5 and their favorite adults come to CSZ weekly to play, sing, dance, read stories, and make crafts, with a little Jewish learning thrown in, led by Lindsay Mall and our clergy.

Shabbat Family Esperiences

Join us every Shabbat at 10:30am in the Tikvah Chapel for songs, prayer, games, challah and grape juice snack, and fun with your shul friends. Open to the congregation and the community. Supervised activities for kids ages 0-12.

At the end of services, they join our main congregation for blessings. We offer a kid-friendly Kiddish for all, and Shabbat lunch afterward (by advance registration), where the bonds of friendship are forged. (And in warmer weather, our tent goes up on the William Saulson Pavilion for services, playtime outside and Shabbat picnics).

Our youngest members, born each year, are celebrated on the second day of Rosh Hashanah with our heartwarming Tiny Treasures ceremony. Let us know if you have a child or grandchild to celebrate this year.

 

For Tweens/Teens (ages 11-18) 

For additional information, contact Youth Advisor, Annie Klinger at aklinger@shaareyzedek.org or at 248-357-5592

B’Yachad
Pop-up programs throughout the year featuring community partnerships with new service-learning opportunities. For ages 11 through B*Mitzvah. 

 

Jewish Teens United JTU
Brand new this year, we are proud to introduce our new interdenominational travel program. Alongside Temple Shir Shalom, we will travel to Pittsburgh, PA for the weekend of Jan. 5th.

Shaarey Zedek Teen Collective SZTC
Find us during large community events in the new Teen/Tween Lounge. Additionally, be on the lookout for social programming throughout the year. For B*Mitzvah-12th grade. Come for refreshments and snacks as always!

Madrichim
Teen leaders in our Religious School guide and help tutor younger students and receive additional training in Jewish leadership and mentoring. For grades 8-12.

Motor City USY (MCUSY)
Our local and award-winning chapter of United Synagogue Youth pulls together teens from all the local Conservative synagogues in our area to create a powerhouse group of Gesher (grades 6-8) and MCUSY (grades 9-12). Join them for team-building events, special Shabbatot, social action, regional leadership training, and more! Check us out at mcusy.weebly.com or reach out to Annie at mcusyadvisor613@gmail.com.

Kulanu ADL
Partnership with the antidefamation league of Michigan. Find us each month combatting social justice issues with new experiences around the community.

In This Section

Curriculum

Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:  

Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community. 

Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland. 

Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life. 

Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity). 

Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers. 

Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers. 

Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum. 

Staff

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.