Confirmation students in grades 8, 9 and 10 come to understand the social fabric of our neighborhood and participate in service activities to the community and our congregation. The curriculum consists of the study of the three-fold pillars of Jewish identity: God, Torah and Israel. Students get together twice per month for one hour to explore some of the major social and personal issues that affect their lives and seek answers to the questions based on careful examination that reflects on Jewish teachings and their beliefs. Such topics will include relationships, substance abuse, environment and peer pressure. Students will come to understand that their values, beliefs and decision making process can and should be rooted and viewed through “Jewish lenses.” Through this process, students will examine the theology of Reform Judaism both historically and in a modern sense. Together we will seek to define our understanding of what it means to be a Reform Jew in the 21^st century.

In addition, students will meet to plan their own Confirmation ceremony, planning and writing their own service. The act of planning a service together will allow them an opportunity to reflect back upon what they have studied and how they have grown together. Their “affirmation of faith” will come from their own hearts and minds.