Middle schoolers are growing up in a fast-moving world, navigating identity, friendship, and the pressures of digital life while figuring out who they are and where they belong. These social and emotional challenges often go unaddressed in traditional curricula. Jewish Values in Action brings them to the forefront, offering space for reflection, connection, and growth through the lens of Jewish wisdom.
Jewish Values in Action is comprised of four units, each of which has four sessions designed to be taught in 25-minute Advisory groups.
Unit 1: Finding My Place in Community invites students to reflect on belonging, self-worth, and connection in a comparison driven culture.
Unit 2: Courageous Conversations helps them navigate disagreement and speak up with compassion.
Unit 3: Making a Difference empowers students to act on their values through kindness, justice, and environmental responsibility.
Unit 4: Jewish Peoplehood helps students explore their connection to Israel, confront antisemitism, and reflect on what it means to belong to a diverse and global Jewish community.
These units are designed to take place in advisory groups, since they are small, consistent
groups that meet regularly, and are a space where meaningful conversations
can take place. They are the perfect setting for these units, because:
• Advisory groups are built on trust and consistency, which encourages open and honest conversation.
• Sessions follow a simple structure and do not require any additional materials, though you’re welcome to include extras if you’d like.
• The format is familiar and repeatable. Both students and advisors learn the rhythm and gradually build confidence.
• Any adult can facilitate with no background in Jewish studies required. And, as students gain experience with the sessions, they can be empowered to co-facilitate or even lead sessions themselves.