Berkeley Parents Network: Midrasha

Berkeley Parents Network

Midrasha

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Religious & Spiritual > Midrasha

Oct 2006

My 14 y-o daughter wants to learn more about her Jewish roots. Are there any non-bar mitvah classes out there where she can meet other teens and learn about being jewish? Mum

A great teen program is Midrasha http://www.jfed.org/midrasha.htm . Great kids, teachers, weekend retreats, multiple locations in the East Bay. My daughter has been going to Oakland 4 yrs. Scholarships are available, too. anon

Re: your teen wanting to explore their Jewish culture and history there are several programs called Midrasha, one in Berkeley and another in Contra Costa County that have wonderful programs for teens. They provide classes and events that connect the teen with their history, heritage as well as other teens who are part of a Jewish community. My 13 year old daughter and her friends really love this program that starts in 8th grade. You can join any time as far as I know Alison

I recommend that your daughter look into the East Bay's Midrasha programs. Depending on where you live, there are classes Sunday morning or weekday evenings. Subjects include a huge range of cultural, religious, artistic, and historical issues. Kids include those with extensive backgrounds as well as those who have had no connection with their roots. Berkeley Midrasha (843-4667), Oakland (444-6744), Fremont (656-7141), Lafayette (925/284-9191), and Walnut Creek (915/944-4701) Judy

We are really fortunate here in the east bay to have a wonderful high school program for Jewish teens call Midrasha. For more information about the Oakland program visit http://www.oaklandsinai.org/Midrasha/Midrasha2.htm and for the Berkeley program http://www.midrasha.org/index.html (there is also a program in Contra Costa county as well). These programs offer classes in all kinds of topics from history to culture, and are open to everyone, no matter what their level of observance or previous Jewish education, and you don't have to be a synagogue member to join Alice

I think she would have the most fun with other kids her age at Midrasha - the Jewish program for kids post bar or bat mitzvah. You don't have to be a member of a synagogue or have any previous knowledge. I don't know what city you live in but here are the Midrashot in the east bay: Berkeley 510-843-4667 (run by Diane Bernbaum) Oakland 510-444-6744 (run by Elaine Bachrach) Fremont 510-656-7141 (run by Anrea Fleekop) Contra Costa 925-944-4701 (Run by Gabe Salgado) Give it a test run! dawn

My 15-y-o has been attending Berkeley Midrasha Sunday a.m.'s since 8th grade and loves it. Their website is http://www.midrasha.org/. You can contact the Berkeley Midrasha director Diane Bernbaum at: diane@midrasha.org. There is also a Midrasha in Oakland that meets Tuesday evenings. I would be happy to talk to you about Midrasha. Jan

You can try Midrasha, a community Jewish high school that has classes on Sunday mornings for teens. The subjects range from yoga to kabbalah. If you google Midrasha, Berkeley you'll find out what's available M

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