Estelle and Melvin Gelman Religious School
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L'ayla Program
L'ayla meets on Tuesdays Evenings from 6-8pm
Click here to view the 2024-25 L'ayla Calendar.
Register for the 2024-2025 school year
Thank you for your interest in registering your student(s) for the 2024-2025 year! Please note that our enrollment period was May 1 - June 15. We have re-opened our registration forms, and late enrollments will be approved on a case-by-case basis now through July 1. If you are registering after June 15, please submit your deposit and online paperwork, and our team will be in touch regarding your submission.
- Submit your deposit
- Fill out student enrollment forms
Current religious school and/or Ma'alot families, click here to login to Alma, then navigate to Alma Start to access your forms. A help guide for accessing your forms is available here.
New families click here to create an Alma account and enroll. A help guide for creating you account and enrolling is available here.
Introducing Our New L'ayla Curriculum
L'ayla translates to "beyond" - and well beyond classroom learning, this dynamic program offers a unique blend of experiential and academic immersion, ethical engagement, and community service, crafted specifically for our middle and high school student population. With a community dinner and innovative learning tracks for each grade band, this program offers something for everyone.
7th - 8th grade | Jewish Identity & Enrichment
During first period, all students in 7th and 8th grade attend their core class. Each grade builds knowledge in an important area of Jewish study, such as rituals & life cycle, Israel, Jewish text, or history.
In second period, students attend a mixed-grade elective of their choosing. Students chose one elective for the Fall Semester and one elective for the Spring Semester.
9th - 12th grade | Iyyun, Hesed & Tzedek
Students in 9th-12th grades will have the opportunity to choose from two tracks:
- Iyyun, (in-depth text exploration) a havruta-based Beit Midrash with lessons adapted from the Jewish Theological Seminary and Hadar, taught by scholars, experts, and clergy from our community and beyond.
- Hesed & Tzedek (love and justice), a Values in action opportunity to forge meaningful connections through hands-on service learning initiatives in partnership with leading Jewish organizations and Adas's own Hesed and Social Action committees.
Our year will include opportunities for all students to try both tracks, plus special events like live performances, guest speakers, cooking sessions, college nights, and more. With two semesters of learning, students can spend a semester in each track, or double-down on something that sparks joy and passion. While realities on the ground are constantly shifting and impact our ability to travel safely, know that we are planning an Israel Travel Experience for our 10th-12th grade students in December, 2024.
Meshek @ Adas Israel
Meshek (משק) is an acronym of three Hebrew words: Manhigut (leadership), Sheirut (service), and Kehila (community.) This term (typically used on kibbutzim in Israel) refers to the strength or well-being of a community and its commitment to working together.
Meshek Teen Leadership Program
The Meshek Teen Leadership Program invites students in 8th-12th grade to develop their skills as leaders and emerging Jewish educators by serving our youth programs, Shabbat offerings, or in the Religious School.
Program participants will develop leadership capability and new skills as educators by working within the Education Department and attending regular trainings and skill-development workshops. Our Teen Leaders will serve as role models for younger children in a variety of settings, including religious school classrooms, youth events, virtual events, and more.
Participation in the Meshek Program requires an application and short interview. The interview will help determine placement, along with other factors including teen requests, teacher requests, and classroom needs.
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now open. Please reach out to the Education Department at EdDept@AdasIsrael.org with any questions.
FAQs: Meshek Teen Leadership Program
Who can apply to the Meshek Teen Leadership Program?
Any student in grades 8th-12th is welcome to apply! Due to health & safety considerations and space limitations, space in the program may be limited.
How do I apply to the Meshek Teen Leadership Program?
Apply to the program here! After your application has been processed, we will reach out to schedule an interview with you.
Will I get paid? What about Community Service credit?
Program participants can choose to either volunteer or receive SSL/Community Service hours for time spent working in the Meshek Teen Leadership Program.
Starting in your second year of the Teen Leadership Program, you can choose to get paid, as long as you are at least 14 years of age and enrolled in 9th grade or above.
I'm not available on Sunday mornings! Can I still be a part of the Meshek Teen Leadership Program?
Yes! Many of the positions available to our Teen Leaders will be on Sunday mornings, but there are also other opportunities to support the Religious School and youth program, including on weekday afternoons and Shabbat.
