Arnon Adler

A lively and provocative discussion-based analysis of current events and significant topics of concern to us as Jewish high school students living in an ever-evolving national and international political, cultural and social scene. While experience has demonstrated that it is next to impossible to predict exactly what events and situations will arise in the United States, Israel and the world in the next few months that will merit our attention and review, a few topics are likely as we approach the Spring 2017 semester.

Arnon Adler

A mock trial class in which the students will conduct trials, whether real or imagined, of historical figures in Jewish history.  The idea is to learn history and consider some serious subjects about Jewish heritage in a fun and hopefully boisterous environment.  Students will be expected to conduct such trials, using historical license and flexibility (remember, some of these trials occurred, some did not!) to pursue their cases.  Some examples of trials are:  Roman trial of Rabbi Akiva and Bar Kochba for insurrection; Trial of Shabbatai Zvi - the false Messiah captured by the Turks on the way to Palestine with thousands of followers; Trial of Hannah Senesch - the Hungarian Jew living in Palestine who is captured by the Nazis parachuting back into Hungary.

Stephanie Fisher

Is there such a thing as a “good Jewish girl”?  The identity and experiences of a Jewish woman has evolved over time, fast forward to us and now!  Together we will create a safe space to discuss and explore the experiences of Jewish girls and social issues including sexuality, eating disorders, body image, dating and relationships, substance abuse and bullying (to name a few!) all in relation to Jewish identity and our roles and identity as women. 

Zach Bobersky

The goal of this course is to introduce our students to entrepreneurship, investments, business ethics, (and how they relate to our Jewish ethics) and the importance of "giving back" to the community.  Students will work in teams to come up with an invention or business idea.  At the end of the semester, students will have the opportunity to present to a special guest panel of "Sharks", successful entrepreneurs of our own Capital District Jewish community, who will give feedback, guidance and tips to our students.

Rivi Bahir

Do you ever watch Chopped and think, “I could do that!”? Do you love to cook or want to learn how? Here’s your chance to create delicious recipes while simultaneously learning Hebrew. In this class, the students will explore, prepare, and eat Israeli foods representing different ethnic culinary customs. Each session is conducted in English and Hebrew, and includes vocabulary words and a history lesson related to each recipe.

Participants will learn about Ashkenazi and Sephardic community cultures and their different styles of cooking.

Sharon Lastique

Students will work on connecting their physical bodies to their Jewish Souls.  Class discussions will center around making healthy choices in life around food, exercise and social relationships.  Relevant current events and social justice topics will be incorporated.  

Sharon Lastique

Explore the who's, where's, when's, why's and how's of who you are and who you would like to be!   In this class, you will be supported as you delve into your dreams and hopes for your future.  Sharon Lastique, a professional and experienced coach will offer a supportive and motivating environment for our students to explore what they want in life and how they might achieve their aspirations and fulfill their needs.  By assisting the students in committing to action and by being a sounding board to their experiences, coaching allows the individual the personal space and support to help them grow and develop.  

Zach Bobersky

This course is about fun with a Jewish twist!  Each week students will play a different game which will feature Jewish topics - Apples to Apples, Jewpardy, Scrabble, etc...learning through play - the Mifgash way!

Stephanie Fisher

In this community service course, our students will be working with seniors from The Massry Residence, in a program entitled,  "Tracing Our Roots". Throughout the year, students and seniors will explore their family's history and ancestry by focusing on themes of national allegiance, freedom, diversity, love and finding joy and welcoming others.  The curriculum being planned will utilize personal and family stories, Ancestry.com as a tool as needed to help fill in  gaps in our personal stories and how our experiences contribute to our own Jewish and cultural identities.  The participants in the program will create their own personal family trees, facilitated by an art instructor.