In the post b’nai mitzvah years, we offer opportunities to socialize and study at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue.
Youth Group / BHGSY (Brooklyn Heights Group of Synagogue Youth)
BHGSY is the official BHS youth group. BHGSY plans monthly events for its members, such as movie nights, bowling parties and social action programs. Major annual events include Hanukah and Purim fundraisers, the High Holiday canned food drive, and the BHGSY Shabbat service. BHGSY also holds regular “lounge nights” at BHS, with informal programming on Tuesday nights. Check back soon for an updated schedule.
BHGSY is a member of NFTY-NAR, our local region of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (the Reform movement’s national youth group!). Many BHGSY members participate in regional and national NFTY events, such as weekend retreats and social action projects.
For more information, contact Rabbi Judith Kempler, our BHGSY advisor, at:
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You can also join the BHGSY group on Facebook! POST B'NAI MITZVAH STUDY 8th Grade / Kita Chet
Eighth graders begin a two-year program of study about Israel, in preparation for their trip to Israel at the completion of ninth grade. Eighth graders review Jewish history through a timeline and a history of Israel in relation to the Jewish people. Through text study and discussion, eighth graders also study Jewish virtues/Middot in relation to their own decision-making. Finally, eighth graders participate in social action projects such as visiting homebound seniors in the community, making and delivering gifts at Chanukah and Purim, and cooking for the BHS Homeless Shelter. This hands-on course offers students personal experience and understanding of their ability to repair the world. | 9th Grade / Kita Tet
Ninth graders continue their two-year study of Israel in preparation for their trip in the spring of the ninth grade year (over Memorial Day Weekend). They study the history of Zionism, and the history, culture and political system of the modern state of Israel. They gain a vocabulary of conversational Hebrew words and phrases, and design their itinerary as they study Israel’s geography and historic places. Their trip, with the Rabbi and their teachers, includes keeping a journal, making new friends and pen pals, reflecting on how their experience aligns with their studies, and experiencing the profound effect a visit to Israel has on strengthening their Jewish identity. 
| | 10th Grade / Confirmation
With Rabbi Lippe, Confirmands study World Religions & Jewish Thought. Through film, discussion and research, students consider how other religions understand and explain the world and our place in it. Students visit the local church and mosque, and speak with their religious leaders. In the late Winter we begin our study of Jewish thought on topics such as Belief in God, Free Will, Choseness, and Freedom versus Authority. Confirmands also participate in the URJ Religious Action Center L’taken Seminars in Washington, D.C. which is lead by our Rabbinic Intern. The students lead their Confirmation service on the eve of Shavuot, and each Confirmand makes a personal statement of his or her commitment to Judaism.
11th & 12th Grades
Students meet monthly with Rabbi Lippe for dinner at his home and help guide the topics of study.
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