Kabbalat Torah Program

Dear 10th and 11th grade families,

This is an invitation for your 10th or 11th grader to this wonderful and enriching experience of Confirmation. The phrase Kabbalat Torah means “receiving” or “welcoming” Torah, and we use this phrase to refer to our Confirmation program and ritual celebration in the Spring. This experience in the lives of our youth is transformative, and the ritual of Confirmation serves the purpose of affirming their connection to Judaism- however that connection manifests. 

We’ve designed the curriculum to be identity-based, with opportunities to explore students’ individual Jewish identities and to learn about other faith traditions through first-hand experiences, visiting various houses of worship. Not only do we hope to forge friendships with the communities outside of JRC, but we also hope to provide our students with the opportunity to think deeply about faith and about what makes their commitment to Judaism both important and unique.  This will be an experience unlike any other they'll have.

Rabbi Soffer and I will be leading the sessions on students’ Jewish identity— and, honestly, the hours that we spend together exploring life through the lens of Judaism are immeasurably meaningful.  Garrett Crosbie and Evan Volkin will lead visits to other faith communities so that the students can engage in rich dialogue with worshippers of other religions and faiths, including Christian, Sikh, and Hindu, among others. 

This year, Kabbalat Torah will culminate at a Shabbat service on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 7:30pm in a powerful worship experience with leadership by our class. 

Note: For our students in the Madrichim program, this Kabbalat Torah program will not preclude their engagement.  Much of this program is connected time-wise to the madrichim program, intentionally ensuring they won’t have to “choose” between these important Jewish experiences.

This class will run from October to May.  The cost for this program is $165.00.

Please see the program schedule below.  If you have any questions, feel free to email Michelle Crosbie (mcrosbie@judeareform.org).  To enroll please scroll to the bottom of this web page.  

We are so excited to study with your teens, beginning this weekend!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Matt Soffer and Rabbi Hannah Bender

www.judeareform.org