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Midrasha

Your Ideas. Your Impact. Your Fun.

Welcome to Midrasha—where you call the shots!

This isn’t just another program—it’s your space to explore what it means to be Jewish in today’s world, to pick the activities that excite you, plan the events you’ve always wanted, and make a real difference in your community—all while having a blast with friends.

Program Overview

Your Program, Your Choices

At Midrasha, it’s all about you. Whether you’re into sports, arts, tech, or social justice, you’ll have the chance to dive into what you love and even lead the charge. Maybe you’re inspired by Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world), or maybe you just want to hang out and have fun. Want to throw an event? You’re in control. Got a wild idea? Let’s make it happen!

And when it comes to giving back, we’ve got plenty of ways for you to get involved. You can take part in service projects that reflect Jewish values, whether it’s hands-on work in the community, helping out from home, or creating something totally new. The choice is yours!

Midrasha is all about stepping up and making things happen. You’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles, work with a teen team, and make a real impact—whether you’re inspired by Jewish teachings on leadership or just looking to develop your own skills. These are experiences that will stand out and make a difference, no matter what path you take next.

Midrasha isn’t just about activities. It’s about connecting with your Jewish identity in a way that feels right for you. Whether through celebrating Shabbat, exploring Jewish texts, or just hanging out with friends who share your background, you’ll find a place where you belong and can grow.

Midrasha is more than just a program—it’s a chance to make your mark, explore what you love, and have a great time doing it. So, what are you waiting for? Join us at Midrasha, where your ideas become reality, your impact is real, and your fun never stops. Let’s make something amazing happen, together.

For anyone who missed the Midrasha Zoom info call, please find a recording here and slide deck here.

Schedule

Schedule

  • Midrasha will meet Every other Sunday from September 22, 2024 – May 11, 2025.
  • Each meeting will run from 6:30-8:30 pm and will include:
    • Trend of the day – discussion
    • Community building embedded with Jewish content
    • Leadership track – planned and led by teens
  • Each semester will include two days of social service.

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Sessions dates and retreats

September 2024:

  • September 18: Zoom info session – RSVP here
  • September 22: Return from summer – Welcome Mixer!
  • September 29: First day of Midrasha

October:

  • October 6: Special memorial for October 7 (4-5pm)
  • October 20

November:

  • November 3
  • November 8-10: Midrasha Fall Retreat (No program Sunday)* 
  • November 17

December:

  • December 1
  • December 15

January 2025 

  • January 5
  • January 26
  • January 31-February 2: Midrasha Winter Retreat (No Program Sunday)*

February 

  • February 9
  • February 23

March 

  • March 2
  • March 16
  • March 21-23: Midrasha Spring Retreat (No program Sunday)*

April 

  • April 6
  • April 27

May 

  • May 4
  • May 11 (End of Year Celebration)

*Separate registration. Please note, the costs of these optional retreats are not included in the Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha programming fees.

Fees

For the Spring 2025 Semester:

  • $600
  • Non refundable deposit of $300

If you need a payment plan, please complete registration and deposit payment and reach out to Yafit Shriki Megidish ([email protected]).

Cancellation Policy
If you wish to withdraw your child from the program, then a Schedule Change email must be submitted to the Senior Director of Jewish Learning. The $300 deposit will be forfeited for any withdrawal before the end of the school year. Any withdrawals will be subject to a prorated refund, at the discretion of the Senior Director of Jewish Learning.

FAQs

When does Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha meet?
We meet on Sundays from 6:30-8:30pm, September 22  through May 11, 2025. 

What kind of leadership roles will the teens have? Teen can choose between leading a holiday event to the wider community, leading a social service activity, and leading sessions with their peers.

Will the program include Jewish content?
Yes! The program will incorporate a Jewish lens in all discussions. We will celebrate Jewish holidays, learn from text, and work according to Jewish values as tikkun olam, chesed, communal responsibility, and more.

What type of food is provided?
Every Midrasha class will have kosher donuts as part of the nosh/break in the class schedule. Any additional food provided for special events (i.e. – holiday celebrations) will be vegetarian and kosher. If there are special dietary requirements, please make sure to note them in the registration form.

Contact Us

Yafit Shriki Megidish
Senior Director of Jewish Learning
[email protected]
510-848-0237, ext. 129