Midrasha is a community-based, pluralistic supplemental education program for East Bay Jewish teenagers in grades 8-12.
Our program helps teens connect deeply with their peers, find supportive mentors, learn about who they are, and explore what it means to be Jewish.
Through classes, social programs, and Shabbat retreats, our students find a sense of personal Jewish understanding, a nourishing safe space in the midst of their overly-full schedules, and a community of friends that will last a lifetime.
Schedule:
Important dates and closures for the 2023-2024 school year:
September 2023:
October:
November:
December:
January 2024:
February
March:
April:
May:
*Separate registration. Please note, the costs of these optional retreats are not included in the Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha programming fees.
For the 2023-2024 school year:
Please visit the registration page for additional financial support.
The JCC East Bay recognizes that each family has different needs, and we want to support all families the best we can. Any families in need of financial support can apply for financial aid here.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
When does Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha meet?
We meet on Sundays from 4-8pm, October 15 through May 19, 2024. You can find our full schedule here.
What is the schedule each Sunday?
– Ikar Programming: 4:00-6:15pm
– Dinner: 6:15-6:45pm
– Zman to Fun: 6:45-8pm
What is Ikar?
Teens take two classes (a grade level “core” class + an elective) and take part in other general programming. Classes encourage personal engagement with Jewish identity, ethics, culture, and thought, as well as participation in a Jewish teen community.
What is Zman to Fun?
Each Sunday after dinner, we will rotate different opportunities for connection outside of teens’ elective classes. From organizing and working on a monthly service project that supports our local community, to practicing our self-defense skills in a Krav Maga class, we’re ready for all the shenanigans!
What type of food is provided at dinner?
All food will be vegetarian and kosher. If there are special dietary requirements, please make sure to note them in the registration form.
What are the Shabbaton retreats?
In collaboration with Contra Costa Midrasha, teens from different Midrasha campuses will join together for these amazing retreat weekends.
Exploring all that nature has to offer, meeting new friends from all over the Bay Area, taking a much needed tech break, eating an unbelievable amount of smores, howling at the moon, and Havdalah campfire singing and dancing are just a few of the ways that our teens get to be in community over our Midrasha Shabbaton retreat weekends.
Please note, the costs of these optional retreats are not included in the Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha programming fees.
When are the retreats?
– Fall Retreat: November 10-12, 2023 in the Santa Cruz Mountains
– Winter Retreat: February 9-11, 2024
– Spring Retreat: April 12-14, 2024
Brianna Sommer
Director of Youth and Teen Programs
briannas@jcceastbay.org
510-848-0237, ext. 141