Madrichim Program
Havdallah With Midrasha
A Letter from Rabbi Chaya Gusfield to Beth Chaim Teens:
Madrieh (mase.) or Madrieha (fem.): (Heb.) leader; instructor; mentor;
camp counselor; youth-group leader; tour guide. (PI.) Madriehim
May 2010
Dear Beth Chaim Teen,
The definition above illustrates how diverse the role of a Madrich/ a can be. There are so many ways by which you can enrich our students' Beit Midrash experience with your
participation in the coming year.
I see the Madrichim Program as a continuation of your involvement as a maturing member of our community. Serving as a Madrich/a offers several opportunities to you:
1. Learning how to teach by working with awesome teachers
2. Having fun with your students and other Madrichim
3. Being part of the Beth Chaim community in a substantial way
4. Learning to be even more awesome than you already are
5. Increasing your Jewish connection and knowledge
Although it is only May, we are busily planning for the 2010-2011 school year. If you are interested in being part of the Madrichim program, it is important that we hear from you as soon as possible so we can make the best class assignments.
We invite you to consider Midweek or Sunday service. Attached you will find the Madrichim application forms and guidelines. I look forward to sharing the school year with you.
Please see the other side of this sheet for more details and feel free to call me if you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions.
Take care,
Rabbi Chaya Gusfield
Religious School Principal
925-736-7146
925-212-7916 cell
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Beth Chaim Beit Midrash Madrichim Program
2010-2011
The Beth Chaim Madrichim Program is designed for students entering eighth through twelfth grades, who would like to work in our Beit Midrash (Religious School). Our Madrichim Program has been a very successful component of our Beit Midrash and it is an honor to be selected as a Madrich/a.
All of our Madrichim will work as volunteers and there are many class sessions and options for helping in our Beit Midrash. Please be aware that, while our goal is to include as many of you as possible, due to staffing limits we cannot guarantee placement of all applicants to the program.
The completed Madrichim Application Form and Questionnaire will be reviewed by the Religious School Principal. Each participant's previous work performance and attendance records will also be reviewed as part of the selection process.
Madrichim are required to be on campus 15 minutes before class to assist with setup and student arrival and 30 minutes after class to assist with cleanup and safety procedures during student dismissal. Madrichim will be evaluated based on attendance, dependability, cooperation, initiative, interaction with others, curriculum knowledge and Hebrew skills. On Sundays, we will also have a short weekly gathering at 12:15 about the day and communicate information to all Madrichim to share successes and concerns about their day. We also intend to have regular trainings throughout the year.
In addition to the Questionnaire for new applicants, there are two forms that both the applicant and parent need to review and complete: the Emergency Card and the Madrichim Application. We need a current photo of the applicant for the Emergency Card, which will be used for our records only.
The applicant's family must be members in good standing (all Beth Chaim Congregation fees must be current) for the application to be considered. Please complete and return the enclosed Madrichim Application Form by June 30. Selection and assignments will be completed by July 16. Madrichim Orientation is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 15, exact time to be determined. Our school year begins on Sunday, August 22, 2010.
For a copy of the Madrichim Application Form, please go to the Home page.
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Beth Chaim Madrichim…Our Youth Educators
Reflections from our Madrichim about this Program…
“It’s nice to have Jewish friends and relate to other teens”
“A community where you can be yourself”
“A place to be Jewish and be in touch with your Judaism”
Beth Chaim’s Madrichim Program is designed for students entering eighth through twelfth grade, who would like to work in our Beit Midrash (Religious School). Our Madrichim Program has been a very successful component of our Beit Midrash and is just one of the offerings for our teens at Beth Chaim.
Some of the greatest benefits of this program are that it gives our post B’nei Mitzvah teens an opportunity to remain involved in our community, strengthens – and continues – their connection to Judaism, and helps them develop the skills necessary to work well with, and for, others.