When students at Temple Israel reach 10th grade or beyond, they are encouraged to take part in the preparation for their confirmation service, in conjunction with Shavuot. Reform Judaism’s tradition of “confirming” students dates back to the 19th century. Spending the year studying advanced Jewish topics with our rabbi and other Jewish leaders of Temple Israel, the students “confirm” their commitment to Jewish learning and Jewish life.
At the end of the year, the students will take part in a Confirmation Service, occurring on the Shabbat nearest Shavuot, in which the students will lead various parts of the Shabbat service and read from the Torah. Additionally, our students will take a trip that year to enrich their Jewish experiences. Trips in the past have included weekends in Chicago and in Cincinnati as well as a trip to the capitol in Indianapolis. The students and the rabbi then discuss the field trip to see where students’ interest lies.