Amitim Values

Building a Participatory Community:  

At Netivot Shalom, 6th and 7th grade students participate in a two year cohort program, “Amitim,” meaning friends and fellowship). Amitim is a 2 year program that cultivates a community of students and families who share synagogue-based life and learning experiences. This program nurtures and grows a foundation of Conservative synagogue tefillah/prayer leading skills as well as embodied understanding of Jewish values, time and lifecycle moments. We learn from the Talmud that it is better to study in a group than alone: we are more challenged and engaged in Torah when we study together. This is especially true for adolescents where social relationships are a primary focus. We encourage families to participate regularly in Shabbat communal life at Netivot Shalom and to meet up with each other for holidays, social occasions and learning beyond Tuesday classes.

Kehilla, Kedusha, Kavod and Betzelem Elohim:

We are community, Kehilla. Anyone walking into the door will be treated with Kavod, honor and respect. As an inclusive and welcoming environment, we expect that you will treat yourself, your teachers, other Amitim’nikim, and the building respectfully. Judaism teaches that each of us is made in the image of God, Betzelem Elohim.

Supporting Each Other: 

All Amitim students are expected to be invited to and to attend every classmate’s bar/bat mitzvah to support each other. This brings B’nei Mitzvah families closer to the experience of Shabbat with their Netivot Shalom family and community.

Shabbat Mornings: 

Amitim Students are always welcome and encouraged to attend Shabbat services in the main sanctuary, becoming more familiar with the service while being a part of the community. Please encourage your Amitim child to stay in the sanctuary for Torah Service through Musaf, since those are the two parts of the service that students often lead.

Approximately twice monthly, there will be Shabbat learning sessions for the Amitim students. Most sessions will take place during the regularly scheduled service. Some sessions may take place over lunch, after a service. All students are encouraged to participate, but we understand if occasionally someone has to miss a session.

Fall Shabbat dates: 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 12/7, 1/11.  Spring dates will be sent in the Fall.