I feel honored and privileged to take on the role of Midrasha Director. This program has a tradition of excellence and is part of the fabric of the Madison Jewish community. I am excited to be a part of this important work.
Midrasha Hebrew High School
Midrasha Hebrew High School, founded in 1975, is a program of the Jewish Federation of Madison, in partnership with Beth Israel Center, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, and Temple Beth El. The purpose of Midrasha is to provide students with experiences and educational opportunities that will strengthen their Jewish identity and encourage and stimulate their desire to learn about their heritage. Midrasha offers classes in Hebrew, Jewish Studies, and elective subjects for students in grades 8 through 12 who need not be affiliated with a synagogue to enroll.
The curriculum at Midrasha is flexible, constantly evaluated, and updated. Midrasha educators are selected not only for their expertise in their subject area but also for their ability to communicate their knowledge to teens. Classroom teaching relies on a variety of techniques, including audiovisual aids, guest lecturers, as well as interactive discussions. Time for students to socialize both informally and at organized communal events is an integral part of the Midrasha experience.
Midrasha is committed to serving eighth through twelfth-grade students from a variety of denominational and non-affiliated backgrounds. Our faculty represent a wide range of movements and affiliations so that students are exposed to a multitude of ways of being Jewish. Studying at Midrasha provides our students with an opportunity to develop a strong, positive identity and set of values within the framework of a united Jewish people.
Midrasha 2021 Seniors Share "What I love about Midrasha"
“Attending Midrasha for the past five years has had a tremendous impact on me. I never could have predicted how much the program would allow me to grow as a Jewish person.” ~ Illana, Beth Israel Center, graduate ‘20
“Learning from strong Jewish leaders of all walks of life has given me a lot of perspective on the different ways to incorporate Judaism into my life, and to how to stay connected to Judaism especially as I enter adulthood.” ~ Jack, Temple Beth El, graduate ‘20
Why Should You Register Your Teen for Midrasha? Read More >
Get Foreign Language Credit
The Madison Metropolitan School District and many other area school districts grant foreign language credit for the study of Hebrew at Midrasha. See More Details >
Laurence A. Weinstein Midrasha Incentive Award
Graduating high school Seniors who have attended Midrasha continuously since eighth grade may be eligible for the full award of (up to) $2000 (amount may vary year to year depending on the number of eligible Seniors and on available funding).The purpose of the Midrasha Incentive Award (MIA) is to encourage graduating Seniors from Midrasha to continue their Jewish education following graduation. Students have used it in the past to go to Israel, attend conferences, take courses in Jewish studies in college, etc. Each applicant needs to submit to the Midrasha committee a proposal explaining how he or she plans to use the incentive award.
For more information regarding criteria, due dates, and how to apply contact midrasha@jewishmadison.org
A Special Note about Confirmation
The Madison Midrasha is a community based five-year/ten semester program leading to graduation and a diploma of Jewish Studies. It is not to be confused with Temple Beth El's Confirmation program. Midrasha meets a requirement to be confirmed at Temple Beth El. We suggest you contact Nicole Jahr, Director of Lifelong Learning, for Confirmation information.
Educate young people in the way to go, and even when they grow old, they will not depart from it.
~ Proverbs 22:6
Questions?
Email Kendra Sager, Director, at midrasha@jewishmadison.org