This intimate dinner-based program allows our 11-13 year olds the chance to build community as they strengthen their knowledge of Jewish identity, texts and history. Using both small and large group formats, the teens and tweens spend the evening playing games, debating, acting, and crafting. Through reflection, peer-to-peer activities, and the significance of being pre-and-post B’nai Mitzvah “young adults” the Middle School Program centers on self-discovery, values, identity and the day-to-day relevance of Judaism. *Pizza provided by Kavana.
Where: Tuesdays, Queen Anne location. Wednesdays, Seward Park location.
When: Tuesdays, 6:15pm - 8:15pm. Wednesdays, 6:15pm - 7:30pm.*One day a week.
2023/2024 Program Dates:
Middle School Program
Tuesday Middle School Program
October 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 28
December 5, 12
January 2024, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
February 6, 13, 27
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 16, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4
Wednesday MSP Darom
October 11, 18, 25
November 1,8, 15, 29
December 6, 13
January 2024, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 28
March 6, 13, 27
April 3, 17
May 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5
Michael Taylor-Judd
Michael grew up in Anaheim, California, which is why you will often find him sporting something Disney on his clothes or kippot. He has been in Seattle for over 20 years, and currently lives with his husband, Brian, and adorable cat, Shadow, in West Seattle. He was alive when the original Star Wars films came out, and already in college when Harry Potter was first published, but he still understands your use of social media. It's part of his daily job working in communications for the City of Seattle's Human Services Department. Michael has worked with Jewish and non-Jewish youth on both coasts and in other countries, and looks forward to learning together again with Kavana's teenagers!
Jack Hogan
After moving to Seattle in August 2022, Jack was looking for High Holidays services when he followed his mother's recommendation to check out Kavana. Finding himself moved by the joint effort of Kavana partners, who were creating meaning together, he was inspired to set his own intention. After reflecting on what he wanted from a Jewish community and finding it in Kavana programming, Jack decided to join Kavana as a partner in January 2023. He's looking forward to connecting with his own Jewish identity, participating in the building of community, and, as a teacher with the Middle School Program, inviting other young people to do the same.
Morgan Weidner
Morgan is excited for her first year as part of the youth and teen programs at Kavana. A Seattle native, Morgan was involved in the Reform youth movement (NFTY) growing up and spent a semester in Israel in high school learning all about Jewish history. Outside of Kavana, she works at Cancer Pathways as a program manager and educator. Morgan can often be found listening to an audiobook, making a cup of tea, or playing with her very snuggly cat.