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.
Partner Pricing: $1,040
Non-Partner Pricing: $1,791
Where: Tuesdays, Queen Anne location. Wednesdays, Seward Park location.
When: Tuesday session: 6:15pm - 8:15pm. Wednesday session: 6:00pm - 7:30pm.*One day a week.
2024/2025 Program Dates:
Middle School Program
Tuesday Middle School Program
September 17, 24
October 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10, 17
January 2025, 7, 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 22, 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 10
Wednesday MSP Darom
September 18, 25
October 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20
December 4, 11, 18
January 2025, 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 26
March 5, 12, 29, 26
April 2, 9, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 11
Amy Holden
Amy is originally from Denver, Colorado and now lives in Ballard. She and her husband joined Kavana in 2022, after occasionally attending Kavana events since 2018. She’s appreciated the opportunity to learn about Judaism from a variety of contexts and perspectives throughout her life. Amy is a first-time MSP teacher and is looking forward to learning alongside the youth of Kavana. She also enjoys art and sewing, and walks and hikes with her two dogs.
Eli Sadow-Hasenberg
Eli serves as one of Kavana's part-time Administrative Assistants, supporting Kavana with operations, logistics, and events. A member of the Kavana community since childhood, Eli previously taught classes in Moadon Yeladim and the Middle School Program and is thrilled to take on this new role. He is thrilled to return to the Pacific Northwest after four years in rural Ohio where he received his B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. Along with his work at Kavana, Eli is the Tacoma Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability’s 2024-25 CivicSpark Fellow. He is especially passionate about urban policy, glade skiing, and making elaborate salads.
Morgan Weidner
Morgan is excited for her second 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.
Rachel Osias
Rachel Lena Osias, or “RLO '' serves as Kavana’s Director of Education. RLO strives to build communities in which teaching, learning and the pursuit of educational equity are derived from challenging systemic norms and embracing the identities, experiences and stories of all individuals. Her exploration of Judaism and Jewish identity is cultivated through question-asking, relationship-building, story-telling, and play. RLO's professional and educational background has been an intentional interweaving of environmental sciences, educational equity, social and environmental justice, and experiential education. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy; a K-5th grade Teaching Credential; and a Master’s Degree in Urban Environmental Education.