The Judaic Activities program encompasses all cocurricular Jewish programming at Gann Academy–The New Jewish High School of Greater Boston. The goal of these programs is to provide Jewish learning and experience outside the classroom. Judaic Activities include Shiur Clali, Yemei Iyyun, holiday programming, and shabbatonim.

Shiur Clali

During the fall and spring months, Gann Academy sets aside a period every Friday morning for shiur clali, a half-hour talk on the weekly Torah portion. The talk is delivered by rabbis and educators from the Boston Jewish community or from within the school. We encourage our speakers to talk about the Torah portion as it relates to their own views of Judaism and to open the texts of the Torah to discussion.

Yemei Iyyun

A yom iyyun is a seminar program dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of a single topic. No formal classes are held during a yom iyyun. Instead, students take part in various programs and learning workshops. We are planning several full and partial day yemei iyyun this academic year. One on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day spearheaded by the History Department and one on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day under the leadership of the Hebrew and Judaic Departments.

Holiday Programming

The Jewish festivals are a unique and integral part of Jewish life and learning. Through our holiday programming we seek to celebrate and explore the Jewish festivals within our mission as a pluralistic Jewish high school. Our holiday programs include celebration and learning in the Sukkah, Chanukah candlelightings, Purim festivities and a Lag B’Omer picnic.

Shabbatonim

During the course of the academic year, Gann Academy sponsors many different shabbatonim. Each student is required to attend a grade level shabbaton as well as an Exploration Week shabbaton. Students may also choose to attend Shabbatonim sponsored by the different prayer communities at Gann Academy. In addition, groups such as the "Red Curtain" Drama Club may offer Shabbatonim during the school year. The goal of this program is to expose students to the wide range of Shabbat experiences available in the contemporary Jewish community and to allow students to participate in these experiences in the company of their friends and peers. This program serves to broaden the horizons of our students, deepen friendships, and build community. In providing options for shabbatonim, we are sensitive to the religious values of our student body. Within the broad range of options, students are certain to find a Shabbat experience that meets their individual needs.