Mifgash

Jews And The News -???2025 Edition 
Arnie Adler 

Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of “Jews and the News” at Mifgash!? This semester, our discussion-based current events class will likely focus on what both Israel and we in the American Jewish community are experiencing during this second presidential term of Donald Trump - including?what ?an end to the conflict in Gaza ?might look like and the hope of freedom for the surviving October 7th hostages.?????We will consider what it means for us as American Jews to live in a??profoundly divided?political, social and cultural climate.??As always,?student-initiated discussions and suggestions for topics are welcomed and encouraged, as are recommendations from our Mifgash parents!????Teens, if you would like to discuss and debate these and other current issues in an energetic, sometimes boisterous, and always fun Jewish environment,?and?teach?Arnie?a thing or?two in the process,?then  “Jews and the News- 2025 Edition” is the class for you! 

Fighting Against Antisemitism and Advocating for Our Community  
Dee Levy and Laura Weisblatt, two of Amidah’s co-founders.? 

The class itself features interactive and dialogue-based sessions in which we define antisemitism and discuss how to combat it and stand up for the Jewish community. We discuss and explore basic Israel education and learn how Israel fits into conversations about antisemitism. We also explore how to get involved in the Jewish community and opportunities for engagement. 

Judaic Art Experiences 
Rivi Bahir 

This hands-on studio course invites students to explore Jewish culture, heritage, and tradition through the creative lens of visual art. Throughout the semester, students will engage in a variety of projects—including painting on canvas, designing coasters, and crafting picture frames—each inspired by Judaic themes, symbols, and stories. Together, we will study the artistic significance of motifs such as the Star of David, menorahs, Hebrew calligraphy, and other meaningful imagery, and then translate these elements into personal works of art. Students will develop both technical skills and creative confidence while deepening their appreciation for Jewish identity, values, and tradition. No prior art experience is necessary—just a willingness to explore, create, and express. 

Hot Topics  
Lenny Goodkin 

Talk about addiction, war, euthanasia, abortion, crime, sin, and how Jewish approaches to the world's most controversial topics have evolved. Participants will earn points through thoughtful discussion and cash them in to trigger educational side quests or to add topics of their own choosing to our already ambitious agenda. 

Let’s Talk Israel 
Ori Shechter, Tene Naor, Liri Levitats 

So… what is Israel, really? Is it just a dream? A tale? Is it even a real place? Is it actually that different from the U.S.? Do kids ride camels to school? 

What’s it like to live in a Jewish country? To grow up in such a complicated reality? What do you do when rockets fall? How do you live surrounded by so many different cultures? And what do we do when we disagree? 

Ever found yourself asking these kinds of questions and not really getting an answer? Well, that’s why we’re here — we’re the Shinshinim! We’re here to break the stereotypes, talk to you honestly, and show you what life in Israel is really like — with all its beauty, and all its challenges. 

Game On! – Learning Through Play, the Mifgash Way 
Sally Eisenberg 

Get ready to bring your game face and your curiosity! Game On! is all about having fun with a Jewish twist. Each week, students will dive into a different exciting game—like Apples to Apples, Jewpardy, Scrabble, and more—all centered around Jewish themes, values, history, and culture. 

Through laughter, friendly competition, and creative thinking, participants will explore Jewish topics in a whole new way. Whether you're spelling out Hebrew words, answering trivia about Jewish holidays, or matching Jewish values to real-life scenarios, every session is a chance to learn something new—without it ever feeling like school. 

This is learning through play, the Mifgash way—where community, creativity, and connection come together in every game! 

For more information, please contact Ruth Malka at ruthm@albanyjcc.org