Mifgash Jewish Community High School Program is a community of Jewish students who meet weekly to learn from engaging faculty. Our students come from many different backgrounds, and all are united in a commitment to Jewish learning and a willingness to contribute to classroom discussions. Our mission is to create an active learning community that is responsive to the needs of Jewish teens, and to offer teens opportunities to strengthen their Jewish identity and knowledge, their connection to the Jewish community, and their bond to Israel.
Mifgash welcomes all Jewish students in grades 8-12. Students choose their own classes from a diverse selection of courses. Every semester offers the chance to try something new! All of our classes are discussion-based, and there are no tests, quizzes or exams.
Mifgash transforms our students from Jewish learners to Jewish leaders.
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2026 Fall Course Descriptions
Welcome to HEBREW 101! - Tahel Dahan
HEB 101 is a beginner-level, 4-credit undergraduate course designed for high school seniors and juniors. Throughout the course, students will develop the five essential language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural understanding. Students will learn the Hebrew alphabet and script, develop practical communication skills, and explore Hebrew through Israeli and Jewish culture. HEB 101 is more than just a Hebrew class. It is an opportunity for students to experience a college-level course while still in high school, develop the academic skills and confidence needed for college, and earn 4 Syracuse University credits before graduation.
The course gives students a meaningful head start on their college journey while allowing them to learn a language that connects them to Jewish history, culture, and contemporary Israel.
Game On! Learning to Play, The Mifgash Way - Gavriella Adler
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, such as Quingo, Anomia, Codenames, Jewish Telestrations 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!
Jews And The News - 2026/2027 Edition – Arnie Adler
Welcome to the 2026/2027 edition of “Jews and the News” here at Mifgash!? This semester, our discussion-based current events class will likely cover a variety of current political and social issues including the ongoing conflicts in Iran, Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East – and what it means for both Israel and for us as American Jews. We will discuss the seemingly significant shift of the Democratic party, and especially its younger voters, to the political left; its possible embrace of the principles of “democratic socialism” and what that all might mean for us here as Jews who support the safety and security of Israel. We will consider what’s at stake for us living in a profoundly divided and sometimes antisemitic 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 many other current issues in a fun, energetic, and sometimes boisterous Jewish environment (and there is always chocolate candy too!), then “Jews and the News- 2026/2027 Edition” is the class for you!
Jews, Booze & Tattoos – Elin Shaddox
What do Judaism and tattoos have in common? What does Judaism say about drinking alcohol? And why do Jewish traditions have so many opinions about what we put into, and onto, our bodies?
In this honest and engaging course, we’ll tackle real-life questions about Judaism, identity, choices, and modern life. Through conversation, Jewish literature and texts, thought-provoking scenarios, and a little humor, we’ll explore what Jewish tradition says about our bodies, alcohol, tattoos, peer pressure, personal choices, and living Jewishly in today’s world.
No lectures. No judgment. Just real questions, Jewish perspectives, and honest conversations.
Let’s Talk Israel: - Elad, Oriya, Maayan, Shai This class offers an inside look at modern Israeli life through the eyes of Israeli teens, the Shinshinim. What is it really like to grow up in Israel? Through conversation, stories, activities, and honest discussion, students will explore everyday Israeli culture, school life, family, friendships, military service, holidays, food, music, and the diverse communities that make up Israeli society. We’ll also talk openly about the complexities of living in Israel, including different perspectives, challenges, disagreements, and how Israelis navigate life in a complicated reality. Forget the stereotypes, come ask questions, share perspectives, and discover what Israel is really like from the teens who call it home.
2026-2027 Registration Forms
2026- 2027 Calendar
Contact Us
For more information, please contact Ruth Malka at ruthm@albanyjcc.org