Estelle and Melvin Gelman Religious School
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L'ayla Program
What is L'ayla?
L'ayla translates to "beyond" - and well beyond classroom learning, this dynamic program offers a unique blend of experiential and academic immersion, ethical engagement, and community service, crafted specifically for our 7th - 12th grade student population. With a community dinner and innovative learning tracks for each grade band, this program offers something for everyone.
When does L'ayla meet?
L'ayla meets on Tuesday nights at 6:00-8:00 pm. Click here to view the 2025-2026 L'ayla calendar. The first night of classes is September 9, 2025.
How much does it cost to participate?
You can access our 2025-2026 proposed tuition structure here.
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! How do I register my student(s)?
Please note that our enrollment period is May 1 - June 15. Any enrollments after this period will be approved on a case-by-case basis and will be required to pay a $50.00 late fee per student.
New and returning families must complete a two-step process per each student to successfully enroll for the upcoming year. All families will be contacted this summer with registration confirmation.
For NEW families (families who did not enroll a student in the 2024-2025 year):
1. Submit your enrollment deposit
2. Complete enrollment forms through Alma, our online school portal. New families will need to create an Alma account before filling out enrollment forms. A help guide for this process is available here.
For RETURNING families (families who have a currently enrolled student, including families who are enrolling an additional student/students for the upcoming year):
1. Submit your enrollment deposit
2. Complete enrollment forms through Alma, our online school portal. Returning families will have an existing Alma account. A help guide for this process is available here.
What does L'ayla curriculum look like?
7th - 8th grade:
During first period, all students in 7th and 8th grade attend their core class. Each grade builds knowledge in an important area of Jewish study, such as rituals & life cycle, Israel, Jewish text, and history.
In second period, students attend a mixed-grade elective of their choosing. Students chose one elective for the Fall Semester in September and one elective for the Spring Semester in February.
9th - 12th grade:
Students in 9th-12th grades will have the opportunity to choose from three yearlong tracks:
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Kulam: Conversation & Connection: How do you know if someone is really listening to you? What turns a friend into your best friend? What’s the best way to stay calm in stressful times? What’s your role as a Jew in America? In Kulam, students will debate these topics and more through interactive games and discussions as they explore shleimut (individual wellbeing), hesed (connection), and tzedek (just action). Brought to you by Moving Traditions, Kulam is a place for everyone to discuss big questions in new ways, equipping Jewish teens to engage in dynamic and authentic relationships in order to think reflectively, act courageously, and develop healthy and caring communities.
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Introduction to Jewish Ethics: A Jewish Learning Experience class from American Jewish University (Students who successfully complete this class will earn 3 undergraduate college credits): In this class, students will explore Jewish ethics - both the context and time in which they were lived and practiced as well as the way we understand these ancient laws in our lives today. Over the course of the year, students will spend time exploring the ethics surrounding kashrut, Shabbat, medical ethics, property laws and social responsibility and how we engage in business, starting with the original text, exploring what our ancient commentators thought about these laws and then assessing what these laws look like in modern day.
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Rejecting the Binary, Embracing Dual Narratives - A Nuanced Understanding of Israel Palestine (Offered during the first semester): In partnership with Tovanot, students will participate in an 8-session series that enables high school students to confront their discomfort, delve into the most complex questions related to Israel/Palestine, and acquire historical knowledge and understanding. It facilitates a more expansive view of the conflict, allowing participants to feel more at home in their values. Using a dual-narrative approach to understanding the historical and political landscape in Israel, Tovanot rejects binary thinking and a zero-sum game approach. Instead it encourages a rigorous and sober exploration of Zionist history and our connection to the Jewish homeland, alongside concern and empathy for Palestinian lives and narratives and their connection to their homeland. Logistical note: Those who participate in this first-semester class will be placed in our Kulam track for the second semester.
Our year will also include special events like live performances, guest speakers, cooking sessions, college night, and more. And as always, our 12th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in our beloved Senior Seminar program, meeting with Adas clergy, staff and senior educators. *While realities on the ground are constantly shifting and impact our ability to travel safely, know that we are planning an Israel Travel Experience for our 10th-12th grade students in December 2025.
Please reach out to the Education Department at eddept@adasisrael.org with any questions.
Meshek Teen Leadership Program
What is the Meshek Teen Leadership Program?
Meshek (משק) is an acronym of three Hebrew words: Manhigut (leadership), Sheirut (service), and Kehila (community.) This term (typically used on kibbutzim in Israel) refers to the strength or well-being of a community and its commitment to working together.
The Meshek Teen Leadership Program invites students in 8th-12th grade to develop their skills as leaders and emerging Jewish educators by serving in our religious school, both during the midweek classes and over the weekends.
Participants will gain leadership experience and new skills by working within the Education Department and attending regular training and skill-development workshops. Our teen leaders will serve as role models for younger students, typically working in Gishron (Pre-K 4) - 3rd grade classrooms.
Who can apply to the Meshek Teen Leadership Program?
Any student in grades 8th-12th is welcome to apply! Teen leaders will commit to working at least one shift per week over the course of the school year, with some pre-approved absences permitted.
How do I apply to the Meshek Teen Leadership Program?
Participation in the Meshek Program requires an application and short interview. Apply to the 2025-2026 program here! After your application has been processed, we will reach out to schedule an interview with you, which will help determine schedule placement, along with other factors including teen requests, teacher requests, and classroom needs. Selected teen leaders will also participate in a pre-school year, in-person orientation in August.
Can I earn community service hours? Will I get paid?
Mesheks in their first year of the program are eligible to receive community service hours, pending approval by their middle or high school.
Mesheks in their second - fifth years of the program are eligible to receive community service hours or payment. Students interested in receiving community service must receive approval by their high school. Students interested in receiving payment must be at least 14 years of age and complete all compensation paperwork, including obtaining a D.C. work permit and submitting payroll information to Adas.
What days/hours can I work as a Meshek?
Many of the positions available to our teen leaders will be on Sundays at 8:30am-12:15pm. We also have limited shifts available on Saturdays at 8:30am-12:15pm, Tuesdays at 4-6pm, and Wednesdays at 4-6pm.
