Chabad of Cobb CTeen U Offers College Credits

Chabad of Cobb will offer a 10-week course for high school students in grades 10-12 this fall focused on Israel, exploring the Jewish community’s deep connection to the land, its history and people.

Participants will receive two elective college credits upon completion of the course, which can be transferred to the student’s college of choice. Classes begin Oct. 19 and will run for 10 Sundays (excluding national holidays) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cobb synagogue. Rabbi Avremel Zaltzman will teach the course, which is limited to 20 students. According to Rabbi Zaltzman, there is no homework, and all learning takes place during the evening sessions.

“Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to be proud and passionate advocates for Israel, particularly in the current environment and as they head to college,” said Rabbi Zaltzman.

Eli Bock, who is headed to the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, credits Rabbi Zaltzman and the CTeen U classes at Chabad of Cobb with his decision to take a gap year at the Chabad yeshiva before beginning his studies at the University of Wisconsin. His favorite class at Chabad of Cobb, in fact, focused on Israel – the country’s historic events, ties between its citizens and the Jewish diaspora, as well as the Torah’s impact on laws in Israel.

“I loved all the classes I have taken. We had great discussions during every class. Rabbi Zaltzman encourages questions, and he is very engaging. As a result of all I have learned, I have an even stronger Jewish identity today. As an added bonus, potential students should know there are a ton of snacks at every class, including popcorn, candy and drinks,” said Bock.

Micah Kopelman, now headed to Washington University in St. Louis, found out about the classes from his uncle, Mitchell Kopelman, an active member of the Cobb shul. “To be honest, I took the first class for the college credits I would receive, but the learning quickly took precedence over the credits. After the end of each session, I wanted to sign up for the next series of classes,” he said.

Kopelman also praised the Israel class and admitted this course has been his favorite to date. He found the subject matter applicable to his own life. “Following the timeline of Israel, we could see the crazy miracles that have unfolded and how the rules of Torah — like how to preserve individual rights and ethically fight a war — continue even today. Through CTeen Youth, the university courses, social events, study sessions with rabbis and Shabbatons, I have been introduced to a more observant way of living, which I find meaningful,” he said.

Hannah Epstein, a senior in the Campbell High School International Baccalaureate program, was introduced to the college courses by her brother, who had earlier taken many of the classes at Chabad of Cobb. A native of Marietta, Epstein has been active in the CTeen Youth program since eighth grade and attributes her involvement to feeling more connected to Judaism.

“I know more about Judaism and Jewish culture as a result of my participation in the classes and being active in CTeen Youth. I’m also glad I’ll be taking six college credits with me as I head off to college next year,” said Epstein.

Interested students and their parents may reserve a spot for the Israel class at Chabad of Cobb with a $25 deposit at www.chabadofcobb.com/collegecredits.