Judaic Studies

As "עם הספר/The People of the Book," the study of Torah sits at the foundation of the Jewish people's identity. Beginning with our youngest students, we engage children in a love of narrative and history through Torah study and lay the groundwork for a lifelong connection to the language and text of Judaism.

The methodology used to teach and learn Torah is consistent from grade to grade, spiraling in complexity from year to year. Beyond the learning of the literal meaning of the Torah text, and aligned with our core value of Torah Lish-mah/Learning for its Own Sake, deeper understandings of and formation of personal meaning and connection to the text are what truly inspire the lifelong study of Torah. Therefore, engagement with and practice of parshanut/exegesis is central to our Torah curriculum. 

The rhythm and cycle of Jewish life and experiences are driven by observances and celebrations of Shabbat and the haggim/Jewish festivals. Our formal studies of Jewish life and ritual take the approach of instructing students in traditional knowledge of and approaches to Jewish living. However, as a pluralistic Jewish day school community, we embrace the many paths that our students and families take to integrating Judaism into their lives. Our goal is to build a foundation of knowledge, skills, and modes of thinking that will make them Jewish learners who are comfortable with their choices of observances and affiliations. Alongside the academic aspect of Jewish studies, we strive as well to engender a sense of ru-ah/spiritual excitement, passion, and joy for Judaism in our students. 

We celebrate and maintain a strong link to our ancient prayer customs through participation in traditional t’filah activities. As a pluralistic community Jewish day school, we offer a diverse program in t'filah education that allows students to connect with prayer practices in a variety of ways. T’filah lessons offer opportunities for students to learn correct nusah/melody, engage in in-depth study of prayer texts, develop a sense of spirituality, and to exercise leadership as shlihei tzibbur/communal prayer leaders

The Lower School Israel education program is designed to promote Ahavat Yisrael/Love of Israel, K’lal Yisrael/the Jewish people, and Hebrew the language of the Jewish people. Israel is brought to life throughout the program, as students begin to identify with Israel as both the historical and modern homeland of the Jewish people and to celebrate Israel’s history, accomplishments, and people. Israel education hits its crescendo in the spring as the school community commemorates Yom Hazikaron/Remembrance Day and celebrates Yom Ha-atzma-ut/Independence Day and Yom Y’rushalayim/Jerusalem Day.