In supporting the mission and philosophy of the School, the Jewish Studies Program develops students in the three classical Pillars, which can be represented as head (daat), heart (lev), and hands (tzedek): Torah (learning), Avodah (spiritual practice), and Gemilut Hasadim (deeds of loving kindness or ethical practice). Put simply, the goal is to enable students to learn Judaism, love Judaism, and do Judaism.
Within these inter-related realms, the goals are threefold:
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Head (daat) – Nurture life long Jewish learners with a sensitive and sophisticated capacity to learn a broad range of Jewish sources (enhancing textual skills and critical thinking to facilitate greater understanding and independence);
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Heart (lev) – Cultivate love and joy for Jewish learning and culture, an understanding of, respect for, and attachment to diverse forms of Jewish practice, community, and philosophy (pluralism), and a deep connection to Israel and the Jewish people.
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Hands (tzedek) – Foster active students (Jewish activists) who can interpret, integrate, and apply Jewish learning, values, and practices in order to refine the soul, renew the Jewish People, and repair the world.
