As a Jewish community day school, our school embraces all Jewish students who wish to attend, with the understanding that they will come from with various levels of knowledge, observance, and skills. We do not downplay or overlook anyone’s religious feelings or practice. Rather, the school respects, values and celebrates its diversity while promoting and teaching our Judaic philosophy. Kehila JCDS encourages righteousness, not self-righteousness and is committed to providing every enrolled student with the opportunity to learn in a way that empowers them to reach their maximum potential.
From Junior Kindergarten through 5th Grade, Kehila JCDS introduces to students the concept of תורה עם דרך ארץ - Torah with worldly knowledge. This is the foundation of the Jewish community day school model. Torah knowledge, coupled with general knowledge, will guide students through the modern world in which they live. Kehila JCDS’ program is based upon the following pillars:
- Gimilut Chassadim/ Acts of loving kindness
Torah: One of Kehila JCDS’ key objectives is to instill in students a deep knowledge, understanding and ability to analyze the Torah in order to find within it practical everyday lessons. These include the appreciation of such basic concepts as pride versus humility and materialism versus spirituality.
Avodah/Prayer: Through the process of individual and communal prayer, Kehila teachers guide students to understand the significance, meaning, and process of prayer in classical and modern Jewish sources.
Gimilut Chassadim/Acts of Kindness: The importance of caring for and taking care of all other creations on G-D’s earth - starting with those who are close - is incorporated throughout Kehila JCDS’ program. This includes general concepts of equity, love and gratitude.
Building upon these pillars, we believe it is essential that students develop an understanding of and appreciation for all Mitzvot. Kehila JCDS provides students opportunities to practice these Mitzvot. Hebrew language plays a vital role in the Kehila JCDS experience. עברית is taught for the purpose of studying the written and oral Torah, as well as for modern communication with Jews in Israel and those who come from diverse communities around the world. Hebrew serves as a window that exposes students to contemporary Israeli culture and society.
Preserving continuity, Kehila JCDS graduates knowledgeable, responsible young people with deep pride and commitments to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel. Students who think Jewishly and know how to act Jewishly grow from Kehila JCDS’ meaningful balance of academic, religious and cultural experiences. It is this comprehensive Jewish education built upon that foundation of Torah that ultimately enables the next generation to consider Judaism as more than a religion of theory, but as a practical way of life.