High School Judaic Studies

List of 3 items.

• Our Curriculum

  Our students encounter the riches and complexities of Judaism through an analysis of the primary texts of our tradition.  The focus of the curriculum is on teaching meaningful and relevant topics and themes in Judaism with practical moral and philosophical lessons via rigorous text study.

   

  Freshmen study the foundations of Jewish ethics.  Using Tanach, Talmud, and commentaries throughout the ages, the students explore the very meaning of life by examining provocative topics such as abortion and euthanasia.
  
  

  Sophomores tackle what it means to live in a diverse global society.  They study the development of Rabbinic Judaism inside the Talmud itself (in addition to a wide variety of other primary Jewish texts) and confront the challenges of successfully living in the 21st century.
  
  

  Juniors travel to Israel, and by examining primary historical documents, they explore their roots via a course of study of Jewish history with an emphasis on the complexities of life in modern Israel.
  
  

  Seniors begin to get ready for college and beyond, they consider topics relevant to what they are going to encounter on campus, such as Israel advocacy and the Jewish views of money management.  Students also take our Spiritual Tefilah Curriculum in which they explore the meanings behind Jewish prayer.  

   

  We also offer a wide array of Judaic Studies electives.  The goal of our elective program is to empower our students to take control of their Jewish education.  Sample course offerings include Modern Israel and Israel Advocacy, Women in Judaism, Judaism and the Arts, Musical Midrash, Advanced Judaic Studies, Senior Project, G-d and Evil, The Shoah (Holocaust), What Happens After You Die, Biblical Criticism, and Comparative Religion.
  
  

  Our students also take part in the Neta Hebrew language curriculum that aims to fully immerse our students in the vitality of the Hebrew language with an emphasis on becoming fluent Hebrew speakers and readers.  Modern Hebrew is taught as a living language.  Students learn to be conversational, thinking in Hebrew, not merely translating, acquiring a love of Hebrew literature and poetry.  We currently offer five levels of instruction.

• Minimester

  Minimester is a 4-day long program built on the Jewish value and concept of Torah Lishma, learning for its own sake. During Minimester students have the opportunity to pursue topics of study that are of interest to them, that are unfamiliar to them, that they wish to learn more about or that are, simply put, their passion.
  
  No tests or grades are accompanying these courses. We want students to explore the ideas and areas that spark their interest and expand their base of knowledge.
  
  Each year, there are over 40 courses offered across a variety of disciplines. The majority of courses are taught by Rosenblatt High School faculty along with a selection of courses taught by professionals in the community.

• Jewish Life

  In addition to our formal Judaic Studies curriculum, we offer a wide array of informal Jewish education experiences. We feel that learning (especially about Torah and Judaism) cannot be confined to the classroom. Judaism isn’t just about learning, it’s about doing. Learning takes place all around us, all the time.

     

  Tefilah – Our prayer program provides students with options to explore, practice, and create meaningful and spiritual tefilah experiences.  Students choose and commit to a tefilah community that takes very seriously where they come from, their family’s traditions and practices, their personal beliefs, and their openness to exploration and spiritual growth.  We offer a variety of tefilah options, from a more traditional minyan to others whose emphases are on meditation and discussion.
   

  Tikkun Olam – All students at DKJA work a number of hours per year at community service sites as part of their quest to “repair the world.”
  
  

  Shabbatonim– Students participate in a number of thematic retreats based upon a communal Shabbat experience, both within the DKJA community and also with Jewish high schools from across the country. These student-led “lock-ins” have been a hit.
  
  

  Chagim – Our community’s experiential Jewish holiday program reflects a commitment to a transdenominational vision of Judaism that embraces all movements.  We build our own sukkah, we have a fun Purim shpiel and carnival, we have a Chanukah coffeehouse and talent show, and more!
  
  

  Town Meeting/Beit Midrash – This is a weekly community-wide interactive meeting designed to introduce our students and faculty to new, exciting, and provocative ideas.  Students and teachers regularly suggest or lead discussions.
  
  

  Clubs – DKJA helps our students find spiritual Jewish meaning in everyday life, including activities such as cooking, drama, music, chess, or student council.  Every week, our students are engaged in a buzz of clubs, organizations, and activities.