Jewish Learning
Jewish Learning at The Adelson School
The Judaics Department equips students with:
- knowledge of the core sacred texts (Torah) and commanded practices (Mitzvot) that are together central to Jewish life
- love for and pride in Judaism and the Jewish people
- skills necessary to think with sophistication and clarity on how the Jewish tradition’s teachings apply in our lives and to contemporary questions
Department courses focus on direct study of classical Torah texts (primarily Tanakh, with exposure to Mishna, Talmud, Midrash, and medieval commentators).
Lessons employ classical modes of learning including Chavruta, engaging with and creating Commentary, distinguishing between and incorporating both Written and Oral Torah, and regard for Halacha as a system offering practical and unifying guidance.
In addition to these classical modes, courses are punctuated with field trips, hands-on creative tasks, and a year-long capstone project.
We emphasize that Torah texts contain multiple layers of meaning and interpretation, even as they demand from us careful reading supported by evidence. In doing so, our classroom culture prizes questions that challenge simplistic readings, and we spotlight student answers that evince both respect for tradition and creativity.
Though our academic goals are primary, we are more than just an academic department. Those goals are balanced with:
- a stated commitment that love, pride, and joy are desired outcomes from the interaction with Torah
- a conviction that Derekh Eretz (civility and civic-mindedness) and Middot (character) are prerequisites of and end-goals in Torah study
- a belief that Torah study is a sacred act that should be framed and experienced as such
The Adelson School admits qualified students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The Adelson School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.