At MWJDS we create an environment where the diversity of Jewish values are taught and respected in daily life at school. MWJDS students are confident in their Jewish identity through practice and purpose. The rhythm of Jewish life influences the school calendar as we learn about and celebrate Shabbat, Rosh Hodesh (new moon), and the Jewish festivals.
Torah Study
Students are exposed to the sacred texts of our tradition through emphasis on the weekly Torah portion, enabling students in all grades to appreciate the yearly Torah cycle. Younger students become acquainted with the major historical figures of the Torah as well as the meanings of Jewish holidays. In the middle grades, students are encouraged to analyze Torah stories in ways that are relevant to their lives and are given opportunities to create their own responses to the stories through drawing, acting and writing.
Through the encounter of the texts of our tradition, we discover insights and wisdom, ideas and practices to inform our thinking and guide our lives.
The Torah Scrolls Project: Demonstrating Mastery of Skills
Each 5th grade student participates in a long-term (year long) project in which they read each Torah portion, translate it into English, analyze the content, explore the major themes, and write their own commentary. At the end of the year, this work is bound and individually designed into their very own Torah scrolls. Through this project, the students learn critical thinking, translation and text analysis that will be leveraged in the upper grades for other complex works of literature such as Shakespeare or Steinbeck.
Torah Reading Academy
At MWJDS, we teach our students to read Torah trope (cantillation) to enable them to become proficient students of the Hebrew text. We are so proud that MWJDS students read Torah at our school and at local congregations throughout the community. New Torah readers, grade 4 and up, make their debut at the annual Shabbaton.
Tefillah (prayer)
Prayer provides key moments of personal introspection, opportunities to connect the individual to the world, and a universal language (concepts, words, melody, and movement) that unites Jews in real and global communities around the world. Prayer experiences also provide opportunities for creative explorations of questions of meaning and our relationship to G-d and the world.
Each grade learns and participates in an age-appropriate prayer experience. Younger children engage in a brief service and discussions that can span various topics such as: the meaning of prayers; G-d; our world; and things for which we are thankful. Older children have exposure to more elements of the services and engage in thought-provoking dialogue and debate.
All-school Tefillah
Prayer is even more powerful when done in community. We gather monthly as a school with parents and community members to share a special worship experience. Each class has responsibility to lead sections of the service and individual students prepare to read sections of the Torah. Guest Rabbis and Cantors inspire the MWJDS community with words of Torah.
Shabbat & Holidays
Shabbat is a highlight at MWJDS. We prepare for Shabbat on Fridays by cooking, singing, dancing, welcoming a Shabbat guests. This year we introduced the Shabbat Elective [hyperlink to "Shabbat Electives"] program in addition to our monthly community Shabbat celebrations where family and community members are invited to participate in a whole school program. Holidays and weekly Shabbat celebrations provides opportunity for families to participate as we explore the unique customs and traditions of our diverse community. Music, cooking, and creative arts enhance our Jewish living curriculum.
Israel
Eretz Yisrael is at the center of Jewish life, a vital theme of our holy texts and cultural enterprises. All Jews have a special connection to the land, its language and culture and its people. Medinat Yisrael, the State of Israel, is the realization of 2000 years of Jewish hopes. We share a true sense of partnership and the realization of this dream and are prepared to assume a significant in its continuing, evolving story.
Israel is therefore central to our learning at MWJDS. Through lessons and activities in all subject areas, our students develop a positive and loving attitude toward Israel. They learn its history, symbols, culture, geography, and demographics. Students are able to develop their own strong bond with Israel through hands-on activities and a direct sister-city relationship with students in the same age group at the Reali School in Haifa.
Israeli Young Emissaries
MWJDS is fortunate to be a part of the Israeli Young Emissaries program. The emissaries are made possible through the Southern New England Consortium (SNEC) Partnership with communities in Israel: Afula and Gilboa Region, a program of the Jewish Federation of Central MA. Instead of entering the Israel Defense Forces immediately after high school, the emissaries have deferred their army service for a year, and have gone through an intense application and year-long training process in order to perform a year of service in the United States. The emissaries are trained as experiential, hands-on novice educators, working toward creating meaningful connections and living bridges between the partnership communities in the US and Israel. Most have background in leadership in Israeli youth movements. The emissaries live with American host families and work in our local Jewish agencies, and MWJDS. These students are role models and the best Israel has to offer.
This year we welcome Lidor David and Dror Ben Ami who will be working with MWJDS students every Thursday. Lidor is from Gan Ner and Dror is from Afula. Lidor and Dror’s curriculum will include history, geography, culture, natural resources, Hebrew language, holidays and Israeli cuisine.