Snapshots of the HMJDS Experience

Ray Levi, Head of School

How do we describe the essence of the HMJDS experience?  What is the value of our curriculum?  At this time of year, near the midpoint of the school calendar, many indicators emerge.  Here are a few snapshots of scenes from my interactions during the last several weeks that capture the unique qualities of an HMJDS experience.

 

Judaism

A parent of a kindergartener describes the conversation he had with his child.  “Do you know all of the plagues?”  Together, the father and daughter listed as many as they could recall and then talked about places where you could find the information.  “We could Google the information and get it on our phone now.  And we can look in our Bible at home,” the Dad said.  “I think you’ll find the plagues in Chapter 7 of Sh’mot (Exodus),” his daughter (accurately) indicated. 

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It’s Friday afternoon and the fifth and sixth grade gathers for Kabbalat Shabbat.  It’s the week of the earthquake in Haiti and Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman asks the students to consider God’s role in this natural disaster.  The room comes alive with eager participants exploring complex theological issues.  Where does God intervene directly?  Where is God’s presence felt in Haiti?  Is God to be found in our response?  Why does God allow such disasters to happen?  The students struggle to find consistency in their emerging understandings of God and God’s roles.  Would their beliefs in this context apply in others?  There is no shortage of ideas—only too little time late on a Friday afternoon. 

The students struggle to find consistency in their emerging understandings of God and God’s roles.

 

 

Academics

Since winter break, the sixth graders have been buzzing with activity surrounding their ethics project.  I’m interviewed by a group exploring questions surrounding school uniforms.  Students come to grips with the idea that there are multiple perspectives; that there may be different answers for different schools or different periods in a school’s history.  One student observes, “I learned from my parents that they really support the idea of school uniforms, though at this point, I don’t believe in them.”  I’m reminded of the words of virtually every significant figure in education reminding us that understanding multiple viewpoints will be critical to success in a global society. 

Educators also focus on the importance of asking good questions.  I was shown the questions that a group studying the impact of the Electoral College asked of former Vice President Walter Mondale.  I was struck by the amount of research these students had undertaken to frame such very specific questions as, “What would the impact have been in the 1984 election had state Electoral

College votes been awarded on the basis of congressional district votes?”  When describing their research process, the students underscored that one of their tasks was assessing the accuracy and quality of their online sources. Here is a truly critical 21st century skill. 

 

Community

Our partnerships with synagogues permit our students to apply prayer skills learned at school in communal settings.  Last week our K-5 students participated in an annual tradition, leading a Kabbalat Shabbat service at Temple Israel.  I cannot help but be struck by the poise of these younger students as they stand on the bimah, looking out to a full sanctuary, and using the “adult” siddur (prayer book).  Their enthusiasm tells me they will represent the next generational link in sustaining Jewish ritual life well. 

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I spoke with a first grader who was excited about the opportunity to participate in our HMJDS Chess Club.  She had been an enthusiastic chess player in kindergarten, eagerly teaching her parents.  When we talked about the possibility of joining the club, she quickly said, “I hope Jaime will be in the club.”  Since Jaime is a sixth grader, I wondered what the connection was until I was reminded that Jaime has been her chess partner/teacher before school during the last two years. 

Each of these snapshots is characterized by student enthusiasm and engagement, by skill development and application, by a deep desire to do well and support friends.  Behind the scenes are the caring teachers who have designed curriculum and cheer students on, parents who partner, and community rabbis and representatives who enhance our work.  These are nice pictures to take into Shabbat!

B'shalom,