Judaic Studies

Judaic studies is based on telling our story to the next generation and inviting them to add their page to it. Acts of loving-kindness and mitzvoth are part of daily lessons.

BHDS students study the texts, traditions, customs, and language of our people, learning both formally during class time and informally through celebration of holidays and school-wide events.

Our children are on a pathway towards the development of their own Jewish identity, engaged in exploring their spiritual potential and remaining excited and inspired by both the rich heritage of their past and the vigor of their present.

Judaism is taught as a religion and a culture, as a nationality and an ethnicity, but not as the only way to live.

In the lower grades, Judaic studies follows the seasons of the Jewish year. For example, children learn about Purim in the lead-up to that holiday, or study the Torah portion of the week. Ritual is designed to support community. Students welcome the Sabbath in their classrooms and physically embrace their ritual with blessings, eating, and drinking as part of Jewish custom.

Whenever possible, the Judaic studies curriculum is integrated with English, science, social studies, and art.  For example, to complement the fourth grade study of California history, students become involved in an integrated and multidimensional exploration of California Jews during the gold rush period.  Research, art, and video are combined to highlight the female and male pioneers who were prominent figures in the nineteenth century California Jewish community.  In the fifth grade, students study the history of American Jews in conjunction with their unit on American history. Students engage in family history projects, researching their own ancestors' immigration to America. They prepare family trees, research reports, and class presentations.