San Francisco

Judaic Studies

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ur multi-faceted Judaic studies curriculum offers an in-depth examination of Jewish literature, history and culture. An emphasis on developing critical thinking and textual analytical skills complements the general studies curriculum.

As students study Jewish texts, they examine the difference between subjective and objective history.  They analyze selections from Pirkei Avot, the ethical wisdom literature of the Talmud, Rashi, Maimonides and others as they relate these ancient texts to their current world.  Social justice and tzedakah continue to be emphasized at all grades.

The students also study the many forms of Judaism in America as well as the world's religions.

MS Judaic Studies News

  • Sofer (Scribe) Visits BHDS

    Posted May 8, 2013

    In anticipation of the holiday of Shavuot—the Jewish festival that celebrates the receiving of the Ten Commandments and the Torah at Sinai—our students learned from a sofer (a scribe) about some of the many rules and procedures regarding the writing of sacred texts. Zerach Greenfield, a sofer STaM from New York, demonstrated the tools a scribe uses. The acronym STaM stands for Sefer Torah, teffilin, and mezuzot.

  • Seventh Grade Tzedek Project Raises Funds for 17 Philanthropic Agencies

    Posted April 10, 2013

    In seventh grade, BHDS students devote a major part of their Jewish studies time to researching charitable organizations and donating b'nai mitzvah gift money to meaningful causes, both local and global.The totals are now in, and the news is unprecedented. Not only was the amount raised impressive—$17,646—but a new voting system resulted in funds going to each one of the 17 charitable organizations researched by our students. Organizations ranged from the San Francisco Food Bank to Shalom Bayit. "Through this project, our 7th grade class makes a powerful statement about priorities and learns first-hand how to champion and make a difference for organizations and causes they care about," said Samantha Zadikoff, Jewish studies teacher and Tzedek Project manager....

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  • Holocaust Memorial Observances

    Posted April 8, 2013

    Our students observed Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) in various ways. For lower school, an age-appropriate introduction during assembly was followed by the lighting of seven yahrzeit (memorial) candles. Kindergarteners then led the assembly in a song for peace. Middle school students observed Yom HaShoah at their weekly assembly last week.

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