Sunday, November 8, 2009

What is Torah im Derech Eretz?

Torah im Derech Eretz (Hebrew: תורה עם דרך ארץ‎ - Torah with "the way of the land") is a philosophy of Orthodox Judaism articulated by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888), which formalizes a relationship between traditionally observant Judaism and the modern world.

For a full description see Torah_im_Derech_Eretz

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Yom Ha'atzmaut

The School will be apolitical. Yom Ha'atzmaut is celebrated (or not celebrated) by each family differently. The school will be closed on Yom Ha'atzmaut and students will be explained why people celebrate the day.

The IDF

Eretz Yisroel is a country at war and the IDF is a critical component of keeping all of us safe. While all agree that the IDF may contain issues that can be problematic for religious youth, it is an integral part of living here.

Each parent and student must decide for themselves how they will proceed after high school.

Whether a child attend the army or not is a personal choice, however, the children who graduate as young adults will be imbued with strength in torah, yiras shamayim and the strength needed to be able to pass the nisyonos of life.

Parent Body

The parent body of the school must be seriously committed to keeping the Torah and Mitzvos.

For the fathers this means:
Having at least one seder of learning per day, davening most t'fillos with a minyan.

For the mothers this means:
Dressing in accordance with halalcha - knees and hair completely and properly covered. All other areas are personal preference.

For the Home:
While Computers, internet and movies are allowed, careful consideration is given in the home to what adults and children watch. Internet should be carefully filtered and only children's movies, or movies designed for the religious community may be watched. Absolutely no TV or secular movies.

Secular Studies

Secular studies, while secondary to Torah, are extremely important in order for our children to be able to function in today's global economy.

A full curriculum of secular studies for a minimum of four hours a day including, math, world history, science, English, computers and other subjects will all be taught in the English language. This will ensure our children speaking and writing perfect English.

In order for the students to be able to function equally well in Israeli society and pass the Bagrut and other State tests, all terms in math and science will be taught in both Hebrew and English.

Top teachers will be selected with high qualifications. Our educational system will fully embrace all aspects that modern technology has to offer.

Torah Studies

The Torah is our foundation and guide.

Only the best rebbeim will be selected. All Torah and Jewish subjects will be taught in modern ivrit with the ivit havarah.

Rebeim will be college educated and from the Torah Umada or Torah Im Derech Eretz backround.

Middos tovos, understanding tefilah, and a strong basis of halacha and hashkafa will be emphasised.