JUDAIC STUDIES
Judaic Studies: Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Values
At the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, Judaic Studies are at the heart of our students’ learning experience. Each year, students deepen their knowledge and skills in Torah, Tefilah (prayer), Parashat HaShavua (weekly Torah portion), and Jewish holidays. As they grow, so does their ability to observe, analyze, and understand texts independently — building a strong foundation for lifelong Jewish learning.
Our curriculum blends classical and modern Jewish texts with rich explorations of Jewish history, life cycle events, and culture. Lessons are designed to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills — reinforcing and enhancing general studies objectives.
Jewish values (middot) are not only taught but lived. From the classroom to the community, students actively practice kindness, responsibility, gratitude, and justice through meaningful service projects and real-life application.
Special milestone celebrations are held in each grade level, giving students something meaningful to work toward each year. These celebrations connect classroom learning to personal growth and highlight key themes—from receiving their school Siddur in first grade to exploring leadership and identity in middle school.
At the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, our students engage in an exceptional new Hebrew language program where Hebrew is not just studied—it’s lived. Through a dynamic and immersive approach, students learn to understand, speak, read, and write Hebrew as a living, vibrant language.
Our program follows the Hebrew Proficiency Approach, which focuses on building real-world communication skills. This method allows us to tailor our teaching to meet each student’s needs, using authentic Israeli materials written by Israelis for native speakers—giving students a genuine connection to modern Israeli culture and language.
The curriculum is aligned with the Hebrew Proficiency Guidelines developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These nationally recognized standards outline four stages of language development: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. Using these benchmarks, we guide and support our students as they progress with confidence and skill from one level to the next.
At NEMJDS, Hebrew isn’t just a subject—it’s a bridge to our heritage, our people, and the wider Jewish world.
Bringing Hebrew to Life
Experiencing, celebrating, and learning about Israel is a fundamental part of life at NEMJDS. From the early grades, students build a deep and lasting connection to Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.
Through essential questions and big ideas, students explore the history, culture, and character of the State of Israel. Whether celebrating Israeli holidays, speaking Hebrew, engaging with Israeli music and food, or learning about historical milestones and current events, our students come to understand the vital role Israel plays in Jewish identity and global Jewish peoplehood.
Israel: A Living Connection
