children on beach

Jewish Life

At MJDS, students do more than learn about Judaism… they live it! The prevailing culture at MJDS reflects the many expressions of Judaism and the diverse dimensions and aspects of Jewish cultural life. Within our school, Jewish art is displayed on the walls, Jewish music is heard in the hallways and Jewish values are integrated into every facet of school life – from Hebrew class, to gym, to science. We create a culture committed to the values of mitzvot (commandments), acts of hesed (kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Hebrew Language

Immersion in Hebrew language is a great value at MJDS and begins immediately in 3K. This helps students and families to fully engage in Judaism as they learn to understand the original language of our texts. In addition, this helps build connection to our friends and families in their natural tongue.

MJDS students often go on to successfully study Hebrew in high school and join the National Hebrew Honor Society. Learning Hebrew helps children see language differently as they search for patterns, read in a different direction and understand new symbols. This has been proven to help write computer code for students interested in pursuing that field in the future.

Jewish Family Ed

We are proud to offer family and student opportunities to come together in the name of Jewish learning. Every grade level engages with a different Jewish value as they partake in text and learning. One of our favorite programs is when students learn about the origin of mezuzah and enter the Makerspace to design a unique creation to display in their home.

B'mitzvah

We love inviting families to celebrate the b'mitzvah experience at school as a community. Before a student is called up to the Torah, we have our own ceremony where, as a whole school, we honor and shower the student with positive affirmation. This is a cherished tradition and rite of passage

Holidays

Students experience the holidays, discovering how they bring meaning and value to their lives. In addition to Jewish holidays, MJDS students commemorate events such as Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut. These events are observed in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner.

Israel

A connection to and a love for the State of Israel is an integral part of MJDS. 

We are fortunate to have a shin-shin (representative) from Israel who volunteers at school to help foster this connection. This program brings Israeli teenagers, recently graduated from high school, to Milwaukee where they devote a year of service to the Jewish community before beginning their formal military service in Israel. They share their culture with the students at every grade level.