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).
Shabbat Sing
ISRAEL
Holidays
Tefillah
Students gather for tefillah (prayer) every day. And on Torah reading days, tefillah is held in the Beit Midrash (chapel). Each year, through our scope and sequence curriculum, students build upon their repertoire of prayers. Student prayer leaders call out pages and serve as role models for the entire school. They recite a set kevah (liturgy) and they learn the kavanah (meaning) of the prayers. On Torah reading days, students in the older grades have an opportunity to read from the Torah scroll. In this egalitarian service, boys are required to wear kippot (head covering) and girls are encouraged to do so if they desire. Tallitot (prayer shawls) are available for students who have become B’nai Mitzvah. Students learn about the practice of wearing tefillin, and are encouraged to wear them if they choose.