Judaic Studies
A Rich Jewish Education and Culture of Jewish Values
Kindergarten celebrates Sukkot!
The Denver Jewish Day School (Denver JDS) Judaic program is thoroughly interwoven into our secular curriculum. Denver JDS leverages Jewish learning skills, values, wisdom and tradition to enhance academic achievement.
Our educational philosophy is shaped by the reality that our students and their families come with diverse Jewish beliefs, attitudes and practices. We view this diversity as an asset and educational resource.
The Lower Division Judaic Studies curriculum (grades K through 5) is a blend of music, holiday celebrations, prayer and study. The goal of the curriculum is to engender affection for Jewish learning and practices and to lay the academic groundwork for more advanced Jewish studies in Hebrew language, Jewish texts and Jewish history. Our students start learning to speak, read and write Hebrew in kindergarten and use their developing skill to read traditional and modern texts in their original language. There is a focus on middot behavior informed by Jewish values, in all grades.
In Middle School (grades 6 through 8 ) curriculum is designed to provide the students with experiences of belonging to the Jewish people: initiation into traditional Jewish text study, tikkun olam (service learning) and Sabbath retreats. This creates an environment where students can safely question and express their personal Jewish identity.
The High School curriculum (grades 9 through 12) is elective: students can explore a variety of Jewish content areas and/or pursue intensive text study. By giving the student (and family) a high degree of participation in the formation of the student’s curriculum, we can offer a Judaic studies program with broad appeal.
Hebrew language is studied in every grade. There is a six-week Hebrew/Israel Immersion Program (HIP) in Israel for the 10th grade. An introductory Hebrew language program is available for students who enter middle or high school without a day school background.
You can learn more details about the Judaic courses offered in each grade by clicking on the links below or contacting Rabbi Mark Goodman, Director of Judaic studies, at 303-369-0663 ext. 280.
