Educational Philosophy and Goals
Religious school provides fundamental training for life as a Jew. During the years your children spend with us, WCT provides the skills and knowledge they need to live that life and, hopefully, the motivation and commitment to do so. We believe that Religious school is a beginning, not an end.
* Children will feel successful and appreciated as they engage in Jewish study and understand why they can be proud to be Jewish.
* Students will treat each other according to the highest principles of Jewish conduct.
* We encourage our teachers to provide a stimulating atmosphere in the classroom while understanding and accepting individual differences.
* We are serious about learning. We expect our students to master the Hebrew of the synagogue service and become familiar with Jewish history, holidays, customs, and ideas. We use challenging material, assign homework when necessary and encourage parents to help to ensure that material is reviewed at home. We are aware that students are often pressured by their secular studies, so our assignments are kept as short as possible.
* As Jews, we value Tikkun Olam, helping God fix this world, and recognize that Judaism means the most when it is translated into action. As Reform Jews, we are especially dedicated to helping our children understand their responsibility to the community. Toward this end we promote an understanding of tzedakah as a Jewish obligation, asking that children participate in a routine of giving and engaging in on-going projects, such as Food of the Month, Project Ezra and Midnight Run.
* Children will develop an identification with all Jews of the past and present, have pride in Jewish accomplishments, empathy with Jewish tragedy, and responsibility for Jewish issues today. Because Torah has been the cornerstone of Judaism throughout the centuries, we want our students to be familiar with the Bible which provides strong insights into both the history of our people and the development of the values we treasure.
* Students will identify with the people and land of Israel, appreciating both historical ties and present interdependence between Israel and Diaspora Jewry.
* Students will discover those Jewish activities which allow them to feel close to God.
* Our professional staff is dedicated to working with students in order to motivate them to continue their Jewish education beyond Confirmation
