High School Judaic Studies

List of 7 items.

• Curriculum Overview

  At DKJA, our High School Judaic Studies program is designed to challenge, inspire, and empower students to engage meaningfully with the depth and breadth of Jewish tradition. Our students encounter the riches and complexities of Judaism through direct analysis of the primary texts of our tradition. The focus of the curriculum is on exploring meaningful and relevant topics and themes in Judaism, fostering practical moral and philosophical lessons, all through rigorous text study.
  
  

  Throughout their high school journey, students develop the skills, knowledge, and passion to become thoughtful, life-long Jewish learners and leaders. Across all four years, our Judaic Studies program is:

  • Text-Rich: Students build the skills to navigate primary texts in Hebrew and English.
  • Values-Driven: Lessons emphasize ethical living, responsibility, and Jewish leadership.
  • Student-Centered: The curriculum invites students to explore, question, and make personal connections.
  • Community-Focused: Students learn to honor Jewish diversity while building strong personal and communal Jewish identities.

  Graduates of the DKJA High School Judaic Studies program emerge with a deep love for Judaism, a confident Jewish identity, and the critical thinking skills to lead and engage meaningfully in the Jewish world.

  
  
  

• 9th Grade: The Rise of Kingship – Sefer Shmuel Alef and Shmuel Bet

  In 9th grade, students explore the dramatic transition from leadership by prophets to the establishment of monarchy in Israel. Through an in-depth study of Shmuel Alef and Shmuel Bet, students will grapple with themes such as:

  • Leadership and power
  • Moral responsibility and human fallibility
  • Covenant, kingship, and national identity

  Students will analyze the rise and challenges of leaders like Shaul and David, examining both their successes and moral complexities.
  

• 10th Grade TEXTUAL class: Essential Writings – A Journey Through Ketuvim

  In 10th grade, students delve into essential selections from Ketuvim, including:

  • Mishlei (Proverbs) – Wisdom and ethical decision-making
  • Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) – Purpose, meaning, and life’s complexities
  • Megillat Esther – Hidden miracles, Jewish survival, and identity
  • Megillat Ruth – Kindness, loyalty, and lineage
  • Tehillim (Psalms) – Expressions of faith, struggle, and praise

  Major themes include moral dilemmas, resilience, leadership, community, and finding one’s voice in the broader Jewish story.

• 10th Grade THEMATIC class: Jewish History: From Covenant to Crossroads

  In this engaging and thought-provoking course, 10th grade students at Donna Klein Jewish Academy explore the foundational narrative of the Jewish people from the time of Avraham through the rise of Islam and the beginnings of medieval Europe. With a strong emphasis on understanding the historical, religious, and cultural forces that have shaped the Jewish experience, students examine key moments and movements that continue to impact Jewish identity and the broader world today.

  The course begins with the biblical origins of the Jewish people and the development of early monotheism through the stories of the Avot (patriarchs) and Imahot (matriarchs). From there, students trace the evolution of Jewish civilization through the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the destruction of the Temples, and life in the diaspora. The class investigates the rise of Christianity, the emergence of the Talmudic tradition, and the evolving status of Jews under Roman rule—laying the groundwork for a nuanced understanding of Christian-Jewish relations.

  A significant focus is placed on the development of antisemitism in the ancient and early medieval periods, exploring how theological, political, and social dynamics led to persecution and marginalization. The course also introduces students to the rise of Islam, examining both the challenges and opportunities that Muslim rule presented to Jewish communities.

  Through text study, historical documents, discussion, and project-based learning, students will:

  • Analyze primary and secondary sources to understand historical cause and effect.
  • Reflect on the resilience of Jewish communities in the face of shifting political and religious landscapes.
  • Build historical empathy and critical thinking skills.
  • Draw connections between the Jewish past and contemporary Jewish life.

  This foundational course sets the stage for more advanced studies in modern Jewish history and Israel education, while equipping students with the historical context to understand today’s Jewish world through a richer and more informed lens.

• 11th Grade: Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish Philosophy – Foundations for Modern Jewish Life

  In 11th grade, students begin the year by exploring Rabbinic Judaism—its history, structures, and enduring influence:

  • The transition from Biblical to Rabbinic Judaism
  • The development of Halacha (Jewish law)
  • The formation of minhagim (customs) and their lasting significance
  • Study of selections from the Mishna, Talmud, and key Rabbinic texts

  Students will explore how Jewish law evolved, how it shapes modern observance, and how Rabbinic Judaism influences daily Jewish life.

  In the second half of the year, students dive into Jewish Philosophy and the foundations of Jewish practice, exploring:

  • The meaning and purpose of Shabbat, Kashrut, Tefillah (prayer)
  • Faith, free will, and the Jewish view of suffering
  • The intersection of tradition and modernity
  • Selections from Jewish philosophical giants such as Rambam, Rav Soloveitchik, and modern thinkers

• 12th Grade: Facing the Future – Jewish Identity, Israel, and Campus Readiness

  The 12th-grade curriculum is a capstone experience, preparing students to step confidently into the next chapter of their Jewish journey. Key areas of study include:

  • Israel Advocacy – Understanding Zionism, the modern State of Israel, and strategies for effective advocacy
  • Antisemitism – Its historical roots, modern manifestations, and how to respond to bias and misinformation
  • Jewish Identity on Campus – Navigating Jewish life, building community, and handling real-world challenges as Jewish college students

  Students will participate in case studies, discussions, and experiential learning to prepare them for leadership roles on campus and beyond.

• Jewish Life

  In addition to our formal Judaic Studies curriculum, we offer a wide array of informal Jewish education experiences. We feel that learning (especially about Torah and Judaism) cannot be confined to the classroom. Judaism isn’t just about learning, it’s about doing. Learning takes place all around us, all the time.

     

  Tefilah – Our prayer program provides students with options to explore, practice, and create meaningful and spiritual tefilah experiences.  Students choose and commit to a tefilah community that takes very seriously where they come from, their family’s traditions and practices, their personal beliefs, and their openness to exploration and spiritual growth.  We offer a variety of tefilah options, from a more traditional minyan to others whose emphases are on meditation and discussion.
   

  Tikkun Olam – All students at DKJA work a number of hours per year at community service sites as part of their quest to “repair the world.”
  
  

  Shabbatonim– Students participate in a number of thematic retreats based upon a communal Shabbat experience, both within the DKJA community and also with Jewish high schools from across the country. These student-led “lock-ins” have been a hit.
  
  

  Chagim – Our community’s experiential Jewish holiday program reflects a commitment to a transdenominational vision of Judaism that embraces all movements.  We build our own sukkah, we have a fun Purim shpiel and carnival, we have a Chanukah coffeehouse and talent show, and more!
  
  

  Town Meeting/Beit Midrash – This is a weekly community-wide interactive meeting designed to introduce our students and faculty to new, exciting, and provocative ideas.  Students and teachers regularly suggest or lead discussions.
  
  

  Clubs – DKJA helps our students find spiritual Jewish meaning in everyday life, including activities such as cooking, drama, music, chess, or student council.  Every week, our students are engaged in a buzz of clubs, organizations, and activities.