Jewish Philosophy is an interactive course in which students and teacher explore together issues and topics in Jewish living. Topics of discussion are chosen by the teachers based on their assessment of the needs and life experiences of their students. Our teachers have a finger on the pulse of their class and have a very close relationship with the students. If a need arises the teacher has the flexibility to bring in new topics and sources of discussion as needed. Among the topics are crisis of faith, belief in Hashem, prayer, repentance, Olam Haba and Olam Hazeh, Messianic times, how to deal with over exposure to the secular world, interpersonal relationships, the importance of values, and even how to behave in the job market. All of these are focused through the lens of Judaism and Jewish thought with sources brought from contemporary Rabbis.

One facet of this area of study is our course on פרקי אבות/ Ethics of Our Fathers. This course is an essential element of the formation of each Jew’s personality. Students engage in a thorough review of these timeless rabbinical nuggets of wisdom and are exhorted to implement the ethical modes of conduct therein as a routine but clearly defined part of their everyday lives. Excerpts of commentaries on these sayings are included as a means of exploring the finer details of their inner meaning and continuous relevance.

In grade 10 a special course is given to help our adolescents navigate through the quagmire of growing up. In this transitional year they need this extra arena to discuss what bothers them and to receive guidance based on Jewish Philosophy.