EDUCATIONAL
PHILOSOPHY
Mission
Statement
A yeshiva education is more than the mere transmission of information.
Its overall objective is to help young people grow into adults whose
character reflects our core beliefs and value system. This means, love
of G-d and Torah, the observance of mitzvot (Jewish laws), and
genuine compassion for others. The great sage Hillel profoundly summed
up our challenge and responsibility in this area when be stated: "If
I am not for myself, who is for me? And being only for my own self, what
am I?"(Avot 1:14)
Philosophically, we are a Modern Orthodox, co-educational institution
which seeks to harmonize the secular and religious in ways that are compatible
with both. These are a recognition of the value and importance of secular
studies; a belief in Zionism and in the establishment of the State of
Israel as an act of religious significance; a commitment to equality
of education for both men and women; a belief that one can and should
be a full member of modern society; a full acceptance of the importance
of being able to financially support oneself and one’s family.
These are the ideas that lie behind the way in which education is approached
at the North Shore Hebrew Academy. In religious studies our goal is to
inform our students about the rich and deeply meaningful heritage of
the Torah, the basis of our existence. Our students study Biblical and
Talmudic texts, explore Jewish history and culture, and learn about the
crucial role of the State of Israel and Zionist philosophy. All religious
studies classes are conducted in Hebrew, the language of our people from
time immemorial. By teaching them to love religion and learning, our
students will develop a lifelong commitment to Torah study at the highest
levels.
The general studies curriculum provides our children with the basic tools
needed to function in our society. Subjects covered include history,
literature, social studies, science, mathematics, and computer studies.
As part of our commitment to developing a culturally well-rounded individual
we also offer music and art, accompanied by extra curricular activities
and trips that takes advantage of the incredibly rich and diverse cultural
offerings that exist in the New York Metropolitan Area. Finally, as believers
in the importance of both a sound mind and a sound body, we offer physical
education classes, as well as ample opportunities to play competitively
in a variety of sports activities. Doing so teaches and reinforces the
values of team play, cooperation,and striving for excellence that are
part of the basic credo of American society.
We want to produce young men and women who can live in both worlds and
whose education represents the finest that each tradition has to offer.
That is why we encourage our educators to integrate, wherever appropriate,
the timeless precepts of the Torah and our historical experiences into
general studies so that our students will come to understand their relevance
for other spheres of knowledge and their importance in contemporary civilization.
Moreover, all classes are co-educational so as to give each student the
same opportunity to maximize his or her intellectual and creative growth
and to interact as they would in the larger society.
As parents we recognize that a school functions best when it is guided
professionalesional educators in whom we have placed our trust. At the
same time, we consider it our responsibility to give our educators guidance
and direction regarding what we expect our children to come away with
after having graduated from our yeshiva. It is in that spirit that we
have formulated this statement.
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