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 Kehila
means “community” in Hebrew, and at our school, our students feel
a part of their own Jewish community as well as the wider non-Jewish
community around them.
Kehila is committed to providing a full Jewish experience for girls
and boys within an egalitarian environment. The school reflects
an appreciation of the pluralism of contemporary Jewish life. We
celebrate all forms of Jewish belief and observance and are respectful
of tradition. Our school is not affiliated with any synagogue or
denomination.
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THE MISSION & VISION OF
KEHILA JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL
MISSION
Kehila is a Community Jewish Day School dedicated to academic excellence,
embracing all streams of Judaism, promoting Jewish Values and building
strong character through the integration of Arts and Global Education
practices.
The Mission is based upon the following beliefs and values:
 | the unity of the Jewish people and the importance of a vital Jewish
culture in every community where Jews reside |
| the love of Israel in the fullest sense and the personal connection of
each Jew with the land (eretz), people (am) and history (past and present) of
Israel |
| the essential role of Hebrew as the language of our historical texts and
of modern Israel in connecting our students with their heritage |
| respect for the diversity of contemporary Judaism and a non-judgmental
approach to each family’s religious practices |
| an awareness of the ethical intent of Jewish observation, and concepts of
social justice – individual and communal responsibility |
| knowledge of and loyalty towards Canada, its history and culture, and a
synthesis of the best of Canadian and Jewish cultures that seeks the welfare
of both communities (Tikkun Olam) |
| a creative, dynamic and intellectually stimulating relationship with
Jewish texts from bibilical traditions to rabbinic and modern: their message,
values and current relevance |
| the importance of being an active contributor to the cultural life of
Hamilton-Wentworth, including social action to assist disadvantaged members of
the community |
| excellence in all academic activities |
VISION
Open to all members of our community, the goals of Kehila Jewish Day School
are to:
| create an institution recognized for excellence in secular and Judaic
education |
| develop a strong sense of social responsibility, based on Jewish concepts
of social justice such as Tikkun Olam, Tzedakah and Gmilut Chasadim |
| promote an appreciation of the centrality of the State of Israel in Jewish
life, historically and in the present |
| teach Hebrew as a living language. |
| develop in students the lifelong capacity for independent thinking,
ethical behavior and academic achievements |
| learn to appreciate the diversity of Jewish expression as a mark of our
strength and vitality. |
The school engenders in its students:
| a positive attitude towards, respect for and intimacy with Jewish values,
traditions, history, culture, ceremonies and current events |
| a facility in and love for the Hebrew |
| an understanding of and commitment to Jewish concepts of social justice
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| a pride and joy in their personal sense and statement of their Jewishness.
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The school goal is that its graduates will:
| have a love of Judaism and a lifelong commitment to Jewish
continuity/heritage |
| perform mitzvot in a manner that sees them as positive and enjoyable parts
of a person’s existence |
| have a strong sense of social responsibility with a desire to better the
world around them, and to assist others who are disadvantaged |
| have a positive self-esteem |
| be critical thinkers, with an enquiring mind, able to challenge other
opinions, but be respectful of differing beliefs |
| be independent learners, with good problem-solving skills, and an
enthusiasm for learning |
| make good and informed choices as Jews. |
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
To achieve these goals, Kehila has developed a curriculum that:
| emphasizes integration in all aspects |
| has clearly defined goals and objectives for each year whose attainment
can be measured |
| is cumulative and interactive |
| identifies key themes that will recur throughout the entire school program
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| is reviewed and adjusted according to learner and teacher experience. |
The school emphasizes teaching approaches that:
| are experiential |
| aim for individualized, non-competitive instruction |
| encourage collaboration between students and the ability to recognize and
respond to the needs of others |
| demonstrate concern for the whole child, achieving a balance between
intellectual and emotional growth |
| reach beyond the classroom to involve the home, family and community |
| encourage problem-solving and critical thinking |
| utilize creative and progressive educational methodologies and
technologies, including art, music, and drama |
| encourage parental involvement in all aspects of the running of the
school. |
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