Pluralistic Jewish Education at Hillel Academy
Hillel Academy embodies the richness of Jewish peoplehood, bringing together families with diverse motivations for choosing a Jewish education. Some families seek religious growth, others are drawn by tradition and culture, while some desire an environment where their children can experience being part of a Jewish majority. From celebrating Jewish holidays to providing a space where December is blue and white instead of red and green, Hillel Academy offers an inclusive, pluralistic approach. As a non-denominational Jewish school, we provide families with options for Jewish learning, practice, and participation, creating a community that values individuality within a shared heritage.
Core Foundations of Judaism
At Hillel Academy, students learn the foundations that connect Jews worldwide. Central to our teachings is the belief in one G-d and the unifying power of the Hebrew language. Students study holy texts—ancient and modern—to engage with Jewish history, tradition, and practice. The mitzvot guide students in living with derech eretz, embodying civil and moral behavior. Through holidays, prayer, and life cycle events, we cultivate a sense of community while fostering pride in Jewish identity as a people, religion, and culture. The State of Israel is taught as the ancestral homeland, a place of belonging and security for Jews worldwide, anchoring students' connection to something greater than themselves. At the same time, we emphasize how the past connects to current events, ensuring that our students are not only learning Jewish history but also understanding its relevance in today’s world. Additionally, we actively work to combat Jew-hatred by promoting understanding, tolerance, and advocacy for the Jewish community, preparing our students to become strong defenders of Israel and Jewish identity in the face of rising antisemitism.
Jewish Studies & Israel
From the youngest learners to graduates, Jewish education at Hillel Academy evolves in depth and complexity. Early learning centers on joyful, experiential activities—songs, stories, and rituals that introduce holidays and Torah. As children progress, they layer historical context, Hebrew literacy, and text study, engaging with TaNaKh, Mishna, and Pirkei Avot. Middle schoolers deepen their understanding through Talmudic study, Holocaust history, and Jewish heroism, while also leading younger peers in celebrations. Similarly, Israel education spans from cultural appreciation to geopolitical understanding, culminating in 8th-grade trips that bring the homeland to life. Our oldest students engage with modern issues in Israel and the Jewish world, preparing them to become the future defenders of Israel. Options for prayer reflect our pluralistic values, with daily orthodox egalitarian minyanim or twice-weekly morning tefillah (prayer) services, allowing every family to connect with their traditions in meaningful ways.
Talmud Torah - Jewish Texts
At Hillel Academy, students engage with essential Jewish texts, developing an understanding of our tradition and critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom. By studying sacred texts like the Torah, they learn to approach challenges with analysis and carry this mindset into all areas of their education.
Mitzvot and Middot - Jewish Values
At Hillel Academy, students explore the core Jewish commandments and Rabbinic teachings. Through these studies, they learn to live by Jewish values, turning their beliefs into actions, respecting their relationships with others, and growing into individuals who contribute to the community.
Chagim - Holidays
Each year, our classrooms celebrate Jewish holidays. Students explore the historical and textual foundations behind our celebrations, learning why we celebrate and how each holiday enriches our lives. Whether it's the mitzvah of shaking the Four Species in the Sukkah or lighting the menorah during Chanukah, each holiday offers a moment of learning and connection.
Jewish History
Our students study Jewish history, learning about the resilience and strength that have defined our people through the ages. From ancient times to modern struggles, these stories inspire our students to carry forward the legacy of Jewish continuity.
Israel
Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people. At Hillel Academy, students learn about the history, archaeology, geography, and culture of both ancient and modern Israel. Their studies culminate in an 8th-grade trip, where they experience Israel firsthand, strengthening their connection to the land and its people.
Family Education
At Hillel Academy, we value the partnership between families, students, and the broader community. Through holiday celebrations and other events, we create opportunities for shared learning and connection, fostering Jewish identity and continuity across generations.
Tfillah (Prayer)
at Hillel
At Hillel Academy, Tefillah (prayer) offers an opportunity for our Kehillah (community) to come together in a sacred space, giving thanks to God for our blessings. Students are encouraged to learn Judaism's traditional prayers, fostering a deep appreciation for their spiritual significance and connecting with our traditions while developing their own sense of spirituality. While prayer is not mandatory, students are expected to approach this time with respect, and we gather as a whole school or by division to pray together, strengthening our communal bond.
Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join prayer services. Additionally, every day that school is open, there are enough post B’nei Mitzvah students and adults to have an egalitarian minyan for anyone in need of reciting Kaddish.
Havdallah
On Monday mornings the entire Hillel Academy school community begins its week together by praying the Havdalah service. The Havdalah service ends Shabbat and begins the new week and while it is typically done on Saturday night, at Hillel we use this brief Tefillah, prayer, to begin our week together.
Shacharit
Every Tuesday morning, each division gathers for Shacharit, the weekday morning prayers. As you walk through the halls, you can hear Modeh Ani from Kindergarten and 1st grade, Ashrei sung by the 2nd to 4th graders, and a spirited version of Adon Olam from the middle school. It’s a truly magical atmosphere. Additionally, Hillel offers a daily minyan for those who wish to participate each day.
Kriat Torah
Every Thursday, the upper division holds a Torah Service where students receive Aliyot (the prayers before and after the Torah reading) and read from the Torah. In the Primary School, students explore the Parashat HaShavua (the weekly Torah portion), delving into its lessons and significance. Each week, one of our community rabbis joins us to share a Dvar Torah, further enriching our students' understanding. Before a student's B'nai Mitzvah, we invite family and friends to join as the student reads their Torah portion, creating a meaningful moment of connection and celebration.
Shabbat
Each Friday students welcome the Shabbat in their classes, by division, or as a whole community at Shabbat b’Yachad.
Parents are invited to join the ELC weekly at 8:30am and monthly at 2:30pm for K-8 students (check out the calendar).