יִשְׂרָאֵל (Israel) at JDS - Jewish Day School
Source: https://jds.org/philosophy/jewish-life-learning/israel-at-jds
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:34
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Israel) at JDS - Jewish Day School
Skip to content
program
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Israel) at JDS
At JDS, we believe it is essential for students to cultivate thoughtful, meaningful, and authentic connections to Israel. Rooted in Jewish history and lived experience, Israel holds a central place in Jewish identity and consciousness—both past and present. Through learning, dialogue, and reflection, we support our students in developing אַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵל (Ahavat Yisrael), a deep love for the Jewish People, עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל (Am Yisrael), and the Land of Israel אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל (Eretz Yisrael), while also engaging with Israel in ways that are nuanced, developmentally appropriate, and personally meaningful. As a school community, we are clear and intentional about our values and commitments around Israel, and we invite you to read on to learn more about our Israel statement.
JDS Israel Statement:
At JDS, we are deeply committed to:
אַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵל (
Ahavat Yisrael)—a profound love for the Jewish People
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל
(Am Yisrael), the Land of Israel
אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
(Eretz Yisrael), and the State of Israel
מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל
(Midinat Yisrael).
Zionism—the right to self-determination for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland.
Within our community, we create a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore diverse texts and historical narratives, empowering them to develop their own meaningful connection to Israel and pride in the Jewish homeland.
Snapshot of Israel at JDS
Green Villagers build familiarity and connection by “visiting” Israel and learning about important places in Israel today.
Yellow Villagers connect to Israel through learning about the people who live in contemporary Israel.
Blue Villagers examine Israel’s modern history by learning about how the
חָלוּצִים
chalutzim (pioneers) created the modern state of Israel.
Purple Villagers examine both ancient and contemporary history by discovering what archeology can teach us about ancient Israel and what we can learn from Israeli innovators about solving problems.
6th graders explore Biblical Israel through the Books of Joshua and Judges, Samuel and the kings, and major and minor prophets.
7th graders explore historical Israel, particularly the Second Temple Period, including Babylonian exile and the destruction of the Second Temple.
8th graders ask who and what Israel is today, and prepare for their capstone heritage trip to Israel.
Our Hebrew language program is led by Israeli instructors, helping students develop authentic connections with Israelis and gain conversational language skills needed to communicate confidently when traveling to Israel.
Skip to content
program
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Israel) at JDS
At JDS, we believe it is essential for students to cultivate thoughtful, meaningful, and authentic connections to Israel. Rooted in Jewish history and lived experience, Israel holds a central place in Jewish identity and consciousness—both past and present. Through learning, dialogue, and reflection, we support our students in developing אַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵל (Ahavat Yisrael), a deep love for the Jewish People, עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל (Am Yisrael), and the Land of Israel אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל (Eretz Yisrael), while also engaging with Israel in ways that are nuanced, developmentally appropriate, and personally meaningful. As a school community, we are clear and intentional about our values and commitments around Israel, and we invite you to read on to learn more about our Israel statement.
JDS Israel Statement:
At JDS, we are deeply committed to:
אַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵל (
Ahavat Yisrael)—a profound love for the Jewish People
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל
(Am Yisrael), the Land of Israel
אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
(Eretz Yisrael), and the State of Israel
מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל
(Midinat Yisrael).
Zionism—the right to self-determination for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland.
Within our community, we create a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore diverse texts and historical narratives, empowering them to develop their own meaningful connection to Israel and pride in the Jewish homeland.
Snapshot of Israel at JDS
Green Villagers build familiarity and connection by “visiting” Israel and learning about important places in Israel today.
Yellow Villagers connect to Israel through learning about the people who live in contemporary Israel.
Blue Villagers examine Israel’s modern history by learning about how the
חָלוּצִים
chalutzim (pioneers) created the modern state of Israel.
Purple Villagers examine both ancient and contemporary history by discovering what archeology can teach us about ancient Israel and what we can learn from Israeli innovators about solving problems.
6th graders explore Biblical Israel through the Books of Joshua and Judges, Samuel and the kings, and major and minor prophets.
7th graders explore historical Israel, particularly the Second Temple Period, including Babylonian exile and the destruction of the Second Temple.
8th graders ask who and what Israel is today, and prepare for their capstone heritage trip to Israel.
Our Hebrew language program is led by Israeli instructors, helping students develop authentic connections with Israelis and gain conversational language skills needed to communicate confidently when traveling to Israel.