SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

      When a child is enrolled in our School we accept this as an indication that a

Jewish education is important to the parents. Parental involvement in the activities

of the school is integral to the success of a child's education.  We therefore rely heavily on parents to help and strengthen the Jewish education their child  receives at the CBA Religious School.  Studying at religious school can never serve as a substitute for parental guidance a child receives at home. We believe parents are the primary models of Jewish loyalty and growth for their children.

      Our goals at the CBA Religious School are no different to those of the parents.

We strive to teach the students to be at home with their Jewishness so that they are

comfortable as Jews. We believe being a Jew should be a source of pride and never be

viewed as a burden. In today's increasingly non-religious world most religious practices

and observance are too often seen as a burden rather than a privilege.   We believe the way to prevent this is to provide a deep and loving foundation in Judaism.  We want our students to be informed about Judaism and to live it with knowledge, insight and joy. Furnishing our children with information gives them the materials necessary to build this strong foundation on which to then build a Jewish life.  We have found that the more a child knows about their religion the more they will be inclined to want to live it, and they will build an appetite for more discovery.  We can never teach them all there is to know about Judaism; but we can teach them that there is always more to learn.

      At the CBA Religious School we want our students to want to learn more.  If a child is at home with their Jewishness they will experience a strong and unique bond of unity with Jewish people throughout the world.  We want our students to consider their faith as something to be discovered as well as inherited.

      We strive to give our children to a deep sense of pride in Judaism.

This is a pride that grows and flourishes out of their own study, learning and appreciation.   It is achieved by their own commitment to the high values and eternal purpose that Torah embodies.

      At some point all Jewish children ask the following question: "why do I have to go to hebrew school?"  How parents respond to this confrontational question makes a big difference to a child.  We have found the following to be helpful and valuable when confronted with this question:

Because we love you and want you to know as much about being Jewish as you possibly can.

Because we often don't know as much as we possibly could about being Jewish and can't give all the answers.

            Because at Religious School you get to meet other Jewish children.

Because one of the most important things the Torah expects of parents is that they teach their children Torah. If we are unable to do that we must find someone who can do it for us.

Because Judaism is a rich and full heritage, older than 4000 years, with lots to learn about enjoy and appreciate and Religious School is a great place to be introduced to it.

Because if you didn't go and later found out all that you had missed you'd probably be mad at us.

Because Judaism is precious and beautiful and important and we want you to share in it and be connected to it.

Because whatever career or role in life you pursue the knowledge and information you gain in Religious School will enrich you in ways you cannot even imagine.

Because Judaism is more than just a religion.. it is a way of life.

Because all of Judaism is based on scholarship and study. If we spent our whole lives studying Torah we still wouldn't know everything there is to know about living our lives the way God wants us to live them.

Because to be a good Jew you must first be a knowledgeable Jew.

      Special Prayer For Parents:

Dear God help me become a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer all of their questions kindly.  Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me. May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power. Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal. Guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate, by all I say and do, that honesty produces happiness. And when I am out of sorts help me hold my tongue.  May I be ever mindful that my children are children and I should not expect the judgement of adults. Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions.  Bless me with the spirit to grant them all of their reasonable requests and the courage to deny them those things I know will do them harm.Help me to be fair, just and kind.  May I be fit, O Lord, to be loved and respected and be the model to be imitated by my children.