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February 9, 2001/Shevet 16, 5761, Vol. 53, No.19
Letters to the EditorFebruary 9, 2001
Curriculum not pluralisticEditor:I had the opportunity to review the proposed Judaica curriculum of the Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School and to voice my concerns about its ultra-orthodoxy to headmaster Jay Schechter. While ground may have been broken on the site of a Reform temple, that may be as far as the Jewish pluralism of this school may go. It will be a challenge to the school's board of directors to try to make sure that Jews of non-Orthodox belief will be comfortable within its setting. While I understand that the Judaica curriculum may change when a director of Judaic studies is hired, as it now stands, only an Orthodox Jew could feel comfortable either in the school or directing the proposed curriculum. I attended a truly pluralistic Jewish community high school in Philadelphia, Akiba Hebrew Academy. There was one required Judaica course each semester, centering on Hebrew language. The remaining Judaica offerings were left up to student choice, and very few of these were theological in nature. We were not there to study Mishnah and Talmud; instead, the emphasis was on Jewish history, literature, language, culture and Israel. A number of Orthodox students attended Akiba because of the excellence of the secular studies. They took advantage of optional morning prayers in the lunchroom. Students could wear kipot (skullcaps) in the Judaica classes at their discretion. In this community, pluralistic approach stands in sharp contrast to that which is presently being proposed for the Schwartz school. The Judaica curriculum that I saw included mandatory daily prayer, three years of required Hebrew, Bible, Mishnah and Talmud, and a freshman year requirement of siddur theology. Only in the sophomore, junior and senior years would one Judaica elective be permitted. Simply put, this is not a proposed curriculum that cuts across denominational lines and territorial boundaries. And that is too bad, because a real opportunity and a real need exist not for another Orthodox day school with a heightened secular studies component, but for a truly pluralistic community high school in which all members of the Jewish community can feel comfortable. I suggested a compromise of two required and two elective Judaica courses each year; however, the impression I got was this fell on deaf ears. It is my hope that in making the larger community aware of the approach being proposed a debate will ensue that will truly bring this community together. It is time to try to effect a community Jewish high school that is truly pluralistic in more than name or location. Gordon M. Weiner Tempe Support welcomeEditor:Wow! We were surprised to read that a capital campaign of the Pardes Jewish Day School was cited as possibly contributing to the Federation's fundraising challenges ("Federation Confronts Growth with Deficits," Jewish News, Feb. 2) We were surprised because we are not engaged in a capital campaign. However, we would love to be recipients of financial gifts. Contributions to PJDS go directly to supporting educational programs, ensuring the long-term viability of the school, and making the learning experience of our terrific elementary and middle school students the best it can be. We also support the federation's campaign and encourage all in our community to help achieve its goals. Our collective generosity will make our Jewish institutions stronger and enhance their ability to meet pressing needs. Steve Weitzenkorn, President Karen Goodman, Vice President Pardes Jewish Middle School Paradise Valley |
