EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The School for Creative Judaism combines the traditional with the contemporary — the ancient with the present — the tradition itself with the ability to transcend it. How do these seemingly contradictory elements interact?

• through constant search and probing into what the ancient means today to each one of us

• through a continuing process of redefinition

• through an understanding that in a rapidly changing world, a creative attitude is required in order to engage with and embrace our ancient traditions

We seek to provide a positive Jewish experience that will carry young people forward. Too many Jewish parents have little or no connection to Judaism simply because their own Jewish education turned them off. SCJ’s sensitive and exciting approach not only gives kids a warm memory of their time learning about their tradition, it also inspires a significant number of B Mitzvah students to continue their Jewish education beyond their Mitzvah ceremonies and experiences.

SCJ is non-denominational, incorporating lessons, methods and ideas coming from the wide spectrum of Jewish life and observance. While closest in sensibilities to Reform Judaism, Rabbi Misha has a history of teaching, studying, and conducting ceremonies in Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox communities.