Jewish Life

Mensch. Mindful.

Because “being Jewish” means different things to different people, The Davis Academy welcomes and encourages all points of view and identities.

The Davis Academy guides children’s exploration so that they make their own meaningful connections between their ancestors’ history and what’s relevant to them today in their own lives. Here, students sing new melodies to ancient prayers and approach Judaism with a spirit of curiosity, excitement and creativity. The everyday experience imparts strong values to teach students how to live a life of Menschlichkeit (goodness and virtue) and have the ability to make wise, and educated choices.

At the heat of The Davis Academy are our menschlichkeit values: Community, Respect, Spirit, Wisdom and Righteousness. These values describe who we are and who we aspire to be. All experiences at The Davis Academy can be understood in the light of our menschlichkeit values. When Mechina and Kindergarten students lead weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service for the first time, they do so with the support of their entire “Community.” When 2nd graders receive their first prayer book their “Respect” for Jewish tradition is evident in their hearts and smiles, and in their parent’s tears. When 3rd graders visit the local Community Assistance Center to learn about the needs of people in their own neighborhood we see their natural yearning for “Righteousness.” When 5th graders chant Torah in front of their friends and family for the first time, they do so from a place of deep “Respect” and “Wisdom.” These moments, both planned and unplanned, extend across The Davis Academy journey; through the b’nai mitzvah experience to the Israel trip, to graduation, and life beyond The Davis Academy.

At The Davis Academy, we pride ourselves on translating the vast richness of Jewish tradition into concrete building blocks that children and families can hold, touch and carry with them.

The Davis Academy experience is a collection of sacred moments—some joyful, some somber, some exuberant, some reflective, some personal, and some communal. Jewish holidays, Jewish prayer, and the Jewish call to social action provide a framework for living our values and making the most of each and every day.