Do students attend CES Jewish Day School if they are not Jewish?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I hope not. I enroll my kids in a jewish school because I want them to make predominantly jewish friends, and to be in an environment where jewish people are the majority.

Disgusting racist.

I am not Jewish but I understand her wanting them to be mostly with most Jewish kids at this time right now and feel safe especially at a young age. It is difficult to be the only Jewish kid and some Jewish kids end up downplaying their Judaism to fit in. I understand she wants them to feel proud and safe to be themselves. You don't get it unless you are a minority with such a small percentage in the country and world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live very close to the school. We've heard mixed things but still considering looking. FWIW, we are white but not Jewish. This would be for both middle and high schools.

Two related questions:
Can non-Jewish kids gain admission?
What is the social environment like if you are non-Jewish?

Yes, you don't have to be Jewish to be admitted. They'd probably like some diversity.

Just like a Catholic school will be overwhelmingly Catholic, a Jewish school will be overwhelmingly Jewish.

I am Jewish and I think it's sweet you'd consider this. Elon Musk briefly attended a Jewish school as a child.

As catholic as a catholic school may be, a Jewish school will be exponentially more Jewish. I'm Jewish and I'd sooner send my kids to a catholic school than a Jewish one. Too much religious education, not enough time for regular education. Too narrowing an experience (based on my friends who attended a Jewish school, which admittedly was a long time ago).

This is why we as a proud Jewish family aren’t sending our kids to day school. Our kids didn’t want to spend half the day on Hebrew and Jewish history. That said, if you look at college matriculations of non yeshiva Jewish day schools, the students are going to all of the top universities like any secular private.

My kids do go to Jewish overnight camp (an experience I highly recommend).

A Jewish day school isn’t going to bend their curriculum to be more “inclusive”. The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience. That said, a non Jewish family who wants to embrace Jewish culture, language and traditions would absolutely be welcomed at CES or Milton. The PP should open her arms up to those who embrace us.

"The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience."

What are you trying to say?

In religion, history and religion aren't different. That's the first thing your learn when you read a book about religious history. It's literally printed in English translations of the Torah.

I would be astonished if a Jewish day school taught the New Testament in any way at all.

Secular studies, hebrew, torah, mishna, gemara, talmuld, jewish history---when would there be time for New Testament?

I had to read the King James Bible (specifically that kind of Bible) in AP English lit to understand allusions and other influences. That was public school but it would be reasonable in a Jewish school also. There is that worry though, that even with the longer day that secular studies are not going to get as much time/focus as at a secular school. My kids are not in school yet and we aren't sure what we want to do - you absolutely cannot get the same religious education going to Hebrew school 2-3 times a week, but then again there's all the other subjects. Is it better to go to JDS and supplement secular subjects at home or vice versa (I don't even know where to start if I wanted to supplement a religious education)? There are a lot of factors, it's a tough decision.

You would start with sunday school/hebrew school. There are online programs that dive deep into judiac studies for HS kids.

[Anonymous]

I'm Jewish and my kids both went to Jewish preschool, and they usually had 1-2 kids in their class who weren't Jewish. (Parents just liked the school.) I thought it was neat that the families wanted to do that, and they seemed happy.

That said, I think sending older non-Jewish kids to a Jewish day school will be a little different, especially around bnai mitzvah ages - almost like you're kid going to a Lycee when no one in your family speaks French. Is that going to work for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live very close to the school. We've heard mixed things but still considering looking. FWIW, we are white but not Jewish. This would be for both middle and high schools.

Two related questions:
Can non-Jewish kids gain admission?
What is the social environment like if you are non-Jewish?

Yes, you don't have to be Jewish to be admitted. They'd probably like some diversity.

Just like a Catholic school will be overwhelmingly Catholic, a Jewish school will be overwhelmingly Jewish.

I am Jewish and I think it's sweet you'd consider this. Elon Musk briefly attended a Jewish school as a child.

As catholic as a catholic school may be, a Jewish school will be exponentially more Jewish. I'm Jewish and I'd sooner send my kids to a catholic school than a Jewish one. Too much religious education, not enough time for regular education. Too narrowing an experience (based on my friends who attended a Jewish school, which admittedly was a long time ago).

This is why we as a proud Jewish family aren’t sending our kids to day school. Our kids didn’t want to spend half the day on Hebrew and Jewish history. That said, if you look at college matriculations of non yeshiva Jewish day schools, the students are going to all of the top universities like any secular private.

My kids do go to Jewish overnight camp (an experience I highly recommend).

A Jewish day school isn’t going to bend their curriculum to be more “inclusive”. The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience. That said, a non Jewish family who wants to embrace Jewish culture, language and traditions would absolutely be welcomed at CES or Milton. The PP should open her arms up to those who embrace us.

"The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience."

What are you trying to say?

In religion, history and religion aren't different. That's the first thing your learn when you read a book about religious history. It's literally printed in English translations of the Torah.

I would be astonished if a Jewish day school taught the New Testament in any way at all.

Secular studies, hebrew, torah, mishna, gemara, talmuld, jewish history---when would there be time for New Testament?

Plus, it’s irrelevant, Jewishly-speaking.

That's the thing. For the people that want a Jewish eduction, it's not irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

I would consider a Jewish preschool for a non Jewish student, but I would not consider it beyond that. I think CESJDS is a wonderful school. I am at Milton Gottesman Jewish Day frequently in the evenings for my child's sports practice, with a league who uses space there.

The community seems absolutely wonderful and the students I've encountered are bright and curious, however, Judaism is such a part of life there that I cannot imagine wanting my child to feel like such an outsider for not being Jewish.

I don't think that our family would be unwelcomed, but I just don't see the point in sending a non Jewish child to a place that is intentionally designed to be for the Jewish community. Frankly, I almost feel like it would be rude and intrusive. It is a special place for Jewish children and families to have a home base, teach their children their faith (along with all the normal academic work), provide them with a Jewish community. I am not Jewish, so I don't think it would be my place to try to go there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I hope not. I enroll my kids in a jewish school because I want them to make predominantly jewish friends, and to be in an environment where jewish people are the majority.

Disgusting racist.

You shouldn't post when you don't know what you are talking about. Judaism is not a race. Is is an ethnic religion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm Jewish and my kids both went to Jewish preschool, and they usually had 1-2 kids in their class who weren't Jewish. (Parents just liked the school.) I thought it was neat that the families wanted to do that, and they seemed happy.

That said, I think sending older non-Jewish kids to a Jewish day school will be a little different, especially around bnai mitzvah ages - almost like you're kid going to a Lycee when no one in your family speaks French. Is that going to work for you?

This was our family with Jewish daycare and preschool. We liked the school, the teachers, and the size of the program. I also enjoyed Shabbat and how involved the families were in the community. My child was upset to learn that we are not Jewish. But I agree that I would not send an older non-Jewish kid to a Jewish day school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live very close to the school. We've heard mixed things but still considering looking. FWIW, we are white but not Jewish. This would be for both middle and high schools.

Two related questions:
Can non-Jewish kids gain admission?
What is the social environment like if you are non-Jewish?

Yes, you don't have to be Jewish to be admitted. They'd probably like some diversity.

Just like a Catholic school will be overwhelmingly Catholic, a Jewish school will be overwhelmingly Jewish.

I am Jewish and I think it's sweet you'd consider this. Elon Musk briefly attended a Jewish school as a child.

As catholic as a catholic school may be, a Jewish school will be exponentially more Jewish. I'm Jewish and I'd sooner send my kids to a catholic school than a Jewish one. Too much religious education, not enough time for regular education. Too narrowing an experience (based on my friends who attended a Jewish school, which admittedly was a long time ago).

This is why we as a proud Jewish family aren’t sending our kids to day school. Our kids didn’t want to spend half the day on Hebrew and Jewish history. That said, if you look at college matriculations of non yeshiva Jewish day schools, the students are going to all of the top universities like any secular private.

My kids do go to Jewish overnight camp (an experience I highly recommend).

A Jewish day school isn’t going to bend their curriculum to be more “inclusive”. The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience. That said, a non Jewish family who wants to embrace Jewish culture, language and traditions would absolutely be welcomed at CES or Milton. The PP should open her arms up to those who embrace us.

"The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience."

What are you trying to say?

In religion, history and religion aren't different. That's the first thing your learn when you read a book about religious history. It's literally printed in English translations of the Torah.

I would be astonished if a Jewish day school taught the New Testament in any way at all.

Secular studies, hebrew, torah, mishna, gemara, talmuld, jewish history---when would there be time for New Testament?

I had to read the King James Bible (specifically that kind of Bible) in AP English lit to understand allusions and other influences. That was public school but it would be reasonable in a Jewish school also. There is that worry though, that even with the longer day that secular studies are not going to get as much time/focus as at a secular school. My kids are not in school yet and we aren't sure what we want to do - you absolutely cannot get the same religious education going to Hebrew school 2-3 times a week, but then again there's all the other subjects. Is it better to go to JDS and supplement secular subjects at home or vice versa (I don't even know where to start if I wanted to supplement a religious education)? There are a lot of factors, it's a tough decision.

You would start with sunday school/hebrew school. There are online programs that dive deep into judiac studies for HS kids.

Definitely signing up for Sunday/Hebrew school but, I did that growing up, 2-11th grade and I just felt like we didn't get very far. Now I may be overestimating what day school kids actually do but I always imagined them like, learning Aramaic and studying Talmud, reading through the whole Tanakh, etc. And that's such a huge leap from my level of knowledge that it's hard to know where to begin with my general goal of "have them learn more than I did." Hence, maybe day school? But there are obviously downsides as well. Anyway, right now we're still in preschool in the synagogue, so there's time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I hope not. I enroll my kids in a jewish school because I want them to make predominantly jewish friends, and to be in an environment where jewish people are the majority.

Wow, that's quite telling. Is this how most feel?

I grew up Jewish in this area and the insular nature of that community was a huge turn off. I definitely preferred my friends who came from all walks of life as it taught me so much about other cultures (Persian, African American, Argentinian, Peruvian, Indian). I ended up marrying a Catholic from South America and we are raising our kids to be good people. I will say the Jewish concept of Tzedakah always stuck with me, but that was more from my families influence and actions than learning in Hebrew School.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You'll find a lot less non-Jews attending a Jewish Day School than you would non-Catholics at a Catholic School.

How do you feel about Israel? It's especially pertinent these days.

Does this matter? I ask because every Jewish person I know seems to have a very different opinion.

[Anonymous]

While a non-Jewish kid would be admitted to JDS, I think it would be a subpar experience for that child and family. Forty percent of the school day is spent on Jewish studies including Hebrew, Israel, religion, bible, and Jewish history. That’s a significant amount of time to be spent on topics not of concern to a non Jew. In addition, the social events, celebrations, and school holidays all revolve around the Jewish calendar. At age 12 to 13 , all of the kids are having bar and bat mitzvahs and inviting each other to these events. Your kid would not be able to reciprocate and perhaps may not be invited as a result. It just seems to me that it would be very tough on your kid to be in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I hope not. I enroll my kids in a jewish school because I want them to make predominantly jewish friends, and to be in an environment where jewish people are the majority.

Disgusting racist.

You shouldn't post when you don't know what you are talking about. Judaism is not a race. Is is an ethnic religion.

Excuse me for slightly midwording what kind of hate your are promoting. Try to see the big picture, ethnicist religionist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live very close to the school. We've heard mixed things but still considering looking. FWIW, we are white but not Jewish. This would be for both middle and high schools.

Two related questions:
Can non-Jewish kids gain admission?
What is the social environment like if you are non-Jewish?

Yes, you don't have to be Jewish to be admitted. They'd probably like some diversity.

Just like a Catholic school will be overwhelmingly Catholic, a Jewish school will be overwhelmingly Jewish.

I am Jewish and I think it's sweet you'd consider this. Elon Musk briefly attended a Jewish school as a child.

As catholic as a catholic school may be, a Jewish school will be exponentially more Jewish. I'm Jewish and I'd sooner send my kids to a catholic school than a Jewish one. Too much religious education, not enough time for regular education. Too narrowing an experience (based on my friends who attended a Jewish school, which admittedly was a long time ago).

This is why we as a proud Jewish family aren’t sending our kids to day school. Our kids didn’t want to spend half the day on Hebrew and Jewish history. That said, if you look at college matriculations of non yeshiva Jewish day schools, the students are going to all of the top universities like any secular private.

My kids do go to Jewish overnight camp (an experience I highly recommend).

A Jewish day school isn’t going to bend their curriculum to be more “inclusive”. The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience. That said, a non Jewish family who wants to embrace Jewish culture, language and traditions would absolutely be welcomed at CES or Milton. The PP should open her arms up to those who embrace us.

"The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience."

What are you trying to say?

In religion, history and religion aren't different. That's the first thing your learn when you read a book about religious history. It's literally printed in English translations of the Torah.

I would be astonished if a Jewish day school taught the New Testament in any way at all.

Secular studies, hebrew, torah, mishna, gemara, talmuld, jewish history---when would there be time for New Testament?

Plus, it’s irrelevant, Jewishly-speaking.

That's the thing. For the people that want a Jewish eduction, it's not irrelevant.

What are you talking about?
Jews do not pay attention to the New Testament.

Yes, Jesus is a part of history. There's not the same as the Gospels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live very close to the school. We've heard mixed things but still considering looking. FWIW, we are white but not Jewish. This would be for both middle and high schools.

Two related questions:
Can non-Jewish kids gain admission?
What is the social environment like if you are non-Jewish?

Yes, you don't have to be Jewish to be admitted. They'd probably like some diversity.

Just like a Catholic school will be overwhelmingly Catholic, a Jewish school will be overwhelmingly Jewish.

I am Jewish and I think it's sweet you'd consider this. Elon Musk briefly attended a Jewish school as a child.

As catholic as a catholic school may be, a Jewish school will be exponentially more Jewish. I'm Jewish and I'd sooner send my kids to a catholic school than a Jewish one. Too much religious education, not enough time for regular education. Too narrowing an experience (based on my friends who attended a Jewish school, which admittedly was a long time ago).

This is why we as a proud Jewish family aren’t sending our kids to day school. Our kids didn’t want to spend half the day on Hebrew and Jewish history. That said, if you look at college matriculations of non yeshiva Jewish day schools, the students are going to all of the top universities like any secular private.

My kids do go to Jewish overnight camp (an experience I highly recommend).

A Jewish day school isn’t going to bend their curriculum to be more “inclusive”. The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience. That said, a non Jewish family who wants to embrace Jewish culture, language and traditions would absolutely be welcomed at CES or Milton. The PP should open her arms up to those who embrace us.

"The New Testament will be taught as a history lesson and not a religious experience."

What are you trying to say?

In religion, history and religion aren't different. That's the first thing your learn when you read a book about religious history. It's literally printed in English translations of the Torah.

Oops, I subconsciously corrected the wild reference to "New Testament" as "Old Testament".
Jews do not commonly study New Testament in school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You'll find a lot less non-Jews attending a Jewish Day School than you would non-Catholics at a Catholic School.

How do you feel about Israel? It's especially pertinent these days.

Does this matter? I ask because every Jewish person I know seems to have a very different opinion.

Well, you know the old saying: two Jews, three opinions. I would not make assumptions, one way or the other.