Jewish Kid at Catholic School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is finishing 7th grade in MCPS and we are looking to send her to private for high school. She's high achieving academically, but I think the "lost at sea" is catching up with her. We've been looking at other options, and she is definitely gravitating towards single-sex schools. I would love for her to have options beyond Holton/NCS. Do any of you have experience with being a Jewish student at the DMV Catholic schools? Does one feel like an oddball or is it not really a thing?

I would assume it varies based on the school. Right now we're open to them all (Stone Ridge, AHC, Holy Child, Visi) and would love to hear people's thoughts. My mother actually grew up Catholic and went to Holy Cross back in the day so I have a general sense of the cultural milieu. But how does a Jewish kid fit into that?

Why would you do this? Your setting them up to be uncomfortable to start with

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a difficult moment for Jewish students, whether they are in high school or college. I don't think I would want to put my Jewish kid in a Catholic school where they would be an outsider from the outset. Now more than ever, it is so helpful for Jewish kids to have Jewish friends and peers. I suppose if you supplement with Jewish camps or other types of involvement, it could be ok. Talk to other Jewish families at the school and find about their experience.

It IS a difficult moment for Jewish students, but not only Jewish students, it’s actually a difficult “moment” for all Jewish people. At our Catholic school the headmaster justifies doing nothing by falling back on “Jews are the most hated group of people in the world right now.” Another family, no longer at the school, said that when presented with examples of antisemitism in the school the headmaster either denied it is was happening or said there was nothing he could do “it’s just boys being boys.” Prior to 10/7 it was not too much of an issue. There was always an undercurrent from some students against Jews, I guess now it is less hidden or less subtle because people have become emboldened to show hate and antisemitism openly, and can do so without fear.

This strand is so interesting. Perhaps consider how this entire discussion reads if different ethnic groups are substituted for the words “Jewish” or “Jew” in this conversation.

Hate is hate. It would be a better world if people everywhere could learn to be more tolerant and accepting of differences.

Do you really believe that? Because if you do, that’s part of the issue.

I don’t believe that statement, the headmaster said that and it was rather alarming that he said it and believed it.

The overall context sounds strange but it’s not incorrect to say that antisemitism is one of the oldest and deepest rooted hatreds in the world. It goes back over 1000yrs and the same tropes used centuries ago are used today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

I agree with everything you wrote except that I actually think a Jewish kid is less likely to encounter antisemitism at a Catholic school vs public or progressive privates. Lots of Catholics admire Judaism (albeit I’m sure in a way that is condescending) especially the academic types. My dad was super Catholic and preferred Jews over Protestants lol. The real issue is that there will obviously be overt religious practice at the school. But from what I understand, by high school, it is pretty cabined and nobody will bat an eye if you don’t go to mass.

No this is completely false. MAGA is Catholic, MAGA is antisemitic. Catholics do not like Jews moving into their neighborhoods. I should know my family has always lived in a predominantly Catholic area those families were verbally abusive to myself as a kid and the other 4 jews in my school. We were called lovely names over and over again.

Catholics in Potomac are not fans of Jewish neighbors.

Jews do not belong in Catholic schools. Judaism and Catholicism have nothing in common.

There are three branches of Judaism, Orthodox, Conservative & Reform. Jewish cults like Chabad or Hassids belong with Opus Dei crowd of cults, not mainstream.

There is no reality a Catholic school is welcoming to a Jew, particularly now with MAGA wanting publics to be Christian. Who is pushing that 100% Catholics. Why do you think JD Vance changed his religion?

Catholic schools teach the Catholic religion, which is indoctrination similar to a Jewish Day School. However, no Jew should go to a Catholic school science alone is a reason not to do this. Not to mention the antisemitism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

I agree with everything you wrote except that I actually think a Jewish kid is less likely to encounter antisemitism at a Catholic school vs public or progressive privates. Lots of Catholics admire Judaism (albeit I’m sure in a way that is condescending) especially the academic types. My dad was super Catholic and preferred Jews over Protestants lol. The real issue is that there will obviously be overt religious practice at the school. But from what I understand, by high school, it is pretty cabined and nobody will bat an eye if you don’t go to mass.

No this is completely false. MAGA is Catholic, MAGA is antisemitic. Catholics do not like Jews moving into their neighborhoods. I should know my family has always lived in a predominantly Catholic area those families were verbally abusive to myself as a kid and the other 4 jews in my school. We were called lovely names over and over again.

Catholics in Potomac are not fans of Jewish neighbors.

Jews do not belong in Catholic schools. Judaism and Catholicism have nothing in common.

There are three branches of Judaism, Orthodox, Conservative & Reform. Jewish cults like Chabad or Hassids belong with Opus Dei crowd of cults, not mainstream.

There is no reality a Catholic school is welcoming to a Jew, particularly now with MAGA wanting publics to be Christian. Who is pushing that 100% Catholics. Why do you think JD Vance changed his religion?

Catholic schools teach the Catholic religion, which is indoctrination similar to a Jewish Day School. However, no Jew should go to a Catholic school science alone is a reason not to do this. Not to mention the antisemitism.

It seems you are very anti-Catholic without really understanding American Catholics right now. There is definitely a large group of MAGA Catholics, many of whom support Israel flattening Gaza and the same people would not be willing to have their kids date a Jewish neighbor. There are also lots of liberal Catholics out there who are more pro-social justice and more likely to have their kids in relationships outside their religion.

Very few Catholics in our area in this day and age would be openly hostile to Jewish kids at their school, whether the Jewish kids would be ok with regular mass and religion classes is another story.

[Anonymous]

This thread just makes it more clear to me that stereotyping all people of a group- whether they are Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim or whatever- is wrong. But clearly, human nature is ugly. As for being Jewish in America today, we have defenders on the right and the left, and we have those that seek our death on both the right and the left. I appreciate that I have Christian friends that stand behind me, but when push comes to shove, it’s easy to feel alone as a Jew, and there is certainly a growing tidal wave of resentment toward Israel and all Jews. So it’s always comforting to have allies in the Jewish community and strong bonds therein. So, if you’re Jewish and sending your child to Catholic school, it might work out and they might find allies. Or… very possibly, it’s going to be a bad situation.

[Anonymous]

I have not read all the responses, but I suggest you check out JDS, even though it is not coed. They focus on building community and affinity in a lot of ways. It may be your daughter is focused on single gender education (which is fine/nothing against that) because it is an 'easy' way to make her world small if she is feeling lost.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I haven't read all these responses but I moved my obviously Jewish son to JDS in Rockville and out of MCPS because I thought a smaller environment was better for him. He had a great experience and recently graduated. After having him attend a religious school that was our family religion, I cannot imagine sending him to a school with someone else's religion....

What about JDS, OP? I've heard great things about it. Plus they have bussing and good scholarship options if either of things things is relevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

What do you make of synagogues holding events venerating members of the IOF? Because that happens at my neighborhood synagogue. How is celebrating war criminals in any way defensible?

Tell me the synagogue and tell me the which IDF members are being celebrated. Because without a more specificity, all I can say is you are clueless about Israel’s decades long struggle to defend itself, and the genocidal tendencies of its neighbors and local terrorist organizations. I’m happy to say I’m very disturbed by the scope of Netanyahu’s military campaign and disregard for civilian casualties. So bow are you feeling about the hostages still being held, both live and dead? How would you like for Israel to have dealt with Hamas following the barbaric attacks of October 7? And what should the United States do if Mexicans terrorists attacked San Diego in a similar manner with years of rockets and then a barbaric assault?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

I agree with everything you wrote except that I actually think a Jewish kid is less likely to encounter antisemitism at a Catholic school vs public or progressive privates. Lots of Catholics admire Judaism (albeit I’m sure in a way that is condescending) especially the academic types. My dad was super Catholic and preferred Jews over Protestants lol. The real issue is that there will obviously be overt religious practice at the school. But from what I understand, by high school, it is pretty cabined and nobody will bat an eye if you don’t go to mass.

No this is completely false. MAGA is Catholic, MAGA is antisemitic. Catholics do not like Jews moving into their neighborhoods. I should know my family has always lived in a predominantly Catholic area those families were verbally abusive to myself as a kid and the other 4 jews in my school. We were called lovely names over and over again.

Catholics in Potomac are not fans of Jewish neighbors.

Jews do not belong in Catholic schools. Judaism and Catholicism have nothing in common.

There are three branches of Judaism, Orthodox, Conservative & Reform. Jewish cults like Chabad or Hassids belong with Opus Dei crowd of cults, not mainstream.

There is no reality a Catholic school is welcoming to a Jew, particularly now with MAGA wanting publics to be Christian. Who is pushing that 100% Catholics. Why do you think JD Vance changed his religion?

Catholic schools teach the Catholic religion, which is indoctrination similar to a Jewish Day School. However, no Jew should go to a Catholic school science alone is a reason not to do this. Not to mention the antisemitism.

I think you’re living in the past if you believe Catholics and Jews are against each other. In the modern world, Catholics and Jews are aligned with each other, while progressives are against Catholics, Jews, and of course MAGA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

What do you make of synagogues holding events venerating members of the IOF? Because that happens at my neighborhood synagogue. How is celebrating war criminals in any way defensible?

Tell me the synagogue and tell me the which IDF members are being celebrated. Because without a more specificity, all I can say is you are clueless about Israel’s decades long struggle to defend itself, and the genocidal tendencies of its neighbors and local terrorist organizations. I’m happy to say I’m very disturbed by the scope of Netanyahu’s military campaign and disregard for civilian casualties. So bow are you feeling about the hostages still being held, both live and dead? How would you like for Israel to have dealt with Hamas following the barbaric attacks of October 7? And what should the United States do if Mexicans terrorists attacked San Diego in a similar manner with years of rockets and then a barbaric assault?

LOL. Hasbara talking points 101. No one who has any semblance of sanity is going to defend an annihilation of mostly children (not to mention the largest cohort of amputee children in history). Although this is anonymous, so the trolls should start listing all the reasons why Palestinian children deserve to be murdered in droves with zero accountability. Also notice how the Hasbara troll never mentions 1948 Nakba and a full occupation … sorry but the only reason Arabs don’t like Israel is because their land was stolen from them and they were murdered en masse and never allowed to return again. The days of trying to be a blatant Islamophobe and paint Arabs as terrorists who simply want to kill out of a bloodlust for Jews is over and it’s patently false.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

What do you make of synagogues holding events venerating members of the IOF? Because that happens at my neighborhood synagogue. How is celebrating war criminals in any way defensible?

Tell me the synagogue and tell me the which IDF members are being celebrated. Because without a more specificity, all I can say is you are clueless about Israel’s decades long struggle to defend itself, and the genocidal tendencies of its neighbors and local terrorist organizations. I’m happy to say I’m very disturbed by the scope of Netanyahu’s military campaign and disregard for civilian casualties. So bow are you feeling about the hostages still being held, both live and dead? How would you like for Israel to have dealt with Hamas following the barbaric attacks of October 7? And what should the United States do if Mexicans terrorists attacked San Diego in a similar manner with years of rockets and then a barbaric assault?

LOL. Hasbara talking points 101. No one who has any semblance of sanity is going to defend an annihilation of mostly children (not to mention the largest cohort of amputee children in history). Although this is anonymous, so the trolls should start listing all the reasons why Palestinian children deserve to be murdered in droves with zero accountability. Also notice how the Hasbara troll never mentions 1948 Nakba and a full occupation … sorry but the only reason Arabs don’t like Israel is because their land was stolen from them and they were murdered en masse and never allowed to return again. The days of trying to be a blatant Islamophobe and paint Arabs as terrorists who simply want to kill out of a bloodlust for Jews is over and it’s patently false.

Coocoo for Cocoa Puffs. You clearly have your own talking points and distorted view of Middle East history, but this sort of extremism and endless grievance is why the wars keep going on. You did a poor job of reading the post to which you were replying. The vast majority of American Jews and Israeli Jews are very uncomfortable with what’s going on in Gaza now. The civilian casualties are heartbreaking. But nothing happens in a vacuum. Netanyahu’s political and legal issues, the fact that Hamas is a death cult, and the election of Trump- ironically and partially enabled by Arab Americans that were angry with Biden - all are to blame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

I agree with everything you wrote except that I actually think a Jewish kid is less likely to encounter antisemitism at a Catholic school vs public or progressive privates. Lots of Catholics admire Judaism (albeit I’m sure in a way that is condescending) especially the academic types. My dad was super Catholic and preferred Jews over Protestants lol. The real issue is that there will obviously be overt religious practice at the school. But from what I understand, by high school, it is pretty cabined and nobody will bat an eye if you don’t go to mass.

No this is completely false. MAGA is Catholic, MAGA is antisemitic. Catholics do not like Jews moving into their neighborhoods. I should know my family has always lived in a predominantly Catholic area those families were verbally abusive to myself as a kid and the other 4 jews in my school. We were called lovely names over and over again.

Catholics in Potomac are not fans of Jewish neighbors.

Jews do not belong in Catholic schools. Judaism and Catholicism have nothing in common.

There are three branches of Judaism, Orthodox, Conservative & Reform. Jewish cults like Chabad or Hassids belong with Opus Dei crowd of cults, not mainstream.

There is no reality a Catholic school is welcoming to a Jew, particularly now with MAGA wanting publics to be Christian. Who is pushing that 100% Catholics. Why do you think JD Vance changed his religion?

Catholic schools teach the Catholic religion, which is indoctrination similar to a Jewish Day School. However, no Jew should go to a Catholic school science alone is a reason not to do this. Not to mention the antisemitism.

Is Jewish Day School indoctrination?

[Anonymous]

In the dmv, with endless private school options, including single sex, that are not religious, it makes no sense to me why a Jew would send their kid to a Catholic school. Today’s political climate makes it even more challenging. Though, if the family is religiously mixed and has a strong comfort level dabbling in some Jewish practices and some Christian practices, and they have comfort in both worlds, I guess I can understand the choice to go to a Catholic school. But for a family that is resolutely Jewish, it makes zero good sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When there are multiple synagogues in the area with "we stand with Israel" signs outside and similar slogans on their websites, it's hard not to conflate the religion with the atrocities. I realize the synagogues don't speak for all Jews, but you can't pretend that Jewish religious institutions aren't complicit in the genocide.

Your statement illuminates the ignorance of most non-Jews toward the complexity of being Jewish, loving Israel, enduring decades and centuries of atrocities, understanding the realities of Middle East politics and yet being horribly uncomfortable with the Netanyahu government and its objectives. The vast majority of American Jews would prefer that this would end now, with the return of the hostages and a two state solution. But Hamas and Iran are as complicit in this as is Israel. No, Jewish religious institutions are not complicit in a genocide. Labeling this genocide is still controversial. But standing with Israel and supporting its right to exist, and the return of the hostages is not going to cease. And for all of this, as long as people think there is something wrong with our whole religion, I don’t know that it’s easy to be a Jewish kid in a Catholic school.

What do you make of synagogues holding events venerating members of the IOF? Because that happens at my neighborhood synagogue. How is celebrating war criminals in any way defensible?

Tell me the synagogue and tell me the which IDF members are being celebrated. Because without a more specificity, all I can say is you are clueless about Israel’s decades long struggle to defend itself, and the genocidal tendencies of its neighbors and local terrorist organizations. I’m happy to say I’m very disturbed by the scope of Netanyahu’s military campaign and disregard for civilian casualties. So bow are you feeling about the hostages still being held, both live and dead? How would you like for Israel to have dealt with Hamas following the barbaric attacks of October 7? And what should the United States do if Mexicans terrorists attacked San Diego in a similar manner with years of rockets and then a barbaric assault?

LOL. Hasbara talking points 101. No one who has any semblance of sanity is going to defend an annihilation of mostly children (not to mention the largest cohort of amputee children in history). Although this is anonymous, so the trolls should start listing all the reasons why Palestinian children deserve to be murdered in droves with zero accountability. Also notice how the Hasbara troll never mentions 1948 Nakba and a full occupation … sorry but the only reason Arabs don’t like Israel is because their land was stolen from them and they were murdered en masse and never allowed to return again. The days of trying to be a blatant Islamophobe and paint Arabs as terrorists who simply want to kill out of a bloodlust for Jews is over and it’s patently false.

Where do you think Arabs are from? Not Judea/Israel. There's a hint in the name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I think you’re living in the past if you believe Catholics and Jews are against each other. In the modern world, Catholics and Jews are aligned with each other, while progressives are against Catholics, Jews, and of course MAGA.

+1

My Catholic grandmother says that if she wasn't Catholic, she would be Jewish.