Mission Statement
and Core Values
The mission of the Minneapolis Jewish Day School is to provide academically challenging and developmentally appropriate curriculum in general (reading and writing English, math, ecology, fitness, music) and Jewish (Hebrew language, Torah study and prayer) studies in an environment in which students feel positive about themselves and others. The Day School community is committed to academic excellence and to the pursuit of learning as an exciting, useful and life-long venture. We challenge our students to exemplify the highest values of Judaism and of American democratic principles. The school strives to reflect and teach respect for the diversity of Jewish life, resulting in a true community day school.
US Dept. of Education
Blue Ribbon
School of Excellence
1998-1999 Winner
Core Values
“All Jews are responsible for one another.” (Shavuot 39A)
The Jewish people are one people. We respect each other’s differences.
“And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
We should treat others the way we want to be treated, with caring and respect.
“Guard your tongue from evil.” (Psalms 34:14)
We must be careful how we speak and what we say. Words can be kind and caring or hurtful and painful to others.
“And if not now, when? (Mishnah Avot 1:14)
The time to learn is now, the time to help another person is now; the time to care for our environment is now; because if we put it off, it may never happen.
“For you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”(Leviticus 19:34)
We must be welcoming of strangers for once we too were strangers. It is a mitzvah to welcome guests
“Judge all people favorably (kindly)”. (Mishnah Avot 1:6)
Give people the benefit of the doubt and don’t jump to conclusions.
“A mitzvah leads to another mitzvah and a wrong doing leads to another wrong doing.” (Mishnah Avot 4:2)
When we do something to help another or perform a mitzvah, it leads to other good deeds. When we do something wrong, it leads to other wrong things as well.
“It is not up to you to finish the job. Neither are you free to withdraw from it.” (Mishnah Avot 2:16)
People cannot do things completely on their own. We need to work together. Just because we think we cannot finish something, doesn’t mean we should not start and try to complete the task.
“The world stands on three things: the study of Torah, service to God and deeds of loving kindness.” (Mishnah Avot 1:2)
We value the study of Torah, prayer and acts of loving-kindness; helping and caring for each other so we become a better people.
“Make certain you have a teacher and get yourself a friend.”
It is important to respect and learn from our teachers and our friends. We also need a good friend to help us in our learning.