The Dor Hadash Religious School provides Reconstructionist Jewish education in a warm and welcoming after-school setting for children of grade-school age through B’Mitzvah. We are the only Reconstructionist Religious School in western Pennsylvania. The Reconstructionist philosophy is embedded throughout our school curriculum.
- Our classes meet once per week on a weekday for two hours and students do assignments at home. We give between one and two hours of homework per week, depending on the grade; ideally, this is to be done together with parents. Our goal is to reinforce the habit of Jewish learning in the home. The homework also allows classes to include discussions and debates, not just the presentation of material.
- We encourage community and families learning together. Together as a community, we celebrate Shabbat and holidays. We include cultural programs that involve cooking, arts and crafts, dance, and other forms of exploration. We enjoy a yearly Chanukah on Ice program that engages with students from Pittsburgh’s diverse immigrant student community.
Our teachers are knowledgeable in Jewish tradition, yet emphasize exploration and an open mind to think about how Jewish rituals and celebrations might be changed (‘reconstructed’) to enhance their meaning and effect. History is explored in context, with an eye on modern critique. Students will have opportunities to explore customs and traditions, and offer modern interpretations as well.
- Our curriculum takes a wide cultural approach.
- We are committed to small class sizes.
- We employ teen graduates of our school as madrichim (teacher’s assistants)
- Families have the opportunity to work on mitzvah projects throughout the year.
- Our parents have formed a weekly study group. During the school year, this group often meets during school to study Torah or other topics. All are welcome to join.
Behind all we do is always the philosophy of Reconstructionist Judaism.
- We promote true equality within the Jewish tradition
- We cultivate a sincere regard for other religions and cultures
- We emphasize the continuing evolution of Jewish commitment
Religious School Guide
Our Values and Goals
The Dor Hadash Religious School provides Reconstructionist Jewish education in a warm and welcoming after-school setting for children of grade-school age through B’nai Mitzvah. Some post-B’nai Mitzvah programs are also held. There is a new teen group being formed, led by the teens themselves.
We provide a caring learning environment focused on those ingredients that each family will need to engage in the lifelong process of being a responsible Jew.
We promote true equality within the Jewish tradition; a sincere regard for other religions and cultures; an appreciation of the divine in the world around us and in each one of us; and the continuing evolution of Jewish commitment.
More specifically, our aims are to:
- Teach prayer and study as expressive and creative modes of spirituality.
- Present Torah as the continual, creative and sacred search for meaning in life.
- Encourage active, egalitarian and responsible participation in the Jewish community.
- View mitzvot as our obligation to hallow all life through acts of social justice and compassion.
- Explore the diverse Jewish understandings of God and the search for holiness that underlies them.
- Foster knowledgeable ties to the land and people of Israel.
The Dor Hadash Religious School began as the Reconstructionist Children’s Study Group in 1987 and was later known as Dor L’Dor. It is now closely integrated with Congregation Dor Hadash, a member-led, open and welcoming congregation affiliated with Reconstructing Judaism.
Synagogue Membership
All families with children in the Dor Hadash Religious School are required to join Congregation Dor Hadash. Much of our Jewish learning takes place in the context of synagogue worship and holiday celebrations. Congregation Dor Hadash also provides a substantial subsidy to the school. Membership information is available from the Dor Hadash Membership Chair.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is both critical to and a great strength of our school. Parents usually welcome the opportunity to take an active role and interest in their children’s education, as well as to help with the operation of the school. We encourage parents to talk with their children about what they are learning, incorporate that learning into your family life, to help children with homework, and attend Congregation services with them.
Teachers will contact parents via email with updates on what their children are learning and ideas for discussions between parent and child.
Class Attendance
Class attendance is crucial to achieving the goals of the curriculum. If your child must be absent from a class, please contact the teacher concerning missed assignments and preparation for the next class.
Synagogue Attendance
Synagogue attendance is an integral part of Jewish education, which cannot take place in a vacuum. All students and families are encouraged to attend services on a regular basis. Classes participate regularly in family-oriented Shabbat B’Yachad (Shabbat is for Everyone) services on a monthly basis by leading prayers and singing prayer melodies they are learning in class. Our graduates often return as service leaders.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend at least one Shabbat service per month. Beginning in 6th grade this is required as part of B’nai Mitzvah preparations and to encourage participation in our synagogue community.
Student Evaluations & Progress
Student progress is monitored organically on an ongoing basis by the classroom teacher to determine student engagement and growth. If a student needs help to meet specific benchmarks, the teacher and principal will work with the student and parents to provide assistance.
B’Mitzvah Preparation
B’Mitzvah preparation will take place only after a student completes at least four years of approved Jewish education, and by arrangement with Congregation Dor Hadash. Students who attend another Jewish school during these years are expected to attend the Mitzvah Class at Dor Hadash during their B’Mitzvah year.
Our students frequently experience their B’Mitzvah studies and accomplishments as a tremendously positive time of growth and connection.
A student who becomes a B’Mitzvah before the end of the school year in May is expected to participate in the class during the remainder of the year.
Better Together Program
Dor Hadash is thrilled to have been selected as a participant in Better Together, a program designed to encourage meaningful interaction between generations. We are grateful for this opportunity to strengthen L’Dor v’Dor relationships between our students and Dor Hadash older generation adults.
Meeting Times
Our classes meet once on a weekday for two hours, following the public school calendar and observing the Jewish holidays. A calendar is provided for each school year.
Homework
Our class time is limited. Homework is therefore a part of the learning process. When homework is assigned, please help your child be prepared and learn.
Books and Materials
Please help your child to be responsible for always bringing their books and their folder to class. Teachers will let students know what other materials they need. We will also utilize the Google Classroom. Each student has an account, and materials will be available in the Google Classroom. We began using the Google Classroom in 2020-21 during our year of virtual learning due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. We discovered it is a useful tool that will continue as class resource for materials, resources, and assignments.
Discipline
Occasionally, disruptive or challenging student behavior in class becomes a problem. When this occurs, the teacher, principal, parents and student will confer to discuss options for better behavior and agree upon a plan of action to preserve a productive learning environment for the class. Our goal is to create the best learning environment for all of our students.
Tuition
Tuition and membership information can be found by emailing our Membership Chair.
Shabbat Dinners & Holiday Celebrations
We have Shabbat potluck dinners for classes and combinations of classes throughout the year. Dates will be determined during the school year, and posted on the Dor Hadash Calendar. These programs are integrated in the Dor Hadash Calendar and all are invited to join.
Mitzvah Projects
The School will provide opportunities for the students and their families to work on mitzvah projects throughout the year. For more information, email Principal Karen Morris.
