Judaics

At GHA, our students are taught the fundamentals of Judaism and the timeless values of the Jewish community that transcend denominational differences. 

This foundation enables them to make educated choices about their religious future. Students participate in daily tefillah, Torah and Hebrew study. The Tal-Am Hebrew program is taught in first through fifth grades as a comprehensive approach that integrates Hebrew language with all aspects of life. Hebrew learning and understanding continues throughout the child’s years at GHA, culminating in a trip to Israel in eighth grade. GHA is a center of learning for the whole family, and numerous events planned by our Director of Jewish Living help bring students and families together to experience the richness of Jewish tradition. Students are taught early on about Tikkun Olam and participate in mitzvah projects all year long.

GHA founders fervently envisioned and built a place where Jews could and should respect each other, learn from each other, and work for the community's greater good. 

The simplicity and eloquence of their perspective resonates as much today as it did then. It is what we intuitively understand about the school. It is what all of us, Board members, teachers and parents, strive for. It encapsulates the vision of the great sage, Hillel, who challenges us in Pirkei Avot (2:6), "In a place where there are no mentches, strive to be a mentch."

This is why the Judaic teachings and practices of our school adhere to a traditional (halakhic) interpretation of laws and customs. Applying both the latest in pedagogy and the "tried and true," we teach the classical Jewish texts in their own original languages, inspiring our students and grounding them in morals and ethics. Our philosophy is inclusive - We want our children to be confident in their own religious expression; we want them to be comfortable with the different expressions of their classmates.

Strong Connection to Israel

This also explains why the historical and religious importance of the State of Israel is central in our teaching, programs and philosophy. Our students develop a strong connection to Israel and her people; they understand and converse in the Modern Hebrew language. Additionally, we believe that the ideals and democratic principles of the United States of America are fundamental to our lives as American Jews.

All this feeds into and reinforces the mission of GHA:

The Greenfield Hebrew Academy is a community day school that provides an exceptional education in both General and Judaic Studies in a unique environment that reflects the richness of Jewish life and embraces the diversity of our students.