The common question

When I say that my daughter attends The Jewish Academy of Wake county the most common question asked is "Isn't it Orthodox?"


At the Jewish Academy we are all just parents and kids. Half of the families and kids in the school happen to practice Orthodox Judasim and half of us do not. The philosophy of the school is to teach what we all have in common.

I think what I need to reply when that question is asked is "What specifically are you concerned about?"

For instance, people have often asked if the girls and boys at the school pray and learn together, and if there is a mehitzah (divider). There is no mehitzah at the Jewish Academy. The children participate in all religious activities together with no separation of genders.

Another question that comes up is "Do you have to keep kosher now?" Although we are members of the Conservative movement that also believes that keeping kosher is an important Jewish practice, my family does not currently keep kosher and nobody at the Jewish Academy has made us feel uncomfortable about that choice. The children that come from homes with different levels of kashrut observance have playdates and attend each others Birthday parties.

As far as Judaic studies go, I am not actually scholarly enough to understand the theological differences in how the kindergarten version of the story of Abraham (for example) would be taught differently in the different synagogue's religious schools or in other day schools. I do know that she is learning a great deal (often teaching me something new) and always takes away a lesson, be it tzedakah, the mitzvah of welcoming guests into your home, or wishing a sick friend a refuah shelemah (complete recovery). She really loves the Judaics lessons and so I'm happy.