| Mission
and Core Values
Chicagoland Jewish High School
creates a culture of academic excellence
that inspires our children to think
critically and achieve their full potential,
while preparing them to live Judaism as
responsible and involved citizens in the
modern world.
CJHS challenges students to achieve the highest standards in all academic areas.
The learning environment emphasizes creativity and critical thinking in both general
and Judaic studies classes, and the ability to question is embraced and valued. A primary goal
at CJHS is to enable students to develop the attitudes, skills, and work habits necessary to excel
in college and throughout life. Technology and the arts enhance and augment all curricular areas.
CJHS prides itself on its dynamic, distinguished,
and involved faculty, and selects educators who are among the finest in their respective fields. As full partners
in the learning process, teachers and students communicate regularly inside and outside the classroom.
The CJHS faculty cares about the emotional and academic success of every student, and the school creates
an environment that facilitates teacher growth and professional development.
CJHS welcomes students and families from all streams of Judaism,
with a wide range of Jewish backgrounds, practices, and beliefs. The curriculum includes courses designed to stimulate
and challenge the full range of Jewish learners, from students with no prior formal Jewish education to day school graduates.
CJHS strengthens students’ understanding of and connection to God and Torah at a mature,
critical level -- during the crucial high school years. Jewish sources and the practice
of mitzvot guide all interpersonal relationships and activities. The school creates
an environment in which students learn to incorporate Jewish values and practice
into their daily lives and relationships within and beyond the school community.
CJHS is committed to fostering the Jewish values that are central to Jewish life.
These include love and worship of God (Avodah), participation in daily prayer (tefillah),
daily study of Torah (Talmud Torah), a loving concern for others (Ahavat Habriyot),
a commitment to repairing the world (Tikkun Olam), a sense of identity with and participation
in the Jewish community (Klal Yisrael), and a commitment to Israel’s central role for
the Jewish people (Ahavat Yisrael).
Each school day begins with tefillah, led by students in an egalitarian community
that acknowledges and respects differences. An atmosphere of mutual respect provides
a welcome forum for grappling with fundamental religious questions and strengthening
individual Jewish identities.
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CJHS provides an empowering environment where students gain the skills to excel academically,
thrive socially, and live as proud, knowledgeable, and responsible Jews and Americans.
Throughout their years of study at CJHS, students learn to appreciate the differences that make
each individual unique. Students recognize that they are members of a community where every person counts.
They learn that each individual has the ability to contribute to the whole to make the school,
the greater community, and the world a better place.
CJHS encourages students to advocate for themselves and find their own
creative solutions to challenges. When needs or opportunities arise,
students are empowered to take action on behalf of themselves or the community.
In this way, students learn firsthand that they have both the ability and
the responsibility to effect change.
CJHS welcomes Jewish students of diverse backgrounds. As a school that serves the community,
CJHS stresses the importance of respect for the religious observances of others. Students,
teachers, and parents are encouraged to maintain, support, and model the highest standards
of attitude and behavior, reflecting moral sensitivity and human decency.
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At CJHS, general and Jewish studies are of equal importance and are mutually reinforcing.
At any time, students are grappling with Renaissance history, algorithms, and physics
as well as the covenant with God, Prophetic literature, and Talmud. Subject areas
are integrated whenever possible to enable students to perceive the modern world
through the lens of Jewish tradition.
CJHS focuses on developing
the critical thinking skills that are necessary to excel in all areas of study,
from the arts and humanities to mathematics to Talmud. CJHS also equips students
with the tools needed to access and incorporate in their lives the best of general
and Jewish knowledge and culture. |
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CJHS provides students with the knowledge, skills, and leadership opportunities they need
to participate fully in Jewish life as observant, passionately committed Jews. The school year
at CJHS revolves around the Jewish calendar, and students learn to approach life with a love
and reverence for Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. Kashrut is observed throughout the school
and at all school events. So that students may observe Jewish law and life fully, athletic programs
and extra-curricular activities never conflict with Shabbat or Jewish holidays.
The rich Judaic studies curriculum includes
intensive studies of Talmud, Bible, Jewish thought, and Jewish history. Daily tefillah
provides students with an opportunity to serve as shlichei tzibur (prayer leaders),
to have aliyot to the Torah, and to offer fellow students divrei Torah (brief discourses
on the weekly Torah reading). On Friday mornings, rabbis and Jewish educators
from the broader community attend tefillah and enhance prayer by sharing their knowledge
and insights with students and faculty.
CJHS also strives to develop
within students a commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy, human dignity,
justice, and fairness. CJHS fosters a spirit of objectivity, respect for diversity
of views, and a belief in the equality of all people.
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| CJHS is passionate about preserving God’s world and making
it a more just and peaceful place through individual and collective
commitment to programs of social justice and public policy. The school
and its students strive to exert a positive influence in the Chicagoland
area and beyond. Students and their families are actively encouraged
to undertake the responsibilities of leadership and service to others.
Throughout the year, students develop and deliver numerous tzedekah
programs and chesed activities. To help them understand and experience
the connection between our Jewish values and political and civic
commitment, students also engage in leadership activities throughout
the city, state, and nation.
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The connection to the State of Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people permeates the school environment.
CJHS seeks to instill in students a passionate, life-long commitment to and a sense of responsibility
for the welfare of the land and its people. Students leave CJHS with a solid understanding of the history
and culture of Israel as well as an ability to clearly articulate the facts of Israel’s existence.
Whenever possible,
the study of biblical text is done in Hebrew, the eternal language of the Jewish people,
the language of Israel, and the language of prayer and study. CJHS students understand
that Hebrew unites Jews around the world, and students develop a deep love for and knowledge
of the Hebrew language.
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Calendar
Creates
a culture of academic excellence that fosters critical thinking