Commitment to Pluralism

In recognition of the diverse Jewish backgrounds represented by our students and faculty, the school runs a variety of tefilah options: traditional egalitarian, liberal, Jewish meditation, and a mechitza minyan. Sichot (discussion groups) groups are also available. Faculty advisors help students to develop a meaningful tefilah experience and serve as religious role models for each prayer group. Schoolwide prayer experiences foster the unity of our religious community. Once a week the entire school gathers together for a shiur clali (general lesson) to examine and discuss the weekly Torah portion.

Spiritual growth and evolving Jewish commitment are at the center of religious life at Gann Academy. Formal and informal settings for study and prayer encourage students to grapple with their relationship to God, Torah, and the Jewish people. The school fosters an environment of mutual respect, menschlichkeit, and ethical sensitivity.

Gann Academy is committed to creating a Jewish environment in which all students feel comfortable. Kashrut is observed at all school events, and school activities and assignments are scheduled to encourage the observance of Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

Diversity is one of Gann Academy’s greatest strengths. An atmosphere of mutual respect provides a safe forum in which students can grapple with fundamental religious questions and strengthen their individual Jewish identities. Our school nurtures a Jewish community characterized by a shared tradition, a common dedication to social justice, and a love for learning. In this way we instill in our students a deep and abiding love for God, Israel, and the Jewish people.

Religious Life at Gann

Gann Academy challenges its students to understand and interpret Judaism as a source of religious obligation, spiritual opportunity, and joyous celebration. School life is enriched with Jewish experiential learning, tefilah (prayer), and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Our awareness of having been created in the image of God dictates that kevod habriyot (respect for living beings), derekh eretz (ethical conduct), and midot penimiot (inner qualities) permeate our school culture. We believe in the imperative of gemilut hasadim (acts of lovingkindness) and the demand of tikkun olam (improving the world in which we live). As an expression of these values, we consciously connect midrash (intellectual creativity) and ma’aseh (responsible action) throughout our educational process.

The culture of our school is rooted in the rhythms of the Jewish calendar, the Hebrew language, Torah study, and a love for the land of Israel. On Jewish holidays, students join together as a community to celebrate, enhancing the traditional rituals of the holiday by synthesizing them with their musical and artistic talents.