I L PERETZ COMMUNITY JEWISH SCHOOL INC
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Mission Statement
The I.L. Peretz Community Jewish School is a secular, humanist school and community in central New Jersey that explores Judaism and celebrates the diversity of Jewish life in America in pursuit of "a shenere un besere velt far ale"—a better and more beautiful world for all. We are an inclusive community that offers classes for children K through 7th grade, including Hebrew; Friday night and Sunday morning adult programming; Yiddish language instruction for adults; High Holiday and other celebrations; and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. Classes are directed toward understanding our people's past and enriching our present lives as Jews.
About This Cause
The I.L. Peretz Community Jewish School is a descendant of a secular Jewish school in central New Jersey founded more than 90 years ago and is linked to the Workmen’s Circle (Der Arbeter Ring in Yiddish), an organization formed in 1900 by a group of progressive-minded Jewish immigrants dedicated to community building and social justice. First and foremost, we are a very inclusive community. The curriculum emphasizes a commitment to Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for “repair the world”: we look out for our fellow community members, support the larger communities in which we live, help preserve our environment, and pursue social and economic justice. At this school, our children (and we parents through the adult programs) explore Jewish history and values, and celebrate Jewish culture, music, and the arts. We are thoughtful about the traditional Jewish customs we practice and the customs we develop for ourselves. In our community, Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are as unique and individual as the students themselves and reflect their own families and individual Jewish heritages. Some include Torah readings, some have creative and meaningful rituals written for the occasion, and many include thoughts and wishes from key members of the child's community. Because there is no set formula to follow, creating the ceremony becomes part of each family's ongoing process of exploring how to make their Jewishness relevant and rich. Community members and leaders are available to guide families through this special time. Our school was named after the great Yiddish writer I. L. Peretz. He was born in 1852 in Zamosc, Poland. Though raised in the orthodox tradition, he also absorbed worldly knowledge. He is one of the most influential figures of modern Jewish culture. Dedicated to Yiddish culture, he recognized that Jews needed to adapt to their times while preserving their cultural heritage, and his captivating and beautiful writings explore the complexities inherent in the struggle between tradition and the desire for progress. At his funeral in 1915 more than one hundred thousand mourners followed his coffin. Core Values of the I.L. Peretz Community Jewish School 1. Jewish Heritage: we explore Jewish history and values and celebrate Jewish culture in non-religious ways that help us build our community, find meaning in our lives, and establish our individual identities 2. Inclusive Community: we welcome those of all ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, religions, and philosophies of life 3. Stimulating Conversation: we share our opinions and ideas and remain open to alternative perspectives 4. Meaningful Ritual: we are thoughtful about the traditional Jewish customs we practice and the customs we develop for ourselves 5. Greater Good: we look out for our fellow community members, support the communities in which we live, help preserve our environment, pursue social and economic justice, and work to “repair the world” (tikkun olam) 6. Lifelong Learning: we educate our children and adults in engaging ways about Jewish Heritage, the world around us, and how we can contribute toward the Greater Good 7. Collaborative Spirit: we are community-run, so everything we do must need come from our own ideas and labors