Our Core Values
Ramaz is a co-educational Modern Orthodox Yeshiva Day School for students from nursery through grade twelve. We seek to provide each student with a thorough grounding in Torah, mitzvot, the Jewish people and culture, Zionism, and the State of Israel, while putting equal emphasis on the finest values of the American Democratic heritage and traditions of Western civilization. The consistency and quality with which we have delivered, over many decades, the unique experience known as a "Ramaz Education" are in part a reflection of several enduring and deeply felt institutional values.
Love of Torah and Commitment to American Ideals
An informed love and reverence of Torah is critical to the observance of mitzvot relating to God and humanity, commitment to the Jewish people, and responsibility for all humankind and the physical world. We foster intellectual honesty, a spirit of objectivity, respect for diversity of views, as well as the equality and dignity of all people.
Intellectual Growth and Menschlichkeit
Intellectual growth and self-esteem are cultivated within a warm and nurturing environment that integrates the values of Torah. We encourage critical and creative thinking as we help students to excel academically. We expect Ramaz students to uphold the highest standard of menschlichkeit in their attitudes and behavior, which must reflect morality, decency, modesty, and kindness. We view chesed as a fundamental goal, promoting a sense of obligation to serve the Jewish people and all humanity as they improve our world (tikun olam).
Hebrew as a Living Language
The Hebrew language is more than a tool to access classical Jewish texts; it is central to our identity as Jews in the modern world, and our identification with the people and the State of Israel. Therefore, all Judaic Studies classes are taught in Hebrew. Our students graduate with a strong knowledge and love of the Hebrew language.
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Integrated Coeducational Curriculum
Our comprehensive Judaic and General Studies curricula are designed to encourage intellectual curiosity and accommodate a variety of learning styles. All classes, except for physical education in the upper grades, are co-educational. We attempt to instill a lifelong passion for scholarship by teaching rigorous analytical skills, appreciation of aesthetics and commitment to honest dialogue. We encourage open discussions on academic and moral issues, where questions are as important as answers. In keeping with "Study is important because it leads to action" (Talmud Bavli, Megilah 26a), our students translate their learning into acts of chesed, activism, and leadership.
We believe that Judaic Studies and General Studies are complementary and mutually reinforcing. General and Judaic Studies classes are both given full emphasis and are interspersed throughout the day. Aspects of both curricula are often intermingled, putting our Jewish and global heritages in perspective. Talmudic concepts enrich comprehension of the humanities, while literary insights deepen understanding of the Bible. Jewish history is learned in the context of the history of the greater world. Programs in art, music, and co-curricular activities include both spheres. We prepare students to live productive and committed Jewish lives in contemporary society and to feel a proud loyalty to both America and Israel.
Our goal is to produce educated American Jews who live lives of Kiddush ha-Shem, sanctifying God's name, in a manner that brings personal satisfaction and endows them with a sense of responsibility to others. A Ramaz graduate hears the question God asked of Isaiah, "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8) and answers as Isaiah did, "Here I am; send me."
