LIFE & LEARNING
A UNIQUE APPROACH
At Kehillah, Jewish culture is interwoven into a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students—regardless of background—can find meaning, connection, and personal growth. Our community is shaped by a commitment to learning, dialogue, and empathy, offering students a rich education infused with Jewish values and culture that are both foundational and universal.
Our approach empowers students to think critically, act with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to the world, strengthening their own sense of identity while embracing the diversity that defines our community.
Our approach empowers students to think critically, act with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to the world, strengthening their own sense of identity while embracing the diversity that defines our community. |
Jewish Studies & Hebrew Language
Jewish learning at Kehillah is not about a single perspective or practice — it is a dynamic exploration of history, ethics, language, and tradition that speaks to universal human experiences. Our Jewish studies department fosters inquiry and agency through a wide selection of classes and curriculum.
The Hebrew Language program at Kehillah offers courses from beginner to advanced levels, including Israeli law and society.
To explore our Hebrew and Jewish studies offerings, see the Curriculum Guide.
Jewish Culture
Kehillah is a culturally Jewish school by design — a place where Jewish values, traditions, and wisdom shape our curriculum, community, and weekly rhythms in meaningful ways.
Kehillah is a culturally Jewish school by design — a place where Jewish values, traditions, and wisdom shape our curriculum, community, and weekly rhythms in meaningful ways. We observe Jewish holidays, Hebrew appears in our language and learning spaces, and traditions are woven into classroom and community life. All student programming is offered as an invitation to explore and connect — not as a requirement of belief or practice.
Students don’t need to be Jewish, practice Judaism, or adopt any identity other than their own to belong here fully. Our shared community is designed so that every student experiences the same depth of support, opportunity, connection, and contribution.
For students for whom Judaism is a meaningful part of their identity or interests — whether cultural, spiritual, or still evolving — we offer pathways for robust Jewish learning and leadership. Guided by deeply knowledgeable faculty, students are empowered to explore, express, and deepen that connection in ways that are personal and meaningful.
Guided by deeply knowledgeable faculty, students are empowered to explore, express, and deepen that connection in ways that are personal and meaningful. |
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
OUR JEWISH IDENTITY
| Does my student need to be Jewish, or observant, to belong here? |
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No. Community, the Pursuit of Knowledge, Agency, Dialogue, Justice, and Acts of Loving-kindness, Kehillah’s core values, are shared human values. While these values come to us from Jewish tradition, every student is invited into them just as they are. All student programming is offered as an invitation to explore and connect, not as a requirement of belief or practice. Every family has a place at Kehillah where their identity will be seen and supported. |
| Will my student get a strong Jewish education? |
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Jewish learning is a foundation that makes Kehillah welcoming to students from every kind of background. Students are required to take 3 years of Jewish studies. The wide variety of curriculum means that every student can find topics and classes they can connect with. For students who want to deepen their connection to Judaism—culturally, spiritually, or personally—we offer robust pathways for Jewish learning and leadership, guided by knowledgeable faculty and shaped by each student’s interests and identity. For more information, view our Jewish Studies classes in our Curriculum Guide. |
| How does a school this size make room for that much difference? |
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Kehillah's size means students are known well enough that their differences are noticed, celebrated, and valued. Our shared community is designed so that every student experiences the same depth of support, opportunity, and connection. We have created a space where Jewish identity and diverse belonging are not in tension— they are the point. |
Learn more about JEWISH VALUES AND CULTURE
Israel: Connection, Dialogue, & Understanding
As an inclusive, pluralistic, and secular Jewish high school, we recognize that the modern State of Israel holds deep historical, cultural, and personal significance for many Jews around the world. For many in our community, Israel is a place of family, friendship, memory, and connection to Jewish history and identity.
We encourage students to explore Israel's history and contemporary realities through critical thinking, historical awareness, and ethical reflection. Our approach welcomes diverse perspectives and fosters open dialogue grounded in a commitment to justice, democracy, and human dignity for all people in the region.
We don't expect everyone to arrive at the same conclusions about Israel. We do expect students to approach these conversations with curiosity, honesty, humility, and respect. At Kehillah, we can disagree without demeaning one another, ask difficult questions without questioning anyone's belonging, and hold deep attachments alongside serious concerns.
Inclusive Food Policy
As part of our commitment to inclusion, Kehillah recognizes the diverse dietary needs of our students, staff, and visitors.
- Kosher Considerations – School-sponsored events provide Kosher-style options.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Choices – Meals always include plant-based options.
- Allergen & Dietary Awareness – We accommodate common allergies and restrictions, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options when possible.
- Culture of Respect – Individual dietary practices are honored without judgment.
By prioritizing inclusion, we create a welcoming space where everyone can fully participate in shared meals and gatherings. For more information on our food policies, see our Student Handbook.
Hebrew commonly used here
- Kehillah – קהילה – Community
- Kinnus – כינוס – Assembly (Our beginning of the year, all-school gathering)
- Beit Knesset – בית כנסת– House of Gathering (Our space for Siddur Minyan and some Jewish Studies classes, aka the BK)
- Siddur Minyan – סידור מניין – Prayer service or reflective gathering
- Shabbat – שבת – Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening)
- KabShab (short for Kabbalat Shabbat) – קבלת שבת – Welcoming the Sabbath (our Friday morning celebration)
- Avodah She’balev – עבודה שבלב – Heart Work (weekly restorative and reflective time)
- Kikar – כיכר – Square or plaza (our outdoor space behind the parking lot)
