Israel

One of the greatest miracles of modern Jewish life is the rebirth of the State of Israel. Israel challenges us to define ourselves as Jews and to determine the meaning of being Jewish. At Cardin, the study of Israel is woven into the formal and informal parts of the Judaic Studies and Hebrew language program. Yom Ha-Zikaron and Yom Ha-Atzmaut are two of the major observances and celebrations.

One of Cardin’s goals is to show our students that Israel also is their home. As Rabbi Daniel Gordis writes, “There’s just something about Israel that touches virtually everyone who visits. Something about Israel sends Jewish people back to their communities with a renewed sense that Jewish culture is alive, that the Jewish people are thriving, and that being Jewish means being part of something infinitely more meaningful than we ever imagined.” For our students, Israel is also the place where they celebrate the culmination of four years of Judaic and Hebraic studies, and secure their Israeli connection as they prepare to go off to college.