Communities form around something shared. Commitment to learning and living our Jewish heritage is what we share at Cardin. Each of us, in our remarkable diversity of backgrounds, contributes a distinct Jewish understanding to this thriving community. Each of us in turn grows here in our Jewish knowledge and belief. At Cardin, we sustain one another with mutual respect as we explore, asking good questions and working our way toward the answers that will give shape and meaning to our lives.

Tefillah B’tzibbur - Communal Prayer
Tefillah, prayer, is at the core of Jewish tradition but also an especially personal form of expression. With a minyan (service) to attend each day, our students become familiar with traditional services according to the different denominations. Cardin students are also encouraged to cultivate their particular spiritual identity in one of our alternative minyan offerings. This may mean exploring, for example, how art, meditation, or song can open
their hearts in a prayerful way. The entire school – faculty and students alike - gathers for minyan each week in an expression of unity in our Jewish diversity.

Beit Midrash - Community Study
In class, a Cardin School student enjoys an excellent education in general and Judaic
studies. Our program challenges students to be engaged with the world in the best tradition
of Judaism and the Jewish people. Our weekly Beit Midrash program brings social, political
and religious matters of current interest into the school community by means of diverse
Jewish texts and local communal leaders. In Beit Midrash, students can find their own voices outside of the formal academic context.

Shabbatonim - Shabbat Retreats
Our school community joins together for Shabbatonim to experience the joy of Shabbat in
an informal setting. Shabbatonim include great food and singing, beautiful tefillah, sports,
games and other activities, study and quiet reflection time, and practice in Shabbat
observance.

Chagim - Holidays
Our community celebrates festivals and holidays as we progress through the seasons of
the Jewish and general year. Keeping each holiday’s traditions in turn, we also find that
each one teaches us something about how to live our lives all year, enhancing freedom, encouraging hope, or enjoying exuberant fun.

Tikkun Olam - Community Service
We understand that Judaism takes us out into the world to repair it. Our School offers
ongoing social justice programs that engage all students in community service throughout
the year. We work with a variety of communal organizations to match each individual
student’s interests with the community’s needs.

Israel
The creation of the State of Israel is one of the seminal events in Jewish history. Recognizing the significance of the State and its national institutions, we seek to instill in our students an attachment to the State of Israel and its people as well as a sense of responsibility for their welfare. The Jewish people’s connection to the Israel and Zion is a current that flows through our academic and co-curricular programs, culminating in a month-long journey in Israel to occur bi-annually for juniors and seniors.