Prayer

The minyan program at Cardin offers a choice of paths to Jewish life. The second period of each day is devoted to the study and practice of Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim. These are Judaism’s three paths to living a religious life. Torah gives us insights on how to think and to act, avodah (prayer) enables us to communicate with God, thereby enabling us to live life gratefully, and gemilut chasadim (deeds of loving kindness) afford us the privilege and opportunity to make a difference in the world.

On Mondays, students choose to participate in Orthodox, Conservative or Reform shacharit minyanim (morning service), including a Torah reading service. Participating in one of these minyanim gives students the chance to explore and reflect on why they might prefer one approach to law and liturgy over another. Being part of one of these minyanim affords students a community for prayer, new friendships, celebration and consolation.

On Tuesdays, 9th and 10th grade students participate in a prayer “laboratory” that involves ongoing learning, experimentation, art projects, and discussion on the experience of prayer. Meanwhile, 11th grade students take a stand in debate midrash devoted to debating ethical, moral, ritual, and legal topics. Twelfth grade students meet with faculty to prepare an interpretation and analysis of Torah to teach to the entire school.

On Wednesdays, the entire school meets with various members of the Baltimore community in a forum call Mifgashim (meetings). The mifgashim during the first trimester will be devoted to the study of the Book of Jonah from a variety of perspectives. Individuals from various fields and walks of life will encourage students and faculty to read the story in different and illuminating ways. Gus Buchdahl, rabbi and therapist, will put Jonah on the couch. Susan Vick, museum curator of Chizuk Amuno Congregation will present different illustrations of the Book of Jonah throughout the ages. Doctoral student at Johns Hopkins and philosopher Martin Shuster will help students untie the knotty philosophical issues of the text. Playwright Steven Schutzman will seek to uncover the drama in the character and story of Jonah. A marine educator from the Baltimore Aquarium will discuss the amazing moral capacity of animals. This exciting speaker series will make Jonah come alive as never before.

Past mifgashim have been devoted to “Changing oneself, changing one’s community, contributing to change in the world,” “In the footsteps of Heschel and King,” and “Israel’s 60th anniversary.” Some of our guest speakers have included Rabbi Menachem Youlus, Lee Hendler, Mike Mitchell, Reverend Christopher M. Leighton, Shoshana S. Cardin, and Dr. Ari Roth.

On Thursdays, the entire school makes a commitment to learning Torah Lishmah, studying Torah for its own sake. Students choose from a menu of elective courses to experience the excitement and challenge of Torah study by exploring topics of their own choice which are not part of the core Judaic studies curriculum. In addition, they have the opportunity to study with guest faculty.

On Fridays, our focus is Shabbat. Students choose from a variety of courses to help them “make” Shabbat and to “find meaning” in Shabbat. Some students study the weekly Torah portion, while others ponder the writings of great philosophers on Shabbat, learn Israeli dances, or sing their hearts out. Once everyone prepares for Shabbat in his or her own way, they gather together for a Shabbat celebration. Students and faculty sing and dance and honorees are lifted on chairs and carried around the room. There is always a simcha to celebrate – birthdays, births of grandchildren, soccer team wins, and college acceptances – and refreshments to sweeten everyone’s palate.