Emet Classical Academy: A New Approach to Jewish Education Amid Contemporary Challenges

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Jewish education, a new institution has emerged, drawing both interest and debate, as was recently reported by The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Emet Classical Academy, a school established by the Tikvah Fund, is set to open its doors with a distinctive approach that challenges current educational norms. Rooted in classical education, the school aims to offer a curriculum steeped in the study of Greek and Latin while deliberately distancing itself from progressive educational values, the JTA report indicated. This model has attracted attention and curiosity, particularly among families concerned about rising anti-Semitism and the influence of progressivism in their children’s current schools.

The Tikvah Fund’s announcement in December of its plan to establish Emet Classical Academy raised eyebrows in educational circles. Classical education, once the bedrock of Western pedagogy, emphasizes the study of classical languages, literature, and philosophy. Its resurgence in recent years has been largely driven by political conservatives who argue that modern educational models have moved away from foundational values and critical thinking skills, as per the information provided in the JTA report.  Proponents believe that by returning to classical methods, students can develop a deeper understanding of Western civilization and its roots, fostering a sense of cultural and intellectual continuity.

At Emet, this educational philosophy is paired with a Jewish framework, aiming to instill in students a strong sense of identity and purpose. The report in the JTA revealed that the curriculum is designed to blend rigorous academic training with a grounding in Jewish thought, offering a unique alternative to both secular and religious schools that have embraced more progressive pedagogies.

Despite initial uncertainty about how many families would be drawn to such a specialized offering, the response has been significant. Within a month of its announcement, Emet Classical Academy reported receiving “hundreds of admissions inquiries,” a notable achievement for a new and niche school. The JTA report noted that many of these inquiries, according to the school’s spokesperson, came from families deeply concerned about the rapid escalation of anti-Semitism and the clear cut overreach of progressive ideologies in New York City schools, especially in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

These concerns have been a driving factor for parents seeking an educational environment that aligns more closely with their values. The school’s decision to teach Greek and Latin—a rarity in modern curricula—further differentiates it from other options available in the city. For many parents, the focus on classical education and the eschewal of progressive values presents a compelling alternative, one that promises to provide a strong moral and intellectual foundation for their children.

As Emet prepares to open its doors, the final enrollment numbers reflect both the challenges and opportunities of launching a new school. Initially planning to start with only a small sixth-grade class, the school has instead enrolled nearly 40 students across three grades: fifth, sixth, and ninth, as was pointed out in the JTA report. This expansion was driven by what the school describes as “overwhelming interest,” a testament to the demand for its educational model.

While the current enrollment is less than what might have been anticipated given the initial flurry of inquiries, it is still more than the school had originally planned to serve in its first year. The decision to add additional grades from the outset indicates a strong belief in the school’s growth potential, the JTA report said. Looking ahead, Emet projects that its enrollment will triple by next year, with a goal of reaching 250 students in middle and high school by 2027. This ambitious growth plan suggests confidence in the enduring appeal of classical education among Jewish families.

This new school which will be led by Rabbi Abraham Unger seeks to bring a distinctly Jewish perspective to an educational approach that has historically been intertwined with Christian ideals, as per the JTA report. As the first major Jewish institution to embrace this model, Emet is not just an experiment in pedagogy but a bold statement about the future of Jewish education in America.

Hillsdale College, a Christian institution in Michigan known for its conservative values, has been a major driver of this resurgence. The college has played a pivotal role in the establishment and support of dozens of classical schools across the United States. A Hillsdale professor is even on the academic advisory board of Emet Classical Academy, highlighting the close connection between the classical education movement and Christian ideals, as was noted in the JTA report. Some advocates of classical education argue that secular or irreligious versions of these schools are inappropriate, as they believe the model is inherently tied to Christian teachings and values.

However, Emet Classical Academy challenges this notion by offering a distinctly Jewish version of classical education. The JTA reported that Rabbi Unger, the school’s founding head, articulated the school’s vision simply: “The plan is to focus on the great intellectual history of the West, from antiquity and the Greco-Roman period, all the way through the modern era, and to do so in a Jewish environment.” This approach seeks to merge the rigorous academic framework of classical education with the rich cultural and religious heritage of Judaism.

The physical and intellectual environment at Emet Classical Academy reflects its dual commitment to Western and Jewish traditions. The school’s hallways are adorned with reproductions of Marc Chagall’s “Jerusalem Windows,” symbolizing the connection to Jewish art and spirituality. Alongside these are photos of busts of Greek and Roman philosophers, figures central to the classical canon that Emet students will study. The report added that the juxtaposition of these images with a photo of Margaret Thatcher, the iconic conservative British prime minister, and the famous painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware, underscores the school’s embrace of Western political and intellectual history.

The naming of the school’s four classrooms further illustrates this synthesis. Each room is dedicated to a city that has played a pivotal role in the development of Western civilization: Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, and Philadelphia. Jerusalem represents the spiritual and religious foundation of the Jewish people; Athens and Rome are the cradles of Western philosophy, democracy, and law; and Philadelphia symbolizes the birth of American democracy and the modern liberal order, according to the information in the JTA report. This symbolism is not merely decorative; it reflects the school’s curriculum, which seeks to educate students in the principles and ideas that have shaped both Jewish and Western thought.

Rabbi Unger’s vision for Emet Classical Academy did not emerge in a vacuum. For the past two years, he has led the Millstone Scholars Program, an after-school initiative run by the Tikvah Fund that promotes classical education among Jewish middle school students. This program has served as a testing ground for the ideas that now underpin Emet. The report in the JTA revealed that through the Millstone Scholars, Rabbi Unger has explored how classical education can be integrated with Jewish studies, preparing the groundwork for Emet’s more comprehensive approach.

The success of the Millstone Scholars Program has demonstrated that there is a demand for this type of education among Jewish families. It has also provided valuable insights into how the classical model can be adapted to fit a Jewish context.

Emet’s approach to Jewish education is designed to appeal to a wide range of families. While the school places a strong emphasis on Jewish identity, it is not a religiously observant institution. As was pointed out in the JTA report, this distinction is important for parents who want their children to be educated in a Jewish environment but prefer a curriculum that is not exclusively focused on religious studies.

Like other Jewish schools, Emet incorporates Jewish history, culture, and values into its curriculum. Students will explore topics such as Zionism, the history of Israel, and the development of Jewish thought and tradition. However, the classical education model also means that these studies are complemented by a broader exploration of Western civilization, including the study of Greek and Roman philosophy, the foundations of American democracy, and other key elements of the Western intellectual tradition.

This blend of Jewish and classical education offers a unique experience that differs from both secular private schools and more religious Jewish day schools.

Morning prayer, while held according to Orthodox customs, is optional at Emet, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of the student body. The JTA reported that this inclusivity allows students from various Jewish traditions to feel comfortable and engaged within the school community.

Hebrew, often the centerpiece of language study in Jewish schools, is taught at Emet but is positioned alongside other classical languages. This approach signals the school’s commitment to a broad classical education, where Hebrew is part of a larger linguistic tradition that includes Latin and Greek. By doing so, Emet situates Jewish learning within the wider context of Western civilization, allowing students to appreciate both their heritage and the broader intellectual traditions that have shaped the modern world.

In a departure from many traditional Jewish day schools, Emet’s curriculum does not include the Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism. While this may seem surprising, it aligns with the school’s classical focus. Talmud study, which is a staple of many Orthodox Jewish education programs, may be offered as an after-school option if scheduling permits, but it is not a core component of the daytime curriculum, according to the JTA report. Instead, the school emphasizes classical subjects like “Military History & Grand Strategy” and requires the study of classical music, illustrating its commitment to a well-rounded education that extends beyond religious studies.

Chana Ruderman, Emet’s newly appointed principal and academic dean, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive educational philosophy to the school. As per the JTA report, Ruderman holds a doctorate from the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought, a prestigious program known for its rigorous interdisciplinary approach to the humanities. Her academic background is complemented by practical experience in Jewish education, having helped to establish and grow an Orthodox day school in Dallas from 165 to 450 students over the course of her tenure.

Ruderman’s educational journey is marked by a commitment to integrating Jewish values with a broad-based education. Her approach to homeschooling, which included adapting materials designed for a Christian homeschooling population by redacting proselytizing content, illustrates her dedication to providing a Jewish education that is both comprehensive and aligned with her values, the JTA report noted. This commitment to a balanced and thoughtful educational approach will likely shape her leadership at Emet, where she will oversee the integration of Jewish and classical studies in a way that respects tradition while embracing new ideas.

In the competitive and often expensive landscape of New York City private schools, Emet Classical Academy offers a distinctive and more affordable option for families seeking a Jewish education grounded in classical learning principles, as was confirmed in the JTA report. With tuition set at $36,000 a year—significantly less than the $64,300 charged by Dalton and the $56,000 at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School—Emet is positioning itself as a compelling alternative for parents who value traditional educational methods and a strong Jewish identity.

Opening its doors on September 5, the school is set to welcome its first cohort of students, offering an educational experience that both honors and reinterprets the time-honored practices of Jewish day schooling. With a blend of classical studies, diverse Jewish traditions, and a faculty led by experienced educators such as Chana Ruderman, Emet represents a novel approach to Jewish education that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly innovative.