Our Shared Commitments
At Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, our mission to develop exceptional young people who put Jewish values into action is at the heart of everything we do. We envision a Jewish community that thrives in Chicago, and a Chicago that thrives because of its Jewish community. These guiding principles compel us to foster an environment that is both deeply rooted in our traditions and expansively welcoming to all.
In this spirit, we are proud to introduce two vital statements that articulate our school's shared commitments and further elaborate on our core beliefs: Bernard Zell's Position on Israel and Antisemitism and A Community of Belonging.
Position on Israel and Antisemitism
Bernard Zell is a community Jewish Day School, with a mission that supports and honors respect for the pluralism of Jewish life. One need not be Jewish to support the mission of the school, but one does need to support the teaching of Jewish causes, values, traditions and practices. Bernard Zell does not welcome those who demonstrate antisemitic beliefs, or who hold a perspective that diminishes or excludes other denominations or forms of Jewish practice. In this regard, and in many others, we use resources such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism as a general (but not exhaustive) guideline to what is and is not considered antisemitic.
Bernard Zell fully and enthusiastically supports the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, with a sovereign right to self-determination and self-defense. Our founding principles include support for Zionism, and we strive to help our students form strong, positive connections to the State of Israel, its people, and its underlying principles. We applaud Israel as the only democracy in the middle east, the only country in the middle east to embrace democratic values, and the only country in the middle east with a firm and clear commitment to individual and civil rights. Bernard Zell does not welcome those who deny Israel's right to exist, its right to self-defense, or its importance to modern Jewish life.
As a school, we strive to prepare our students for challenging, critical conversations. Within the boundaries described above, we encourage an openness to multiple perspectives from Israel's supporters, recognizing that support can take many forms, including criticism of government policies as a form of supportive civil engagement. We do this with a constant emphasis on derech eretz (mutual civility and respect). Developmental appropriateness is crucial to doing this well; but presenting different viewpoints—including those that may be outside the current majority but still within the boundaries of being supportive of Israel—is necessary to successfully prepare our students for Jewish life outside Bernard Zell.
Community of Belonging Statement
We believe that when more people have access to a Bernard Zell education, it strengthens not only our school, but the world around us.
Rooted in our values, we strive to meet the academic, developmental, and spiritual needs of every student. We cultivate a school community where all individuals feel a deep sense of belonging—where their stories are honored, their identities respected, and their contributions valued.
As a Jewish day school, we celebrate the richness of our diverse community and recognize each person as being created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. We affirm the dignity, worth, and right to self-definition of every individual, including, but not limited to, those of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, family structures, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities, and socio-economic experiences.
With empathy, integrity, and compassion, we commit to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every member of our community can learn, grow, and thrive—together.
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