In an unprecedented move, the Tikvah Fund, a Jewish conservative think tank, is set to open a ‘classical’ Jewish day school in New York City. Emet Classical Academy, meaning “truth” in Hebrew, represents a significant shift in Jewish educational approaches and marks the first major foray into a Jewish adaptation of the classical education model.
Emet Classical Academy’s Vision
Embracing Western Civilization
Opening next fall in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Emet Classical Academy will start with a sixth-grade class and eventually expand through high school. Led by Rabbi Abraham Unger, a political scientist and former professor, the school aims to provide an education that underscores the grandeur of Western civilization.
A Small, Selective Institution
Described as “small and selective,” Emet Classical Academy will embody the values promoted by Tikvah Fund through various educational initiatives. It will provide a unique curriculum emphasizing Jewish, Zionist, and American exceptionalism.
Responding to Contemporary Educational Challenges
Addressing Critiques of Modern Education
The creation of Emet Classical Academy comes amidst conservative criticisms of elite educational institutions, accused of promoting anti-American sentiments and creating environments unfriendly to Jewish values. The new school seeks to counter these trends by offering an alternative rooted in traditional Western and Jewish educational values.
Curriculum and Educational Approach
A Blend of Ancient and Modern
The curriculum will be distinctive, blending rigorous classical studies like Greek and Latin with Hebrew, alongside core subjects like classical music and art history. Additionally, it will offer unique courses such as ‘Military History & Grand Strategy.’
The Classical Education Model
Emet Classical Academy adopts the classical education model, recently gaining popularity among conservatives. This model emphasizes a return to traditional values and skills, focusing on elements deemed underrepresented in progressive educational settings.
Leadership and Ideological Foundations
Prominent Figures on the Board
The school’s board includes notable figures like Ruth Wisse, an emerita Harvard professor, and Walter Russel Mead, a Bard College professor, underlining the school’s commitment to a robust classical Jewish education.
A Jewish Twist on a Classical Model
Emet Classical marks a significant experiment in applying the classical model to Jewish education, diverging from the Christian-centric approach traditionally associated with this educational style.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Political Implications and Reception
With America’s shifting educational landscape, Emet Classical Academy represents not just an educational initiative but a statement in the broader cultural and political discourse surrounding education in the United States.
The Road Ahead
As Emet Classical prepares to open its doors, it stands as a beacon of a new educational approach within the Jewish community, potentially setting a trend for similar institutions in the future.
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