About

Mission, Core Values & Portrait of a Graduate

Our Mission

Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County is a warm, inclusive Jewish Day School that educates children from Early Childhood through Eighth Grade with a vigorous dual curriculum in General and Judaic studies.

We inspire our students to be engaged, independent learners who embrace Jewish values and practices and strive with confidence and compassion to better the world.

Core Values

List of 6 items.

M’tzuyanut Academit (Academic Excellence)

We provide our students with a first-rate education, allowing each to realize their full academic potential through independent, critical inquiry and authentic self-expression.
Kehillah Kedosha (Sacred Community)

We create a sacred community of students, families, and educators based on a shared commitment to each other and to Jewish life and learning. We promote positive, healthy relationships in an environment of mutual respect.
Klal Yisrael (Unity of the Jewish People)

We embrace diverse Jewish beliefs, practices, and backgrounds, guided by our dual commitment to Halakha and egalitarianism. We are united by our shared values and strengthened by our differences.
Talmud Torah (Inspired Jewish Learning)

We instill a deep love of Judaism, while helping students sanctify their lives and elevate the everyday. We guide our students to work collaboratively and creatively in their serious study of Jewish texts.
Tikkun Olam (Improving the World)

We inspire our students to pursue peace, compassion, freedom, and equality. We empower our students to make a difference by doing acts of Tzedek (justice) and Gemilut Hasadim (loving kindness).
Tzionut (Zionism)

We foster a love of the State of Israel, Zionism and the Hebrew language as an essential part of each student’s Jewish identity. Our Annual Eighth-Grade Israel Encounter solidifies our students’ connection to the land, culture and people of Israel.

Portrait of a Graduate

List of 5 items.

We practice a thoughtful and joyful Judaism:

We incorporate Jewish values, culture, and rituals, as well as the Hebrew language into our lives. We understand and appreciate our responsibility and uniqueness within the tapestry of the Jewish people.
We engage in deep and nuanced thinking:

We approach complex situations and sources — General and Judaic — with curiosity, confidence, introspection, and resilience. We are active learners asking challenging questions well beyond our time in the classroom.
We love and support Israel:

We celebrate and advocate for the State of Israel as the home of the Jewish people and appreciate its full complexity. We understand and promote Israel’s history, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit.
We encourage and appreciate diversity:

We practice Mahloket L’Shem Shamayim - constructive, principled, civil discourse - with respect, empathy and kindness. We distinguish between a person and their viewpoints and treat everyone as created B’tzelem Elokim - in the image of God.
We aspire to improve the world:

We transform our Jewish values - with compassion and skill - into action. We lead with humility and a desire to better our community and world.