Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education

What is Jewish Classical Education?

Jewish classical education is rooted in the following core principles:

• The belief that mastering the classical arts of grammar, logic, and rhetoric are essential foundations for every Jewish student, beginning in Kindergarten and progressing through 12th grade.
• The belief that Jewish ideas lie at the heart of Western civilization and that Western history, literature, and culture are the heritage and responsibility of every Jew.
• The belief that reading and understanding the canonical texts of Jewish civilization—especially Tanakh—is indispensable for forming committed and covenantal Jews.
• The belief that language mastery and fluency—especially in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and modern romance languages—should begin as early as possible.
• The belief that America and Israel are two exceptional nations, which every Jew should celebrate, preserve, and strengthen.

Learn About Our Vision for Jewish Classical Education

1. In the February 2023 featured Mosaic monthly essay, “The Spirit of Jewish Classical Education,” Tikvah CEO Eric Cohen and Lobel Center founding academic director and dean Rabbi Mitchel Rocklin lay out their vision for the Lobel Center’s mission.
2. A short video clip from Eric Cohen, CEO of Tikvah, explaining the importance of promoting Jewish classical education. Watch here.
3. A video of Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin’s remarks at the 2022 Jewish Leadership Conference on what it means to be an educated Jew. Watch here.
4. A National Affairs essay by Ian Lindquist on the growth of the classical education movement in the United States. Read the article, “Classical Schools in Modern America,” here.
5. The Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education has partnered with the University of Dallas to offer an M.A. in Humanities with a concentration in Jewish Classical Education, focused on training educators in the field of Jewish Classical Education. For more information, visit our M.A. Program page.