“The emphasis on Jewish religion and traditions is carried throughout other aspects of the school curriculum as well. For example, the Parent Handbook claims the school’s curriculum is an integration of ‘‘general and Judaic studies’’ (p. 8). An entire page of the handbook is devoted to Judaic philosophy, stressing study of the Torah, mitzvot (i.e., commands=good deeds) (Plaut, n.d.; Seltzer, 1982), community, responsibility, service, peace, justice, mercy, and humility—all of which are valued character traits.” (Roso, 2013, p. 34)
“Literature and research on Jewish day schools shows Jewish moral curriculum teaches character through the integration of Jewish tradition and secular academics (Efron, 1994). Academic knowledge is deemed valuable only when it leads to right behavior (i.e., the fulfillment of the commandments).” (Roso, 2013, p.31)
“Literature also indicates that a major source of these core ethical values is religion (Colson, 1995; Glanzer, 1999; Haynes & Thomas, 1998).” (Roso, 2013, p.33)
“Research also suggests that teaching character outside of a religious context can be ‘‘hollow and misleading’’ (Haynes & Thomas, 1998, p. 15-2).” (Roso, 2013, p.33)