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Mission, Core Values & Portrait of a Graduate

Mission

Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit delivers an outstanding general and Jewish education to Jewish children from early childhood through eighth grade.

At Hillel, we inspire a passion for learning, responsibility to self and community, and devotion to Jewish living in a warm, innovative, and engaging environment.

Core Values

List of 7 items.

Talmud Torah—Education

תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה

We believe that all study is sacred because all disciplines are paths to understanding God’s world. We seek to inspire a love of Torah in all its forms, so that our students may become lifelong learners.
Derech Eretz—Honor and Respect

דֶּרֶךְ אֶרֶץ

We believe in the value of treating every human being with honor and respect. Each individual has worth, as we are all created in the image of God. At Hillel, students, educators, staff, and parents collaborate to create a moral, kind and caring community.
“Ve-Ahavta”—A Personal Relationship with God

"וְאָהַבְתָּ"

We believe in the value of forging a loving, personal relationship with God. When we pray, we speak to God; when we study, God speaks to us. Through prayer that is spirited and meaningful, and study in an atmosphere that encourages deep and honest questions, students begin to develop their own lifelong relationship with God.
Tikkun Olam—Perfecting the World

תִּקּוּן עוֹלָם

We believe that we are God’s partners in perfecting the world by making it more peaceful, just and compassionate. Through gemilut hasadim (acts of kindness) and hands-on service projects, our students make a difference in their own communities and in the world at large.
Kedushah—Holiness

קְדוּשָׁה

We believe that a rich Jewish life can add holiness to our existence. Some mitzvot, such as tzedakah, guide us in our relationships with our fellow human beings; others, such as those related to kashrut, Shabbat and the holidays, govern ritual observance. All offer opportunities to sanctify our lives, to elevate the everyday.
Tzionut—Zionism

צִיּוֹנוּת

We believe in the importance of Israel, Zionism and the Hebrew language. The modern State of Israel is a place where Jewish values come to life, and a home for Jews from around the world. We see spiritual meaning in the existence of the state, and are proud of its continued growth.
K’lal Yisrael—Unity of the Jewish People

כְּלַל יִשְׂרָאֵל

We believe in the ultimate unity of the Jewish People. We feel a deep sense of connection to Jews around the world and throughout the generations. Recognizing the variety of beliefs, affiliations and observances that exists in our community, we seek Shalom Bayit—peaceful coexistence based upon mutual respect and shared values.

Portrait of a Graduate

List of 7 items.

Attain a level of Hebrew fluency and Jewish literacy to participate actively in Jewish life
Develop a deep connection to, and the ability to advocate for, the State of Israel, in all its complexity
Emerge with a resilient identity that is confidently American and deeply Jewish
Engage in ongoing acts of kindness and community service to improve the world
Honor, respect, and look out for one another, their community, and world
Respect diversity in thought, belief, and practice, and aspire to embrace communal unity and authentic Jewish self-expression
Think critically, collaborate, create, and communicate, empowering themselves as lifelong learners

Rabbi Azaryah Cohen, Head of School, Frankel Jewish Academy

“Hillel graduates are confident, independent learners. They know how to advocate for themselves, lead the classroom, and approach teachers with ease.”