At IHDS we are often asked:

“What kind of school are you?”

“To what other institution would you compare yourself?”

“With what denomination are you affiliated?”

These questions are a logical place to start. The simplest way to describe something is to compare it to something that already exists. By sorting things into categories, identifying the “box” that it belongs in, things that we encounter in our world are differentiated and understood.

However, when it comes to Irvine Hebrew Day School, there is no pre-existing “box”.

IHDS is an entirely new and unique concept, a design that has never before been drawn.

In fact, rather than a box, we aspire to be a tent,

and like our forefather Abraham, we keep our tent proudly open on all sides, welcoming all of our Jewish brothers and sisters who approach us from any direction with open hearts and minds. Unlike the “box” which is inherently limiting, in our tent, on our new campus, we focus on being a place of connection where there is ongoing learning, reflection and celebration for all those who enter; a place where we encounter Jewish texts, history, a spiritual relationship with God and ourselves, together as a community; where we are encouraged to keep asking questions, challenge ourselves, discover, create, and achieve, individually and collectively.

So, what kind of school are we?

We represent a new paradigm in Jewish education,

where in-depth, meaningful learning and genuine, respectful dialogue set the foundation for all that we do.

To what other institution do we compare ourselves?

We aim to model ourselves after our forefathers and foremothers who joined us in one ever-expanding community tent,

where the details that distinguish us from each other are eclipsed by all that unites us.

With whom are we affiliated?

We are affiliated with the Jewish people.

Our heritage, our history, Israel, and our Torah belong to each and every one of us.

With gratitude,

Karin Hepner & Andy Elster, IHDS Co-founders