Parents
Tell your child about Meor at Yale—they’ll thank you! Come get involved—you’ll thank yourself.
I am touched by what you have created at Meor at Yale and I am overjoyed to have visited.
—JK, Milburn NJ
When it comes to education, Judaism doesn’t compartmentalize. Everyone is enjoined to be a teacher as well as a student. And although we send our children out to schools, Judaism recognizes that the ideal conduit for transmitting life-long knowledge and values is the parent-child relationship. In fact, in Jewish law, the responsibility of education rests on the parent; the teachers and educational system to which we entrust our children are considered our shlichim—our agents in performing this most crucial mitzvah.
Successful education demands an intimate understanding of the unique needs and character traits of each individual child, and no one possesses that more than the parent. This is especially true for Jewish education, which encompasses much more than an import of dry information. When we want to foster a solid cultural and ethical identity, a parent’s involvement can make all the difference in the world.
So whether you live locally or are just in New Haven for a visit, connect to Meor. Sit in on a Vaad meeting. Arrange a private learning session with your child and one of our staff over coffee. Join us for a Shabbat or holiday meal. And if you’re around during reading week, get a taste of the knowledge your child imbibed over the semester at our final banquet, where you’ll be treated to some words of wisdom by the students themselves over a delicious meal.
No knowledge of Judaism or background in Jewish study required.
“Meor at Yale has given our son a chance to transcend pediatric Judaism, the simplified stories of Jewish history and practice that characterized his years leading up to Bar Mitzvah. He has appreciated the small group learning with friends, tapping into the rich traditions of Torah study, as well as the Shabbat experience. We sense that the program has deepened his connection to Judaism and expanded his awareness of the range of Jewish practice.”
—KW
New Haven, CT
“I am touched by what you have created at Meor at Yale and I am overjoyed to have visited. I got to see firsthand what my son has told me about on numerous occasions—that he is being inspired and learning deeper aspects of Judaism and it is very exciting.
The period of time that all these students spend at college is such an important step to their self-knowledge as well as knowledge of the world. During this fertile time, it is my opinion that it is vital for them to learn who they are and what their goals may be in the many facets of themselves and that very much includes their spiritual, moral and cultural identity. Confusion around these issues can last decades, and building a base in these areas can only help these young people develop into their highest potential.
I watched as each student present at the Vaad gave a beautiful talk and each one was excited by the learning they had done. The themes and perspectives of the talks were varied, giving the firm impression that each student had studied in the unique way and area that interested them the most. There were talks that were more practical, others more philosophical, more psychological or more ideological. It was truly moving to learn from these students’ talks and to witness in the unique words of each student the obvious strength and applicability of their learning in this program.
In addition, the meal was delicious!”
—JK
Millburn, NJ