About Lamplighters // Lamplighters Yeshivah Parent Handbook
5. AWARENESS OF THE OTHER
WHAT WE BELIEVE:
We’re not alone in this world. Every one of us was born into a world
where we are expected to be contributing members of a bigger com-
munity. Yet modern society breeds a culture of entitlement, a focus
on our self-centered needs - I want what I want when I want it.
Jewish values and Chassidic teachings, on the other hand, inculcate a
sense of “bitul” and humility - an awareness that we are each part
of an interconnected web of responsibility. No one can make it
alone. We all need each other - and mostly, Hashem. This recognition
moves a person to a deep sense of gratitude and generosity. We are
not here to take, but to give.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE AT LAMPLIGHTERS YESHIVAH:
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Teaching our students gratitude to Hashem and gratitude to
others is a top priority at Lamplighters Yeshivah. A school com-
munity modeled on Chassidic ideals and Montessori principles
encourages gratefulness and humility - and just like any commu-
nity, it requires proper boundaries and respect from its members
to function properly.
Each student has his own path to learning and is motivated to
learn in the way that is optimized to him. Our classroom environ-
ment encourages children to work hard, make mistakes, and be-
come successful due to their own efforts.
“‘We need to make it nice for the next person!’
is something we always say in our classroom
after a child is finished with a particular work.
Also, children need to respectfully ask before
joining another child’s workspace or rug.
Nothing is taken for granted”
— Morah Gavi Goldberg, Lead Preschool Teacher
• Kindness and politeness are critical curriculum components of
Jewish education. Children are taught to show grace and courtesy - to be mannerly.
• Parallel working, a Montessori technique, promotes camaraderie and Ahavas Yisrael (love for one’s fellow).