Smith Jewish Academy -

Reish Lakish said in the name of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi: The world only exists because of the breath of schoolchildren (learning Torah). Reish Lakish said in the name of Rabbi Yehuda Nesia: One may not interrupt schoolchildren from studying Torah, even in order to build the Temple. Reish Lakish said to Rabbi Yehuda Nesia: I have received from my ancestors, and some say that he said to him: I have received from your ancestors as follows: Any city in which there are no schoolchildren studying Torah, they destroy it. Ravina said: They leave it desolate. (Shabbat 119b)

For centuries, Jewish communities have recognized that strong education is the cornerstone of a vibrant and flourishing society. We know that children’s Jewish education is not just important but essential for building Jewish communities that don’t just survive but thrive.

We share this understanding and commitment of our forebearers. While we continue our commitment to providing cutting edge, supplemental Jewish education for our families, we are writing today to express our enthusiastic support of our Twin Cities Jewish Day School–Harold and Mickey Smith Jewish Academy.

At Harold and Mickey Smith Jewish Academy (formerly Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School), students benefit from exemplary educational opportunities that integrate rigorous general studies with robust Jewish studies and practice. The school cultivates a nurturing environment that offers a thoughtful Jewish studies curriculum, an embrace of pluralism and a wide variety of Jewish practice, and a commitment to Zionism and Hebrew literacy. In these times, it is inspiring to see a school where Jewish children confidently engage with their heritage while excelling academically.

This year signifies a pivotal moment for the school, as it embarks on a major transformation with a new name—an opportunity made possible by the historic and generous gift in loving memory of Saint Paul Jewish community pillars, Harold and Mickey Smith z’’l. Along with their new name, which no longer contains “Minneapolis,” the school has made a renewed commitment to be a Jewish Day School for the entire Twin Cities. We are proud of these developments and reaffirm our strong support for the school and our commitment to its future.

If you have a child or grandchild entering or currently in grades K-8, we encourage you to explore the remarkable opportunities available at Smith Jewish Academy and what this unique school may be able to offer your child and family.

And even if you do not have school-aged children, we invite you to actively support this venerable institution. Your involvement is crucial to ensuring that Smith Jewish Academy continues to shine brightly, deepening our community's connection to Jewish tradition and practice. As our tradition teaches, the education of our youth is not just for the good of a single child or family, it is for the good and thriving of our entire community. Together, we can forge a promising path for our future.

As rabbis and cantors, the St. Paul Jewish Federation CEO, and Talmud Torah Saint Paul, we are unified in our mission to support meaningful, substantive Jewish education in the Twin Cities, and that includes supporting Smith Jewish Academy in every way possible. Our objective is clear: to ensure that Jewish children in the Twin Cities have access to this valuable resource now and in the years ahead. Please contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Esther Adler, Mount Zion Temple

Cantor Joshua Fineblum, Temple of Aaron

David Kaplan, CEO, Jewish Federation of Saint Paul

Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm, Beth Jacob Congregation

Liz Palmer, Executive Director, Talmud Torah St. Paul

Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein, Temple of Aaron

Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein, Temple of Aaron

Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, Mount Zion Temple

Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker, Mount Zion Temple

Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein, Mount Zion Temple