Arts
Philosophy of the Art Curriculum at Brandeis Hebrew Academy
Visual Arts
At Brandeis Hebrew Academy, the visual arts are an essential part of our curriculum, enriching the learning experience and deepening connections to Jewish culture. Special emphasis is placed on Jewish artists and artwork that celebrates the beauty and meaning of the Jewish holidays. Through art, students discover how creativity strengthens their understanding of tradition, values, and identity.
The art curriculum nurtures confidence, imagination, and problem-solving while also refining fine motor skills. Concepts from math and science are reinforced through the study of patterns, symmetry, and balance. Unlike other subjects where answers may be right or wrong, art provides the freedom to explore, experiment, and express individuality without limits.
In the classroom, students work with a wide variety of materials including paints, oil and chalk pastels, markers, construction paper, crayons, fabric for collages, and papier-mâché. While exploring these media, they learn about the essential elements of art: line, shape, color, form, texture, space, value, rhythm, pattern, and balance. Techniques such as foreground, middle ground, background, and single-point perspective are introduced to expand their skills and artistic vision.
Students also study major art movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Primitive Art, Pop Art, and Cubism. They build vocabulary to describe and analyze works of art and gain inspiration from world-renowned artists as well as the world around them. Each lesson opens a door to self-expression and helps students appreciate art as both a personal journey and a reflection of culture.
At Brandeis Hebrew Academy, music holds a central place in the life of our school. Students are encouraged to express themselves through singing, playing instruments, listening, and even composing. Music is both a personal journey and a shared experience, and we embrace it as a vital way for children to explore creativity, emotion, and connection.
As we nurture each child’s musicality, we introduce songs from a wide variety of cultures, giving students the opportunity to experience the world through sound. Our teaching philosophy is rooted in imagination. From Early Education through Middle School, students enter musical worlds where sound connects to story, meaning, and metaphor. Every class is highly interactive, weaving together movement, singing, listening, discussion, and creation.
Music at Brandeis is also a celebration of heritage. Each class prepares at least one annual performance that highlights a chapter of Jewish and Israeli tradition. These presentations strengthen cultural identity, build community, and give students the joy of sharing their music with others.
For more than twenty-five years, Brandeis students have delighted in showcasing their talents through our annual school production. Under the leadership of Mrs. Zelda Kastin, performances have included classics such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Willy Wonka and Peter Pan. Each year, the anticipation builds as the entire school community comes together to bring the play to life. The excitement is contagious, and the production has grown into a cherished school-wide project. Thanks to the generosity of private donors, we have been able to support the significant costs involved in creating these unforgettable performances.
The Brandeis Musical provides a stage for students to discover and share hidden talents. Whether singing, acting with humor and spontaneity, choreographing dances, designing sets, or managing behind the scenes, every child plays a vital role. Alumni often return not only to watch but also to lend a hand in music, lighting, and other aspects of the production, demonstrating the deep love and connection this tradition inspires.
At Brandeis Hebrew Academy, we recognize the powerful role the arts play in a child’s growth. The annual musical is more than just an event; it is a joyful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. By participating, students gain confidence, strengthen bonds with peers, and shine in ways they may never have imagined.