A focus at RKYHS is placed on mentoring and modeling the art of communication in a way that exemplifies the rules of civil discourse. The ability to discuss amicably and respectfully about controversial topics such as: death penalty, abortion rights, gun control and drug policy were some of the conversations that transpired over the course of the theme day of learning, entitled Civil Discourse. Students facilitated and discussed the ways in which two disparate perspectives can coexist in the same conversation. RKYHS Judaic Studies faculty also broached the current issues with the Supreme Court in Israel and how that can impact the Israeli nation.

Civil discourse is not a debate and it is not an inherent mindset; Teachers work to foster this skill, so that RKYHS students can become well-educated citizens who are capable of understanding disparate viewpoints without a winner or loser.

RKYHS students were joined by fellow students from St. Benedict’s Prep Academy in Newark for RKYHS Theme Day. A group of RKYHS students and a group of African American and Hispanic students from St. Benedict’s Prep have been participating in a joint seminar all year long focusing on racism and antisemitism, and have been meeting bi-weekly over Zoom. The RKYHS students visited St. Benedict’s Prep earlier in the year and they were excited to welcome their SBP friends to their school yesterday. The students attended the programs together then enjoyed lunch and were happy to have the opportunity to hold their bi-weekly seminar in person. The RKYHS and SBP students have formed relationships with one another over the year and have worked together to increase their understanding and awareness, as well as realize all of their similarities as fellow teens. They are looking forward to a joint trip at the end of the year.