Middot Explained
- Limmud - Study
- Kavod - Respect
- Akharayut - Responsibility
- Kehillah - Community
- Hoda'ah - Appreciation
- Zehut - Jewish Identity
לימוד Limmud – Study 
“Delve into it and continue to delve into it, for everything is in it.” (Pirkei Avot 5:26)
An academically excellent environment in which children thrive – Education at PJA is both an integrative and developmental process. The school embraces the belief in education for the whole child and values the concept that each child learns as a unique person. Love of life and learning are integrated into all aspects of school life.
At PJA, the educational experience fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages a capacity for creativity, and teaches critical thinking. As children progress through the school, the way in which they are taught changes to reflect their increasing abilities to think abstractly and independently. Social, emotional and physical needs are integrated into all aspects of the program. Jewish philosophical thought and practice are interwoven throughout the curriculum.
Both traditional Jewish texts and Jewish history are studied reverently and critically to understand their centrality and relevance to modern day Jewish life. The Hebrew language is taught both as a modern language as well as a language that facilitates identification with the texts of the Jewish people and the state of
Israel. Holidays are celebrated and Jewish traditions are practiced to connect with Jewish history and the cycle of nature and to nurture spiritual life.
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כבוד Kavod – Respect 
“What is hateful to you, do not do to another.” (Talmud, Shabbat 31)
Respect for human differences – Students are taught to treat themselves and all people with human dignity. Both within and outside the school population, everyone is treated with respect, whatever physical, racial, sexual or cultural differences may exist.
Respect for religious differences – PJA encourages a deep respect for the multiple perspectives and practices found within Jewish society. PJA also encourages respect for people of other religions. Students will learn to participate in dignified and respectful dialogue with individuals of differing religious perspectives.
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אחריות Akharayut – Responsibility 
“The day is short, the work is great. You are not expected to finish the work, but you are not free to desist.” (Pirkei Avot 2:20-21)
Responsibility for the world in which we live – In keeping with Jewish principals, PJA teaches students to nurture themselves spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically. As students learn to integrate these elements harmoniously, they will be equipped to participate in the work of tikkun olam (repair of the world).
PJA urges students to assist in repair of the chasm between the material and spiritual dimensions of life. Students learn to envision a perfected world: a world of peace and harmony, full of human dignity, justice, and consciousness of God. Through active concern for the diverse inhabitants of the world and environmentally sound activities directed to nurture our planet Earth, PJA students help, step-by-step, to actualize this vision.
One of PJA’s goals is to nurture a sense of wonder for the sublime in life and an awareness of God. Students study Jewish moral and religious worldviews that guide their actions and promote social justice. As
shituf p’eula (covenental partnership) is taught, the students develop a sense of active responsibility for humanity. Students learn to view themselves as responsible citizens of the
United States and the world and to be intimately bound up with the future of the Jewish people and
Israel.
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קהילה KEHILLAH – Community 
“All Jews are responsible, one for another.” (Talmud, Shevuot 39a)
Positive Jewish engagement – PJA students develop a sense of belonging to the Jewish people. Students will understand their connection to past, present, and future generations of Jews. This awareness encourages a sense of belonging and connectedness among the student’s manifold Jewish environments: the home, the school population, the Jewish community of Portland, the State of Israel and the world.
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הודאה Hoda’ah – Appreciation 
“Anyone who enjoys this world without a blessing commits theft.” (Talmud, Berakhot 35a)
Capacity for gratitude – In Judaism, it is traditional to say blessings of thanksgiving every day. Some are recited prior to eating or drinking; some are recited before rituals; others express praise and thanks to God. Reciting these blessings, we show our appreciation for the beauty of the world. Every joyful occasion, striking phenomenon of nature, or performance of mitzvah offers the opportunity to be spiritually aware. In this way, we sanctify our daily activities, bringing God into our lives.
At PJA, students learn Jewish texts and engage in
tefillah(prayer) in a spirit of reverence and intellectual openness meant to help each student to see him/herself as a link in the chain of Jewish heritage, with something unique to contribute. Students have the opportunity to develop a sense of reverence for daily life in keeping with the teaching that “the world stands on three pillars: the study of Torah, service to God and humanity, and acts of loving kindness.”
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זהות Zehut – Jewish Identity 
"I give thanks to God that I am a Jew" (Jewish siddur, daily morning blessings)
Promotes Jewish identity – At PJA, Judaism is viewed as a way of life. Students are encouraged to express their Jewish identity joyously and embrace their Jewish heritage. PJA provides a solid foundation of meaningful Jewish experience and knowledge, as it is rooted in Jewish culture, ritual, and over 5,000 years of wisdom. As students mature into adulthood, it is expected that they will make informed choices based on a rich experiential knowledge base. It is anticipated that PJA graduates will maintain their Jewish identity and practice in a diverse and complex world, and that it will strengthen and sustain them.
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