The Toronto Heschel School was the first intentionally interdenominational Jewish day school in Toronto, founded on a commitment to pluralism, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
This foundational aspect of our school is inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who rejected silos within the Jewish community and advocated for pluralism. While committed to his own traditional practice, Heschel famously responded to questions about denomination by saying simply, “I am a Jew.”
His thinking echoes the phrase “We were all at Sinai,” the belief that every Jew stood at the revelation of Torah and therefore has something authentic to contribute to its understanding and fulfillment. Heschel recognized that each stream of Judaism has something meaningful to offer.
At Heschel, our commitment to pluralism is more than a philosophy, it’s part of our daily practice. We foster a deep sense of Klal Yisrael – the unity of the Jewish people – by honouring the diverse traditions and backgrounds of our students while cultivating shared values and experiences.
One of the ways this comes to life is through the daily practice of wearing a kissui rosh (head covering). At Heschel, all students wear a head covering during the school day as a unifying expression of Jewish identity, respect, and mindfulness. This practice is not tied to one denomination or custom; rather, it reflects a school-wide commitment to equality, tradition, and spiritual awareness – transcending subject, setting, or personal background.