Ben Kleiman describes studying at a Christian school in Florida — Jerusalem Post
Ben Kleiman, who attends Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, Florida, describes the experience of a Jewish student at an Episcopal school in a column for the Jerusalem Post. The text states that the school was chosen primarily for its academic preparation, but Christian religious practices are part of daily school life.
Mandatory chapel services
Kleiman has attended Trinity Preparatory School for six years. According to the column, chapel attendance is mandatory: students sing Christian songs and listen to sermons. At the same time, Jewish students are not required to participate verbally in the service.
High school student Isaac Robinson said that he feels isolated when others sing while he remains silent. Kleiman writes that this feeling does not disappear after chapel and is evident, in particular, in the “Introduction to the Bible” course and during Christmas, Easter and Ash Wednesday.
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Informal student meetings
At the end of last year, students proposed creating a Jewish Student Union — an association for socializing and discussing culture. The administration rejected the proposal over concerns that the club could be considered exclusionary. At the same time, the school has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes, whose members must be Christians and athletes.
The school chaplain declined to be interviewed about the institution’s approach to students who are not Christians. Jewish students meet informally outside school once a month at a local Starbucks. Student Caroline Rush said that these meetings gave her a sense of community and support.
Kleiman also writes about attending synagogue during major Jewish holidays and participating in the life of her community. Studying at a Christian institution, in the column author’s assessment, strengthened her connection with the Jewish community and gave her an opportunity to tell classmates about Passover and Hanukkah.
