June 23, 2026

My love of Judaism began with my Rabbi, who encouraged us to think critically and challenge everything. Jewish education continuously emphasizes a responsibility to advocate for the unheard, deal fairly in negotiations, apply emotional intelligence in our communication, take the initiative when no one else is willing and resolve conflict to keep peace in our home.  As teachers and members of the Jewish community, my husband and I integrate these values into our lessons every day, with every student, no matter the age.

In support of the Jewish lessons we embrace and pass on every day, we have compiled a list of programs that allow students to learn and apply the essential leadership skills needed in our rapidly changing interdependent world. We believe that the adoption of and adherence to these values will help us create the world we wish to leave to our children and grandchildren.

Model UN is a simulation of the United Nations, where students learn about the world by roleplaying as UN Delegates. Students research the countries they represent and the root causes of the issues facing the international community. Model UN helps students understand how to see the world from another culture’s perspective and increases students’ likelihood of engaging in international programs like the Peace Corps later in life.

Mock Trial is a simulation of the American Justice system. Students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system and due process, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, learn how to construct a cohesive case for the prosecution or defense, and learn how to hold and persuade an audience.

Debate: Recent studies confirm that debaters outscore other students on the SAT and ACT. Studies by Cambridge University found that students enrolled in oracy programs such as debate and Model UN received higher overall test scores and scored higher on IQ tests. According to former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a debate is “uniquely suited” to build skills required of a modern citizen, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Debate builds literacy and research skills, increases overall confidence in a student’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure, and trains students to listen empathetically.

Judaic Studies: The history of the Jewish people spans thousands of years and several continents. The Jewish people’s story is a history of great gain and loss, sadness and triumph, of hope and determination. We believe it is vital for students to know their people’s history, customs and rituals, values, and mitzvot while examining and debating why these are more relevant today than ever.

Model Congress: Aside from being an excellent primer for the U.S. government, students learn how to legislative branch works by roleplaying as Congress members. Students learn how to lobby their representative, how a piece of legislation gets from a citizen to the Executive Office, how to debate legislation in committee, and how to apply the steps of win-win negotiation to find solutions based on mutual benefit and mutual interest.

Etiquette: Many have asked whether such programs are antiquated. Consider this: there are entire centers in our nation’s capital (and around the world) dedicated to learning and observing the nuances of cultural etiquette. Attention to such details denotes a level of respect, and such a level of respect builds the trust and rapport needed to accomplish great things. Students should learn how to introduce themselves, explore appropriate communication for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, practical strategies for conflict resolution, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in interaction, netiquette appropriate for the 21st century and proper behavior in a variety of environments.

STEM: DNA & Bioethics

What is possible in science changes every day. With these changes come essential questions: what is DNA editing? How does this kind of science change our food and other organisms? Should humans be permitted to add a jellyfish’s genes to a rabbit so we may purchase a glowing rabbit? Would people want to buy carrots if they knew what ‘unedited’ carrots looked like? Will we have XMen one day? We should encourage healthy debate on the current and possible future trends in the scientific community and discuss the ethics associated with such work.

About the Author: Elizabeth Chen is the founder and director of Dedimus Potestatem, an educational organization dedicated to teaching students leadership and advocacy skills, civics, history, and ethics. Her husband, Raz Chen, is an Expert Krav Maga Instructor and a contributor to The Times of Israel.

Dedimus Potestatem offers enrichment and afterschool courses to students all over the world and has been featured in New York Family, New York Metro Parents, Mommy Poppins, and more. To learn more about classes offered, visit Dedimus Potestatem here.

New York Jewish Parenting Guide