SEVEN WAYS
WE LEARN AND WORK TOGETHER
THE BRANDEIS SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO is a community grounded in kindness, integrity, and service. We are a community that is open and inclusive to all, and values civil discourse. Parents, students, faculty, and staff worked together to create the 7 Ways We Learn and Work Together at Brandeis.
1 WITH ACTKINDNESS “Small acts of kindness can change and humanise our world.” –Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Assume good intentions, and show care and concern for others.
Presume that people don’t care, aren’t trying their best, or intend to be inconsiderate.
“How are you today?” “Could you share your perspective with me?” “Do you want to help?”
2 ASKQUESTIONS “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” –Albert Einstein
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Approach topics with curiosity. When we have concerns, we ask questions to gather information. Keep an open mind.
Insist that our perspective is the correct one, or ignore perspectives other than our own.
“Could you tell me more about that?” “I’m curious why…” “I’m wondering…”
3 RESPECT
ONE ANOTHER “Who is wise? One who learns from others. Who is honorable? One who honors others.” –Pirkei Avot, 4:1
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Appreciate people for their knowledge and skills; honor their insights and perspectives.
Take each other for granted, or treat people as if they have to do what we say.
“I’d like to get your perspective on this.” “That’s a very interesting point!” “Thank you!”
4 LISTEN
“It shall be if you surely listen…” –Deuteronomy 11:13
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Listen louder than we speak, reflect back what we’ve heard, and check for understanding.
Interrupt, talk when someone else is talking, or ignore people’s voices or ideas.
“Yes, and…” “I am hearing ____. Did I get that right?” “Here is another way to think about this…”
5 REFLECT
“One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one who rules over their spirit, better than one who conquers a city.” –Proverbs 16:32
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Pause and reflect before we speak, asking ourselves if what we’re about to say is necessary, helpful, or kind.
React quickly by blaming, jumping to conclusions, or making assumptions.
“I need some time to think before I respond.”
Accept and learn from our mistakes.
“You’ve given me a lot to think about.” “Can I have a minute?”
6 SERVE THE COMMUNITY “Hillel said: Do not separate yourself from the community.” –Pirkei Avot, 2:5
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Strive for the good of the entire community. We consider both the universal and the particular to keep the community whole, equitable, and healthy.
“How would Consider the that decision needs of any impact the one individual entire class/ without community/ considering group?” the needs of the collective “Would that group, or ignore be good for individual needs everyone?” within the community at large.
7 LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES
“A person can only uphold the teachings of the Torah when they have stumbled in them.” –Rabbi Mordechai Yosef
WE DO
WE DON’T
WE SAY
Offer a spirit of compassion and forgiveness, knowing we are a community that provides safety for the development of every individual and family.
Hold grudges “We all and hang on sometimes to grievances, make perpetuating mistakes.” the crippling “I think I made notion that a mistake there is no when I _____. room for failure Let’s talk or mistakes for ourselves or our about a different children. option.”
OUR VALUES Kindness – Chesed We treat one another and ourselves with empathy and compassion. Integrity – Ometz Lev We act honestly, responsibly, and courageously. Service – Tikkun Olam We embrace our collective responsibility to help repair the world.
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