As a parent of at least one child that is currently or scheduled to be enrolled at TVT this Fall, I want to share with you my support for the creation of a Text/Torah based option for Jewish Studies that is integrated into the Lower School academic calendar.

TVT was established as the Jewish community day school in Orange County, intended to serve the diverse Jewish observances within our ever-growing and evolving community. As part of this growth and evolution, it is important that an option be provided to those families -- regardless of affiliation -- who believe that an increased focus on teaching Torah and Jewish Text will enhance the development of students as critical thinkers with strong Jewish values, ethics and identity.

I understand that there is a proposal that has been presented to you that is intended to neither impact the school's budget nor change the Jewish Studies program currently planned for the Fall.

I believe that creating this option in the Lower School will continue TVT's evolution as a pluralistic Jewish school that can be a home for families of all different types of Jewish observance. In so doing, TVT will be able to both attract and retain more students -- increasing the success of the school and the continued achievement of its mission.

I strongly urge you to make this happen this Fall. Thank you.