Is There Such a Thing as Pluralism? DJDS Struggles Between Reformation and 

Denver Jewish Day School describes itself as a pluralistic school, welcoming students from all Jewish backgrounds. But for many students, the reality of pluralism is more complicated. 

On a typical Wednesday morning at DJDS, the tension is almost invisible. Some students wrap tefillin, some don’t. Some follow every word carefully in a siddur, others sit there quietly. In Judaics classes, discussions about Jewish texts and our world take place. In theory, this is pluralism in action— a school where all Jews, no matter their practice, can come together as a community. 

However, this practice of pluralism in daily life can feel uneven. Director of Judaic Studies Benjamin Levy admits, “Everybody seems to have a different idea of what pluralism means.”

According to the DJDS Upper Division Handbook, pluralism means being “rooted in one’s own identity while seeking out multiple perspectives... as we unite in our shared values as a Jewish community.” It promises students respectful dialogue, multiple ways to engage with Judaism, and accommodations like kosher food and observance of Shabbat and holidays. But does that translate into practice? 

Tefillah and Tradition

Wednesday tefillah is largely consistent week to week. According to Levy, DJDS follows a blend of Reform practices with Conservative tunes and pronunciations. 

For some students, those small differences carry weight. Those who are more Reform at DJDS might not feel comfortable with a mechitzah; similarly, those who are Orthodox may feel uncomfortable in the absence of one. 

“I like that there's no mehitzah at assembly because it encourages people to be together as a community,” said Julie Steiner. Tova Knobloch, an eighth grader, adds, “When I'm in an orthodox shul, I don’t mind it, but the idea of it I don’t love.” 

However, views differ among students.“I like the mehitzah because it allows you to focus on your davening,” says sophomore Zeke Brooks. While Brooks wouldn’t want to see this during Wednesday tefilah, he believes it should be an option. 

These experiences highlight a central tension: pluralism on paper doesn’t always match pluralism in practice. Less observant students can feel singled out when stricter rituals are observed, while more observant students sometimes feel their traditions are being diluted. 

Kashrut and Daily Life

DJDS maintains a kosher policy at all events and on campus, but enforcement is not perfect.“If you want to be in a totally kosher environment, we don’t have that. But if you want to be able to comfortably keep kosher yourself, we can do that,” Levy said. 

Some students, especially those who are strictly observant, feel that the inconsistencies in food policies can impact their ability to fully participate in school life. 

“I think the kashrut policy is extremely important. I also know it's extremely hard to enforce,” Steiner said. “You wouldn't want people feeling uncomfortable.”

However, DJDS's upper division Judaics teacher and student council advisor, Jerry Rotenberg, said the school is attempting to build on its original culture of bringing kosher food to school.

Kippot and Identity

Even small rituals like wearing a kippah highlight differences. Some people wear it daily as a meaningful practice; others wear it because it’s expected and required, even if it carries little significance for them. 

These areas are the root of all tensions regarding pluralism. Each tension point raises a larger question: can Reform and Orthodox Judaism coexist under one roof without one community dominating or alienating the other? 

Out of 68 DJDS upper division students surveyed, 22% identified as Reform/Progressive, 24% as Conservative, 31% as Orthodox/Modern Orthodox, and 24% as Culturally Jewish— highlighting the diversity the school aims to serve. 

Vice Principal Danielle Sapiens frames the challenge this way: “This school has to be a safe place for every kind of Jewish identity... we will never satisfy every expectation — but we can be intentional.”

The school is already looking at ways to further its approach to pluralism. For example, Levy suggests exposing the school to different types of Judaism by inviting different rabbis to lead Wednesday services. “[DJDS] should think about ways from all backgrounds; to feel comfortable, but to also challenge students,” said Rabbi Elizabeth Sacks, Temple Emanuel’s co-senior rabbi. 

As Levy’s predecessor, Rabbi Mark Goodman used to say, “I’m me, you're you, and that's okay.” To Levy, that philosophy seems to drive the complex, ensuring that all students feel included, even when their practices differ.