Threaded archive of the Lookjed List. http://lookstein.org/lookjed/list.php?1 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:52:36 -0600 Phorum 5.2.19 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21806,21806#msg-21806 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21806,21806#msg-21806 Is anyone familiar with this program?

Thanks so much,
Bethany Strulowitz]]> Bethany Strulowitz Lookjed List Archive Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:49:42 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21805,21805#msg-21805 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21805,21805#msg-21805
Here’s a sketch of the idea of this barely nascent & not fully developed plan.

Take a block period – one hour instead of our this year’s 38 minute long periods - offer all Middle School students a choice for that period of alternating six week units or mini courses that would include texts from all Judaic areas – Chumash – Navi – Dinim – Gemara – Jewish History – such as “Exile and Redemption” – “Models of Leadership” – “Building Community” – “Israel Connection” – Practical Halacha –Eruv –kashrut etc.

Each course would follow a planned rubric – texts proficiency – assessment – technology – project – hands on – etc
The advantages?
Students could have a choice
Students would not be locked in to being their same classmates (small day schools have this social dynamic issue often)
Students could get a real feeling for the interconnections of Judaic subject matter
Students would be able to experience more relevance to their learning

The disadvantage?
Students would not have the experience of mastering a Sefer – though this could be offset by the other Judaic periods of the day.

I have a feeling that this is something others may have tried before and perhaps are doing now. I invite all feedback!
Many thanks,
Rivy


Making History

"The Home can do little without the School, but the School can do nothing without the Home."
- Samson Raphael Hirsch

Rivy Poupko Kletenik
Head of School
Seattle Hebrew Academy
1617 Interlaken Dr. E
Seattle, WA 98112]]> rkletenik@sha613.org Lookjed List Archive Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:51:48 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21803,21803#msg-21803 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21803,21803#msg-21803
Daniel Alter
dalter@datcampus.org]]> Daniel Alter Lookjed List Archive Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:15:40 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21802,21802#msg-21802 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21802,21802#msg-21802
I would like to assign a novel to my 5th and 6th graders to read in the summer on themes in Jewish history to preview some of the information for the next year. We learn about Jews in Mishnah times, Jewish immigration to America (1880-1920), Sefer Melachim Bet, Esther, Ruth, and Arvei Pesachim. I am also open to reading a book on other Jewish themes. I'm looking for something the students will enjoy reading, that will be age-appropriate, and that will have some themes or ideas that we can discuss once the school year starts up again.

I would appreciate any suggestions (especially for books that have worked well in other schools).

Thank you!
Shifra Kaufman
Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation's Capital]]> Shifra Kaufman Lookjed List Archive Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:17:25 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21791,21791#msg-21791 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21791,21791#msg-21791
We recently completed another successful year of the US Chidon HaTanach (National Bible Contest), including the first time in 25 years that an American won a share of the world championship (see [chidonusa.wordpress.com]) and American national finals with over 110 participants (see [chidonusa.wordpress.com]).

I'm pleased to inform you that registration is now open for next year's Chidon. The material for next year's Chidon is on our website - [chidonusa.wordpress.com]. In order to simplify the registration process, you can now register via an online form at [tinyurl.com]

You can also view (and show your students) a registration video at [animoto.com]

One important change for this year's Chidon – COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOLS that have little or no textual study of Bible or Mishnah in the original Hebrew may apply for permission to take the Chidon exams in English. Please contact me if you have any questions about this policy or if you think your school might fall into this category.

Teachers often ask about study resources to help prepare their students. I would also like to mention 2 important developments in this area:

1) I recently added a tab with old exams and practice questions at [chidonusa.wordpress.com].

2) Shmuel Amrusi - the Israeli national champion of the Adult Chidon from 2011 - sells a Hebrew computer program with practice questions that are designed to assist with memorization. Shmuel also wrote a study book in Hebrew. His website is [www.tanach.org.il] R. Dvir Dimri - the Chidon coach at Hillel Torah in Skokie, IL, is collaborating with Shmuel to produce a new study guide that will focus specifically on preparing students for the Hebrew Divisions of the US National Chidon. A letter from them about the new study guide appears below this message. (Please note that despite the use of the word Chidon in their email address, neither I nor the Jewish Agency are formally involved in their study guide. Nevertheless, I hope it will meet a need that I often hear about from teachers, to have more study materials available for our Chidon.)


Sincerely,

Rabbi Ezra Frazer

Coordinator, National Bible Contest

THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL

Department of Community Services

633 Third Avenue—21st Floor, New York, NY 10017

(212) 339-6042 [Fridays]

FAX: (212) 339-6042 [all week]

[chidonusa.wordpress.com]




מורים יקרים, אני שמחים להודיע שחתן התנ"ך העולמי למבוגרים 2011, מר שמואל עמרוסי הי"ו מחבר ספר שאלות מקיף וייחודי לתלמידי החידון של ארה"ב !

הספר מכיל כ 3,000 שאלות (!) על החומר של החידון בשנה הבאה


לפרטים נוספים ולרכישת הספר נא לפנות לכתובת המייל Chidon5774@gmail.com

הספר ישלח אליכם תוך מספר שבועות

רוכשי הספר בשבוע הקרוב יוכלו לקבל שורת ברכה או הקדשה לעילוי נשמה.

ניתן להקדיש את המהדורה כולה במחיר סימלי בלבד

דביר דימרי
שיקגו.]]> ezrafrazer Lookjed List Archive Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:29:22 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21787,21787#msg-21787 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21787,21787#msg-21787 [www.ydae.purdue.edu]

Shalom]]> mlb Lookjed List Archive Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:39:05 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21784,21784#msg-21784 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21784,21784#msg-21784
Her teacher explained that perhaps, like Yaakov prepared the atzei shitim by planting them, maybe they carried dye with them.

Any other ideas/mekoros?

Thanks

Mrs. Leah-Perl Shollar | Director, General Studies
Yeshiva Schools, Girls' Division 7-12
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
lshollar@yeshivaschools.com | www.yeshivaschools.com]]> Leah-Perl Shollar Lookjed List Archive Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:58:19 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21783,21783#msg-21783 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21783,21783#msg-21783 ja@ou.org.]]> Nechama Carmel Lookjed List Archive Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:31:03 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21770,21770#msg-21770 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21770,21770#msg-21770
Thanks.

-------------------------------

I went to a class reunion a few years ago. My 8th grade class reunion. Of the 30 or so in the grade from my Orthodox day school, about 20 showed up. I was one of 2 males wearing a kippah. One of 3 who had any concern over kashrus at the event. Some, it seemed, were sending their kids to some flavor of day school. A bunch weren't. We had graduated 25 years earlier supposedly as full-fledged and committed members of klal yisroel and I felt out of place saying that I was still actively involved in the Orthodox Jewish community.

I also am friends with a number of friends (elementary and yeshiva high school) via facebook. To complain about posts on shabbos, posts about treif restaurants they go to or about their travel to exotic (and decidedly lacking in Judaism) places for work or play would only scratch the surface. What I have surmised (based on the number of intermarriages and lack of any affiliation with Judaism) is that of the 30 or so from 8th grade and the 100 or so from yeshiva HS, I am in the minority. Yes, some have maintained and strengthened their connection to their religion, but a huge number have moved away. Some went to Israel for a year to various programs, some didn't. Even some who live there now do so on secular terms.

I go into school every day and daven with a large number of yeshiva high school students. I can already see a lack of affiliation. They simply don't care. Davening is an inconvenience, tefillin are optional, tzniyut rules are ignored, learning is devalued. This is all despite incredible faculty, a clear mission and a variety of attempts to help students explore their bond with their religion. I look around in the school minyan and see barely a minyan of students davening. I can see that so many of these ostensibly Orthodox Jewish High School students will take the kippah off when the bell rings (both literally at the end of the day, and metaphorically, upon graduation). At their 5, 10 and 25 year reunions I predict that most, if they show up, will be leading wonderfully productive lives with little or no connection to Judaism unless they find it later in life on their own.

But every time I think about how much we are failing our students, how many we are losing, I stop and think about my own graduating classes. Maybe yeshiva education has been failing for 25 years. Maybe it can't succeed. Is it possible that we are fighting a losing fight just to reach the 10% of students who have any interest in being reached and the 5% who can be brought in to the fold against their will? Are there any long term and consistently updated studies on religiosity and yeshiva education which can reassure me that our failure today isn't unique nor does it spell the demise of Orthodoxy any more than a similar failure did 25 years ago. Are there studies that show that we are doing a worse job than in years past?]]> Anonymous Lookjed List Archive Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:48:56 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21763,21763#msg-21763 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21763,21763#msg-21763
I already have the approaches of:
Rabbi Zvi Leshem
(http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/should-we-still-fast-on-tisha-bav/),
Miriam Shaviv
(http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/yes-we-still-need-fast-tisha-bav),
and Rabbi David Golinkin (http://www.schechter.edu/responsa.aspx?ID=53).

Can anyone recommend any other useful texts on the subject?

Thanks in advance.

Uri Cohen]]> Uri Cohen Lookjed List Archive Tue, 04 Jun 2013 05:03:28 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21761,21761#msg-21761 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21761,21761#msg-21761
Thank you,
Avraham Norin]]> Avraham Norin Lookjed List Archive Sun, 02 Jun 2013 01:46:43 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21758,21758#msg-21758 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21758,21758#msg-21758
Our students have strong Chumash skills but no conversational Hebrew skills. What would you recommend?

Thank you so much for your help,
Mayer Rabinowitz]]> Mayer Rabinowitz Lookjed List Archive Wed, 29 May 2013 11:52:12 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21754,21754#msg-21754 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21754,21754#msg-21754
The pros are:
1] Giving our students a broader exposure to what is in shas. Given the sad reality, that the many of our students won’t be getting that exposure later in life, it may well be a case of now or never.
2] It opens up the possibilities of doing messechtot that have either very engaging or very relevant sugyot, but not necessarily enough of those sugyot on which to spend an entire year.
3] It can be more exciting for our students to do a new topic in the middle of the year.

The cons are:
1] It may give the message that instead of sticking with something, we just move on to something different to keep our students’ interest. Given the ever decreasing attention span of our students, perhaps that reinforces bad habits.
2] It may encourage doing sugyot quickly and on a somewhat shallow level, given the limited time on each messechta, rather than really working them through.
3] Arguably, our students should learn that each messechta has many topics in it and that they can find diversity within the messechta itself.

My gemara staff recently tried an Elul zman last year (when rosh hashana was late) and a kayitz zman this year and each may be a good way to get the pros without many of the cons. The idea of having zmanim is often implemented in post high school yeshivot and I think they are worth trying in high schools as well. The downside is that a school will most likely use photocopies, rather buying extra gemarot for such a limited amount of time. While I would never advocate for using photocopies on a regular basis, I feel that it is fine for just a month or a month and a half. The end of the year is often a time when a messechta may start to get stale and doing something different for a month can be a nice “pick me up”.

Being open to a larger range of messechtot is also good for the teachers staying fresh. I have heard people argue that we should only care about what is good for the kids and not what is good for the teachers. However, I feel that this is misguided in this discussion, because this is an instance where “what is good the goose is good for the gander”. When teachers are excited and fresh, the students perceive it and, sadly, when teachers are stale and pulling material “out of the freezer”, students perceive it as well.

I would love to hear if other schools have tried either doing 2 messechtot or doing an Elul or kayitz zman and how it went for them.

Yaakov Blau]]> Yaakov Blau Lookjed List Archive Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:25:56 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21753,21753#msg-21753 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21753,21753#msg-21753
The idea for this type of get together was first developed by computer coders who created BarCamp as a way to meet and share. When a group of educators came to a BarCamp, they spontaneously decided to lead a session on the intersection of technology and education, "planned" spontaneity is one of the hallmarks of these camps. These teachers realized that they could franchise this model for education as well so the first EdCamp was formed three years ago in Philadelphia. Some half a dozen of these camps now take place every week in locations throughout the world with their own wiki, [edcamp.wikispaces.com], where you can see a schedule of all events. A number of months ago, Jewish educators started to see the need to start their version of Ed Camp since most Ed Camps took place on Saturdays and educators wanted a chance to network on issues unique to Jewish day schools. So JedCamp was formed, first in South Florida on December 30, 2012 and then this past weekend, April 21, in Paramus NJ where JedCampNJNY took place.

JedcampNJNY was organized by Rabbi Aaron Ross, Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky and a committee of like minded educators from NJ and NY. Publicity was done through Twitter, Facebook, a JedcampNJNY page on the Edcamp wiki, Lookjed announcements, and word of mouth. We did not pay for any publicity and with the exception of food which was provided from personal donors and the space which was provided by Yavneh Academy, there were no other costs for the event. We did not really know what to expect since none of us had ever actually been to an EdCamp or Jedcamp, although Seth Dimbert who organized JedCampSouthFlorida flew in for the event.

The event exceeded everybody's expectations. Over 80 teachers gathered from dozens of schools including every Yeshiva day school in Bergen County and others throughout the NY, NY area. Teachers came energized ready to share and present. The way sessions were "planned" was on a board posted with 4 time slots and 5 sessions rooms per slot. Sessions were posted organically as teachers arrived and wrote their own ideas for various slots. The board became the central focus of the first part of the day. Within 20 minutes of the beginning of the morning, all but three of these slots were filled with various presenters and topics. The final three spaces were occupied by participants who, upon seeing the board fill up, chose a topic to present about after arriving for the event. Topics were not limited to technology (something we were concerned about), although sessions on iPads, 21st century learning, and educational apps were represented. Other session topics focused on educational reform such as a session on building a high school from scratch and one questioning the need for reform. Others focused on more unique topics like one on using improv in the classroom. What made all of these sessions so rich was the lively conversation and healthy give and take in the rooms.

Here is a picture of the session board: [www.facebook.com] and a spreadsheet listing all of the sessions: [docs.google.com]

The most rewarding aspect of this "unconference" was the face to face conversations in the rooms, the hallways, and at lunch. Participants were encouraged to "vote with their feet" going to any session of their choosing and if they did not think they were gaining from a session leaving for a different one without the presenter taking offense. There were no "gurus" in the rooms, allowing everyone to feel that there was a level playing field and the event was a neutral space where teachers from various schools could freely talk with one another. The event was also run by teachers for teachers so all sessions were both relevant and timely. Although the focus was on face to face interaction, technology tools and social media were used as a framework to extend the conversation with a lively Twitter feed using the hashtag #JedcampNJNY, live Google docs being created in real time throughout the sessions, and many blog posts reflecting on the event written both during and shortly after the day.

You can view pictures here that give you a taste of the event: [www.facebook.com]

In true JedCamp fashion, rather than posting a long list of our reflections here is list of personalized observations from those in attendance.

Mr. Jeffrey Kiderman's Google Doc on creating a school from scratch: [bit.ly]

Rabbi David Mark's Google Doc on using positive psychology in the classroom: [tiny.cc]

Notes by Mrs. Lauren Adler: [docs.google.com]

2 blog postings by "NY's Funniest Rabbi", Rabbi Neil Fleischmann:
[rabbifleischmann.blogspot.com]
[rabbifleischmann.blogspot.com]

Blog posting by Rabbi Daniel Rosen:
[rosends.blogspot.com]

Blog posting by Rabbi Michael Bitton: [rabbimichaelbitton.blogspot.com]

2 blog postings by Rabbi Aaron Ross:
[jewishedd.blogspot.com]
[jewishedd.blogspot.com]

2 blog postings by Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky:
[techrav.blogspot.com]

[techrav.blogspot.com]

Article about JedcampNJNY by the Jewish Standard, a local Jewish newspaper:
[www.jstandard.com]

Moving forward this event is so easily franchisable that we hope that more Jedcamps develop throughout North America and the world. Jedcamp is the “affordable” conference model as it requires very little funds to organize and costs nothing for teachers to attend. There are already plans for Jedcamps in Baltimore, California, and Brooklyn, NY. Please feel free to contact us if you would like ideas for organizing your own Jedcamp.

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Aaron Ross, aaronshalom@gmail.com
Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky, Pittinsky@gmail.com
And the JedcampNJNY Committee]]> Tzvi Pittinsy Lookjed List Archive Thu, 16 May 2013 02:20:15 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21752,21752#msg-21752 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21752,21752#msg-21752
In the Sunday Styles section of today's NY Times Bruce Feiler entitles his "This Life" column "A Line Between Sweet and Skimpy" - [www.nytimes.com]. It turns out that "The issue of appropriate clothing for girls has been the subject of increasing academic and popular scrutiny." As he phrases it, he doesn't want his eight-year old daughters "to leave the house dressed as pole dancers." He suggests answers to five phrases kids might say, beginning with "Everybody does it."

I don't like girls' clothing to be a preoccupation, but manufacturers sexualize young kids who aren't sophisticated enough to realize how they're being used. They make it difficult for parents and schools.

Rivkah Blau]]> Rivkah Blau Lookjed List Archive Sun, 26 May 2013 13:33:36 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21751,21751#msg-21751 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21751,21751#msg-21751
I am developing a curriculum for preteen male sex education. Is such a curriculum available? I am particularly interested in identifying appropriate Jewish texts on the subject. Thank you.

Rabbi Mordechai Wecker
Head of School
Strelitz Early Childhood Center
Hebrew Academy of Tidewater
Virginia Beach, VA]]> Mordechai Wecker Lookjed List Archive Thu, 16 May 2013 01:45:12 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21744,21744#msg-21744 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21744,21744#msg-21744
I am open to all suggestions either via the forum or to my home e-mail.

Thank you,
Avraham Norin]]> Avraham Norin Lookjed List Archive Thu, 02 May 2013 13:29:04 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21736,21736#msg-21736 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21736,21736#msg-21736
In a recent article in Jewish Ideas Daily - [www.jewishideasdaily.com] - Finkelman points to some new data-based studies produced by doctoral students at the Azrieli Graduate School of Yeshiva University, based on surveys collected by the school, and calls for greater analysis of that data.

Are such studies important for your practice? What areas of Jewish education might be the focus of research that would impact directly on your own teaching?

Shalom]]> mlb Lookjed List Archive Thu, 02 May 2013 12:58:07 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21735,21735#msg-21735 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21735,21735#msg-21735 If so, I'd love to hear...

Leah-Perl]]> Leah Perl Shollar Lookjed List Archive Thu, 02 May 2013 13:02:50 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21732,21732#msg-21732 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21732,21732#msg-21732 Jamie Pearlberg Lookjed List Archive Thu, 02 May 2013 13:06:53 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21729,21729#msg-21729 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21729,21729#msg-21729 Yet, a closer look at the numbers reveals a more nuanced picture.
Of the 1,967 family units (singles, couples, families with children, etc.) to immigrate to Israel in 2012, 1,434 (72 percent) of them were singles. Young people represented the lion's share of family units making aliyah. While this, of course, makes intuitive sense (it's much, much harder to move once you're married, have children and a job that supports them), it also seems to indicate that young Americans remain passionate and idealistic about Zionism and expressing that Zionism by immigrating to Israel. As a significant majority of these immigrants hail from Orthodox backgrounds, what do these numbers say about the Religious Zionist educations that American Orthodox children receive?

In the Orot's Eye on Education Newsletter this month, Rabbi David Brofsky, who has taught at Midreshet Lindenbaum's post-high school program for thirteen years, shares his thoughts about trends that he has observed in American Religious Zionist education through the prism of his students. Rabbi Brofsky makes three interesting observations that may be of interest to educators in North America. He notes –
1. A decline in the Hebrew language skills of many students
2. That modern Israeli history – and current events – are not part of students’ knowledge base.
3. That many students do not appear to feel a close connection to the land of Israel and its people.

Do others agree with this assessment?

Here is the link to this month's edition:
[www.orot.ac.il]

Thanks,
Reuven Spolter
Orot College of Education]]> Reuven Spolter Lookjed List Archive Thu, 02 May 2013 12:40:31 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21725,21725#msg-21725 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21725,21725#msg-21725 nlev@datcampus.org. Thank you.

Naomi Lev, MEd
Assistant Prinicipal
Director, Post Secondary Guidance
www.datcampus.org]]> Naomi Lev Lookjed List Archive Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:50:05 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21722,21722#msg-21722 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21722,21722#msg-21722 Does anyone know where I can obtain such items?

Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kobrin
Rosh HaYeshiva / Head of School
North Shore Hebrew Academy]]> Jeff Kobrin Lookjed List Archive Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:01:58 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21716,21716#msg-21716 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21716,21716#msg-21716
I am a PC user and use Microsoft Office equally for both English and Hebrew (and can flip between both languages in the same document) with no difficulty. It would be fair to say that the standard for documents is Microsoft Word in both languages.

Regarding Apple software, however, my understanding is that while there have been some improvements in the latest OS's in working in Hebrew, there are still some challenges including lack of true right to left typing.
In an age when schools are beginning to move forward with technology initiatives, and more devices are being found (and placed) in the hands of students and staff; how do schools which are using Apple platforms work with Hebrew.

For example: in our Academic Jewish Studies stream most of the JS classes are taught in Hebrew, and worksheets and tests are produced in Hebrew. How would a school with a Mac platform make this work in Hebrew? What are the challenges and solutions?

Responses on or off list greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Moshe Yeres
Rabbi Dr. Moshe J. Yeres, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Vice Principal, Jewish Studies
TanenbaumCHAT Kimel Family Education Centre]]> Moshe Yeres Lookjed List Archive Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:46:53 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21715,21715#msg-21715 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21715,21715#msg-21715
I realize that this is a broad and perhaps loaded topic, likely with different formal policies at the school level, and personal boundaries that Mechanchim might draw on their own. (Please note that I am not talking about any digital correspondence of an inappropriate nature here. However,without any boundaries, this could be inviting trouble in those areas.)

So, I will just throw out a small subset of questions for discussion:

(1) To what extent should teachers be accessible to students outside of the classroom, after hours? Are teachers entitled to uninterrupted family or personal time? (Ostensibly, this question relates to all professionals, but the Mechanech-Talmid dyadic relationship might be different)
(2) Is it prudent to allow for some students to have special access (perhaps because of a challenging personal/family situation) and others not?
(3) Is it proper for a Mechanech(et) to be a “friend” with one or more students on Facebook?
(4) Should a Mechanech(et) give out his/her cell phone number freely and initiate/respond to texts whenever either party has something to say?
(5) Are there any (necessary and positive) image or respect issues that are at risk when a Mechanech is too accessible? Is digital connectivity necessary in 2013 for Mechanchim to be seen as relevant and "in touch" with the real world?
(6) Should contact outside of the classroom be limited to face-to-face, phone, or email communication?
(7) Are there any best practices which have been developed on an individual or institutional level regarding digital space?

We certainly live in a new reality as it relates to communication and social technology (and this is very much all a moving target) . No matter how you slice it, it represents a departure from the more buffered distance in time and place that was the case a generation or more ago between educators and students. This issue goes well beyond the old question of whether it is proper for a Rebbe to play basketball with Talmidim during recess. Even though there is a common denominator of social distance, that had always been more situationally confined to the gym or baseball field.]]> elasson Lookjed List Archive Tue, 07 May 2013 01:31:29 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21714,21714#msg-21714 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21714,21714#msg-21714
This seems like an interesting question and perhaps an important one that I'm sure has been worked on. Any ideas of where to start looking for research on this topic?

Thanks!

Kol Tuv,
Fivel Yedidya
Founder, Director and Lead Guide
P'tach Libi: Exploring Inner Landscapes
www.ptachlibi.org]]> Fivel Yedidya Glasser Lookjed List Archive Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:59 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21713,21713#msg-21713 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21713,21713#msg-21713
Links to complete video coverage appear in the link below, which wil be updated as newer new stories appear -
[chidonusa.wordpress.com]

To access the archived video of the entire Chidon, go to
[www.iba.org.il]

A couple of teachers have asked me about showing clips from the video to their students. There are 2 parts that I would recommend:
1) At 1:40:55, the 2nd round begins. Yishai Eisenberg is the first contestant and the only one to answer everything correctly. This sections moves quickly, has a mix of moderate questions and very hard questions, and the questions appear in English for all of the English speaking contestants. So it would be the best choice for showing a few minutes to people who don't necessarily speak Hebrew.

2) Around 2:17:00, they begin the final face-off between the top 2 contestants. The questions are very difficult, and watching the 2 contestants race through them is amazing and humbling.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Ezra Frazer
Coordinator, National Bible Contest
THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL
Department of Community Services
[ChidonUSA.wordpress.com]


For more information about the International Bible Contest, visit their website (http://p2g.jewishagency.org/english/israelschools/biblequiz) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/chidonhatanach.biblequiz)

For information about the US National Bible Contest, visit chidonusa.wordpress.com]]> ezrafrazer Lookjed List Archive Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:51:45 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21709,21709#msg-21709 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21709,21709#msg-21709
We are searching for suggestions of Hebrew readers that may be good for our school. Can you recommend any Hebrew reading programs?

Thank you for your help.

Mrs. Rivkah Nachlas
rivkahn@comcast.net]]> Rivkah Nachlas Lookjed List Archive Thu, 02 May 2013 12:30:56 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21702,21702#msg-21702 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21702,21702#msg-21702
For those in Israel wanting wallet-sized cards for personal, synagogue, school and/or community use, please reply with the quantity and your address. We will mail them to you free of charge.

Those elsewhere in the world, please feel free to use the links below to print unlimited copies.

Below is a copy of the text as well as an English translations. To see an online version with additional commentary and feedback, please visit: alhanisim.blogspot.com

Chag Atzmaut Sameach!

Ben-Tzion


Link to full page Hebrew printable version - [tinyurl.com]
Link to printable Hebrew pocket version - [tinyurl.com]
Link to Hebrew with English translation - [tinyurl.com]

[English translation]

And for the miracles, and for the salvation, and for the mighty deeds, and for the victories, and for the battles which You performed for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

In the days of the ingathering of the remnant of Israel from the lands of darkness and the shadow of death to their beloved inheritance, pioneers of the nation arose, raised the flag, composed a declaration, and claimed the right of the nation to be established with its own consent, as a Jewish government in the land of its birth. With song and dance, women and children, the old and the young, celebrated on the streets with joy and rejoicing. At that same time, their enemies converged forthwith, to eliminate all trace of Israel from the land, and to push into the sea all the keepers of its faith. But You hurried forth to rescue your nation. You strengthened the hands of their defenders, and destroyed the weapons of their enemies. A revival of glory you made, a country of beauty you established, the beginning of the longing of the generations, a refuge and a fortress for the return of all Your people.

Comments are welcome at: alhanisim.blogspot.com]]> Ben-Tzion Spitz Lookjed List Archive Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:36:42 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21700,21700#msg-21700 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,21700,21700#msg-21700 uriel.lubetski@mhafyos.org.

Thank you
Uriel

Margolin Hebrew Academy • Feinstone Yeshiva of the South
Rabbi Uriel Lubetski, Upper School Principal
Memphis, TN 38117
www.mhafyos.org]]> Uriel Lubetski Lookjed List Archive Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:23:22 -0600