The greatness of the Jewish people lies in our continually discovering, davka during the darkest times, more courage within ourselves.
Pulling Back from the Trees and Looking at the Forest: Making Torah Meaningful to Students’ Lived Lives
Why might a student who has attended our community’s schools for so many years, schools into which the community pours so many resources, decide that, at least temporarily, they are not interested in being part of our community? I won’t pretend that I know the answer, but I do believe…
Why Do We Teach—and Not Teach—What We Do in Jewish Schools?
Recently, a teacher asked me for some guidance. What did I think would be both the best content and methodology not only for teaching skills but also for conveying fundamental values and fostering a love for and connection to Judaism?
Making Room for Wonder, Curiosity, and Mystery
If Judaism is a response to existential questions, then we must validate our students’ questions, interests, and curiosities and create a context to discuss them.