A Jewish educator, in any setting, must strive to create the space for her learners to connect to Judaism. As the world evolves, so must the way we think about learning. Today, my students wear many hats; they are Jews, Americans and citizens of the world. They are students, professionals, athletes, actors, singers, and dancers. They come from observant families, secular families, and mixed marriages. Each of these identities enters the Jewish ‘classroom’ every year, and I believe that it is the central job of the progressive Jewish educator to invite and nurture each of their learner’s identities into their Jewish learning experience.
I love to utilize the ancient method of chevruta (partner) learning in a modern context because it allows us to create meaningful learning in any space. We can learn in the home, over Skype, on the playground, at a coffee shop, in the workplace, and on the road. My passion is to reach out to families wherever they are and to create positive, dynamic learning in a construct that works with their lives. Whether that is to sit down for Shabbat meals together, to learn individually or in small groups, to create a Hebrew club for your children or to plan an educational trip for your whole family....our learning will be authentic and personal.
I believe in meeting my learners from where they are in their journey and heading forward together...hearing their hopes, values and beliefs and creating a program that is truly for them...one that will challenge their capacities as learners and will be open to expand knowledge and understanding with consideration of personal beliefs and interests. With deep respect to our tradition, it is my job to frame your learning in a way that feels right to you!
Humans have a natural yearning to learn and build connections to others, and we must use many different approaches in education to allow that curiosity to flourish. We all have special learning needs, and it is my job to get to know you as a learner and to present the material in a way that is accessible to your learning style. An educator must be a collaborator with each professional and caregiver in the life of the learner; to give that learner the most meaningful and substantive learning experience through the most broad understanding of their needs as a learner.
The greatest teaching practice of a Jewish educator is to teach through modeling; to help students build their own Jewish identity and commitment to learning, we can model that commitment in our own personal and professional lives. I believe that every educator should have a strong commitment to their own life-long learning, making informed choices about personal Jewish practice and becoming stronger educators along the way. Leaving space and respect for the thoughts and ideas of others, teachers can bring their personal passions and spirituality to the ‘classroom’, showing their true selves to their students, and thereby opening a door to self-exploration and growth for all learners.
Judaism is a religion that promotes the asking of questions and exploration. Questions should be asked by the educator not to hear a particular answer, but to open doors to exploration and thought, and the development of ideas. I use positive reinforcement in challenging discussions to encourage risk-taking and to create comfortable space for participation. Through games, activities, projects, and experimentation, I strive to utilize the innate curiosity in each of us to inspire Jewish learning.
Ideally, Jewish educational programs should act as a microcosm of Jewish communities in interaction with the greater world. Even in a setting of private study, we can work to develop our students’ awareness of communal and world responsibility, observance and celebrations, and a strong set of Jewish values to take with them along their way. It is our challenge and gift as educators to prepare our students to use their Jewish education and strong sense of who they are to guide them on their path.