A number of years ago, while serving as the Director of Special Education in a small partly rural school district I was meeting with the parent of a teen with multiple disabilities. We were discussing job training and possible opportunities for on the job experiences. The mom’s biggest concern was that her daughter not be […]
Step Forward And Share
This week we move closer to the heart of Torah as we begin the book of Vayikra – “G-d called.” G-d’s message to Moses as this book begins is about the sacrifices our ancestors were to make as they moved through life. As we read through this Book over the next few weeks, we will […]
No More Golden Calves!
Living in 21st century America all too often feels like a race for the next best thing. We are constantly bombarded with information and asked to do far too much far too fast. As Jewish educators, we have learned that unless we quickly capture the attention of learners and then engage them in serious, relevant […]
What We Must Command
This week’s parsha begins with the words V’ata T’tzaveh et B’nai Yisrael – – and you shall command the Children of Israel. As an educator I cringe at the idea of “commanding children.” I want our learners to be engaged and exploring; I want them to ask questions and struggle to make the learning their […]
Collecting… And Giving
Last week was Shabbat Shekelim – the Shabbat of Shekels. This special Shabbat, which always occurs just before the first of Adar, was traditionally the time when each adult male in the community contributed a half shekel to the community coffers. This obligatory contribution, made small enough so that every member could give, was used […]
Life Is In The Details
Last week we were reminded that our ancestors received the Torah at Mt. Sinai. As they stood near the foot of the mountain amid the cacophony of thunder, lightning and flames, the people encountered G-d and heard the Ten Commandments. It was certainly an attention grabbing moment; as the people stood in awe, they heard […]
Did You Do Your Homework?
A few days ago I was chatting with a friend. She shared that she had recently skipped a book club meeting because she had not had time to read the book. Last week a colleague said that she canceled out of a hike with friends because she was not sure she could keep up. A […]
Faith Is Not A Noun
Let me explain. In the English language, the word “faith” is, indeed, a noun. The Miriam-Webster dictionary tells us that faith means a. an allegiance to duty or to a person; b. belief and trust in and loyalty to G-d or a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Yet, while one […]
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