This past Shabbat I had the privilege of watching my middle daughter, Emma, become a Bat Mitzvah. It was a moving and miraculous experience. Nearly four years ago our synagogue informed us that April 20, 2013 would be Emma’s bat mitzvah date and at the time it seemed like light years away – we hadn’t […]
If You’re Sick, Stay Away!
Like all Torah portions, Parshat Taz’ria has been commented upon extensively by rabbis and scholars. Those who are more contemporary and equality focused tend to speak about the inherent inequality of the first chapter which outlines the period of “uncleanliness” that a woman faces after giving birth, which is 30 days if she gives birth […]
Our Brokenness Makes Us Whole
This week, in the midst of Pesach, we return to the Book of Exodus. On Shabbat we read of Moses’ return to the top of Mount Sinai to create a second set of tablets while he has another opportunity to study with G-d. Ultimately, these “whole tablets” will be placed in the Mishkan’s Holy of […]
Is Any Job Menial?
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 […]
Vayikra Limerick
According to priestly tradition The olah was in perfect condition Neither discoloration Nor unique pigmentation Was allowed for its holy submission
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 […]
Change Is Hard
It has been an exciting week here in our school – it is the beginning of the next cycle as our new parents arrive with contracts for our school for 2013-14. As I watched our incoming children play in the gym and then sing in our common space on Wednesday morning as part of our […]
Swimming Lessons
(This originally appeared on the Jewish Futures blog site, in advance of the February 27th Jewish Futures conference “The role of Bar and Bat Mitzvah in America today”) He was terrified. I mean really scared. As I stood next to him on the bimah, in front of his family and the rest of the congregation, […]
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 […]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- …
- 55
- Next Page »