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 own.
But, let’s look a bit further at what was being commanded. In this parsha we are being told that we must create sacred space for the children of Israel. There must be things to explore, and a space filled with natural light, color, and textures. It must be a content rich environment that draws people in to deep learning and welcomes them to involve themselves in the community. It must be a space filled with educators –facilitators who have depth of content knowledge and educational expertise.
It must be a space in which we model sacred language and behavior – a space in which we stop and say “thank you” to each other and to The Divine who dwells among us.
Then and now, we do want to command. We want to command and compel our community to look, truly see, and completely understand the critical, life changing work that educators do each day. They must understand that resources are needed to ensure that this work can only happen when we, our students, and their families have the knowledge, skills and resources to feel comfortable in and foster sacred relationships in sacred spaces.
Together we can, as this parsha commands, create sacred spaces and sacred moments for teachers, students, and their families and through them, the entire community.
Kein Y’hi Ratzon… may it be so.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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