As we experience an unprecedented period of disruption in our every day, real-world lives, it’s hard to imagine how this could not impact the form and structure of our Jewish communities. Watershed moments in Jewish history have given rise to new models of Jewish education and affiliation, and we are standing at the precipice of just such a shift. If you’re choosing a program for your child to experience the best of Jewish values and tradition, here are five real-life skills you should look for in your child’s program:
1) Act and listen
Judaism is an epic story that has been handed down from one generation to the next. In order for an ancient story to become relevant and meaningful, it needs to come alive and be experienced. Storytelling should be an integral part of the Hebrew school experience, with each learner taking active part in telling and retelling the core narratives of the Jewish people. Not only can stories be told by learning drama and improvisational comedy techniques, but through film, memes, presentations, and social media as well. Stories created for and by our learners will translate ancient texts to modern methods of communication.
2) Build
Secular trends in progressive education have begun to move away from standardized, Industrial-era models of education, and Jewish education should, too! Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics programming — through its emphasis on problem-solving, creativity, curiosity and ingenuity — has the potential to transform the way we think about holiday customs, Torah texts, the Hebrew language, and more. Whether designing Sukkot — a traditional holiday structure — to withstand a certain amount of wind or rain, or engineering candle-lighting robots for Hanukkah, this educational approach must be included in any Hebrew school that considers itself a part of this new generation.
3) Sing and dance
Music has not only been proven to enhance learning across disciplines, but it also builds a strong sense of community and connection. Participating in Jewish prayer is an exciting and energetic way to prepare learners for real life in the Jewish world. While you might think it’s just one of those things they’ll need to know if they would like to have a bar or bat mitzvah, Jewish prayer can be so much more than that. Being able to keep up with the beat of Jewish prayer services, wherever you may choose to attend, will feel empowering to the next generation of Jewish learners to sing out wherever their Jewish journeys take them.
4) Taste
Eating Jewishly is a deeply social, cultural, religious, and always enjoyable activity. Learners should have the opportunity to investigate the roots of symbolic Jewish food, prepare and taste cuisines from diverse Jewish communities, and take their study of traditional dietary laws on the road to see how eating Jewishly is alive in their neighborhood and how healthy, organic, and sustainable eating has authentic roots in Jewish environmentalism.
5) Debate
Why does Jewish tradition place so much emphasis on question-asking, interpretation, and debate? Why do you think? Debate is a core value in Jewish texts, recognizing the holiness that is sparked by impassioned arguments on both sides. Well-facilitated debate enhances critical thinking and communication skills, while fostering an atmosphere of open-mindedness, and a sense of community and respect. The toxic nature of our national discourse demand that the next generation of Jewish learners model respectful, yet passionate dissent.
Erin Beser is the director of Community Learning and Engagement for the Jewish Community Project in Lower Manhattan.
