The Dean's Blog: 3rd Grade Play

On the Goals of Jewish Education

"Our goal should be to make it possible for every Jewish person, child or adult, to be exposed to the mystery and romance of Jewish history, to the enthralling insights and special sensitivities of Jewish thought, to the sanctity and symbolism of Jewish existence, and to the power and profundity of Jewish faith. As a motto and declaration of hope, we might adapt the dictum that says, ‘They searched from Dan to Beer Sheva and did not find an ‘am ha’aretz" ‘Am ha’aretz, usually understood as an ignoramus, an illiterate, may for our purposes be defined as one indifferent to Jewish visions and values, untouched by the drama and majesty of Jewish history, unappreciative of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Jewish community, and unconcerned with Jewish destiny. Education, in its broadest sense, will enable young people to confront the secret of Jewish tenacity and existence, the quality of Torah teaching which fascinates and attracts irresistibly. They will then be able, even eager, to find their place in a creative and constructive community."

From "A Time to Act," by Professor Isadore Twersky, the late Talner Rebbe, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University, and member of the Commissionon Jewish Education in North America. Presented at a meeting of the Commision on June 12, 1990.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

3rd Grade Play

The third grade introduced this month's Middah of the Month - Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming Guests) - with a breathtaking theatrical performance, written and directed by their talented teacher Morah Yehudit and her equally talented husband, Moreh Shimshon. Not only was the acting great, and the lines recited to perfection, but as you'll see from the video clips below - the entire play was performed in Hebrew. It's but another shining example both of the results we're seeing from having transitioned to a Hebrew Immersion environment for all Lower School Judaic Studies last year, and of the way we're combining Hebrew language with core Jewish values and sacred Jewish texts in a way that's fun and exciting for all of our children. Well done, Kitah Gimel!