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God

A Paradigm Shift for Thinking about God in the Classroom

A Paradigm Shift for Thinking about God in the Classroom

Over the past 75 years, Jewish day schools in North America have experimented with ways of teaching Jewish identity.  The methodologies ranged from heavy textual induction to deep discussion to Israeli dance to computer-based solutions to maker spaces to Project Based Learning.  In that time a singular topic remains under-developed: how to teach about the Divine. Most approaches focus on either: trying to create an emotional connection with God through nature, meditation, or experiential learning; or sharing a significant amount of knowledge about the topic of God with the potential for some discussion from students.  

What other methods could teachers employ to build a strong, lasting Jewish identity in their students?

Balancing Two Truths Requires Honoring Two Voices

Balancing Two Truths Requires Honoring Two Voices

I have a new hero, and it’s a bit embarrassing. 

Embarrassing to admit that I’ve studied and taught this character for decades and always assumed he was the anti-hero, the person we shouldn’t become, the epitome of someone who was impelled by a mistaken zeal to lead a mistaken life. 

My anti-hero has become heroic. 

I’m talking about Jonah. 

Do We Really Have An E-l Kana, a Jealous God?

Do We Really Have An E-l Kana, a Jealous God?

If you google the words “God loves us,” the first page of hits contains all Christian websites. I don’t think this an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) problem; I think it is a statement that  we are not good at reminding ourselves and our students through discussion or text study that God loves us. The sources are plentiful...