April 2017 ISJL Education Newsletter

Nothing Compares… to Comparing
As we looked back on all our previous newsletters, we were trying to think of what made certain articles and themes more successful than others. As we were doing so, we realized we were comparing different topics to gain a better understanding. All of a sudden it dawned on us: what are some things we talk about all the time which we haven’t really cross-compared? We sat down as a group to brainstorm a list we thought would be most beneficial for our ISJL communities. Below are five comparisons we think you’ll greatly benefit from in your congregation.
 
I’m Ashkenazi, You’re Sephardic… What’s Mizrachi?
We all think “that’s Jewish tradition,” but what we may not realize is that it’s our personal Jewish tradition. Shira Muroff explores how looking at different Jewish backgrounds can enrich our experience with Jewish rituals. Read more.
 
How to Channel Balki Bartokomous
In the South, we're surrounded by traditions and faiths of people very different from us. Curious about how they worship and behave in their sacred spaces? Gabi Cohn highlights a resource, How to Be a Perfect Stranger, a book that can prepare you to visit any number of people of other beliefs. Read more.
 
1 Student, 2 Students, 3 Students… 400!
No school size is perfect, and usually we think that a school significantly larger or smaller than ours would be better. Becca Rosenthal breaks down the strengths and challenges of working with both giant and miniscule student populations. Read more.
 
There are Jews in Mississippi?
Since she grew up in Long Island, surrounded by Jews, Shira Moskowitz has a unique perspective on the differences between Northern and Southern Jewish life. Read how her life’s experience helped her to understand both communities better by being fully involved in each. Read more.
 
V.A.K.an You Hear Me Now?
We all have favor Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic learning/teaching styles - but we’re not limited to those areas. Rabbi Matt Dreffin explores how students and teachers can best interact in the classroom when everyone's preferences are understood. Read more.