Ovics Scholarship enables TT teachers to attend Jewish Educators Conference

by Ari Sniderman

(AJNews) – Thanks to a scholarship from the Rachel and Yossi Ovics Fund and a grant from the (Edmonton) Talmud Torah Society, I had the chance to attend the annual conference of the Jewish Educators Assembly last month in Chicago together with my teaching colleague, Shira Spring. The conference was titled Israel Education: Past, Present, and Future.

Over three days, teachers, principals, and rabbis met with leaders in the fields of Jewish and Israel Education to understand the ways in which Jewish institutions can help students form meaningful relationships with Israel.

In his D’var Torah to open the conference, Rabbi Adir Glick of Temple Har Zion in suburban Chicago noted that, since the October 7th attacks, Jews worldwide have been in mourning, together with their Israeli brothers & sisters. He reminded us that at the end of shiva, the family gets up and goes for a walk. As such, even while they are still in mourning, they move forward.

In educating our students about Israel, we do not ignore uncomfortable or unsettling facts or issues, but we do move forward.

In a subsequent session, Rabbi Eric Leiderman of IsraeLINK talked about the six pillars of Israel education, beginning with Zionism. He reflected on the fact that too many Jewish teens are unable to confidently answer the question: “What is Zionism?” In an effort to engage on this issue, Unpack’d, an online Jewish education centre, presented a tour of their videos, podcasts, and articles suitable for students of all ages.

Another pillar of Israel education, Rabbi Leiderman pointed out, is diversity. As a democracy, we treasure diversity. As a Jewish people, we model diversity. As educators, one of our responsibilities is to ensure inclusivity in Israel education. Presenters from Keshet: For LGBTQ Equality in Jewish Life, talked about connecting diverse populations to Israel.

Other sessions included a blindfolded minyan service; a session focused on understanding and combating anti-Semitism presented by an education expert with the Anti-Defamation League; and a session that dealt with preparation for Pesach studies that focused on the many instances and reasons why events involving the number 4 occur during the Seder.

Because Israel studies do not exist in a vacuum, throughout the conference Torah and prayer reinforced our experience, as they do in our daily Jewish lives. A strong Israel Education relies not only on history and hummus. It is bound by strong ties to Torah, prayer, the cycle of Jewish holidays, and ritual.

From my attendance at the Jewish Educators’ Assembly conference I gained many insights for my classroom, for our community, and for myself. The discussions and sessions invoked deep reflection on my part about my practice as a Jewish educator and my role as a Jewish community member.

I know that our balanced Judaic Studies curriculum at Talmud Torah – teaching prayer, history, Tanach, holidays, and about Israel – aims to instill in students a deep and meaningful relationship with Judaism and Israel. I also know that Rachel and Yossi Ovics z”l would have loved to have joined us in Chicago. And I know that my experience will give extra meaning to my celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut this year.

Ari Sniderman is a teacher at Talmud Torah School in Edmonton.