Do you believe in luck, Reader? I’ve been lucky a time or two. Like scoring my new job! A couple of months ago, I was really missing being in the classroom and spending time with Jewish kids. Then the most remarkable opportunity came along: to be Director of Education at a very small congregation. (This is the main reason I have been MIA lately.) I feel pretty lucky to be back with students and teachers. As I said, the congregation is very small. We only have 16 students in our Sunday...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Dear Reader, friend and fellow educator, It’s hard to believe—it’s been five months since my last message to you. I’ve truly missed connecting with this incredible community. Though I’ve been quiet, please know that not a week has gone by without me thinking about all of you—the passionate, creative educators who care deeply about weaving Jewish learning and general studies together in meaningful ways. This vision—to build a collective of like-minded Jewish educators who bring depth,...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Have you ever been standing in front of your students with a well-planned, dynamic lesson only to discover that the projector isn't working? Step 2 in Lesson Planning is often overlooked. However, it can make or break your lesson. A well-prepared lesson starts with having the right resources ready. Whether teaching general or Judaic studies, carefully selecting and organizing materials ensures a smooth, engaging experience. To explore this step further, visit the Just...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This is the first of a seven-part series on Lesson Planning. For the full Post, please visit Menschenables. Defining clear learning objectives is the foundation of effective teaching. Lessons can lack direction and impact without a clear vision of what students should learn. Learning objectives guide instruction, assessment, and student engagement, ensuring that lessons are purposeful and measurable. This week’s Blog Post complements the Book of Judges Flipbook. When you signed...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I am popping into your mailbox with a quick word of encouragement! But first, I'm so sorry I missed sending an email last week. I was rejoicing in a household filled with family, the smells of matzo ball soup, and the sounds of crunching matzo toffee! Our oldest was home for 10 days from his military base in Germany, and he hadn’t been home for almost three years. Such a true delight! Anyway, I hope your Passover and Spring holidays were precisely what you needed and wanted!...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
While we often think of the Torah as telling the story of the Jewish people, its very beginning is actually about something we all share—our amazing planet. Earth Day (April 22) is not an official Jewish holiday. However, it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with meaningful Jewish values and teach our students how our tradition encourages us to care for the earth. Here are some fun and thoughtful ways to celebrate Earth Day through a Jewish lens: Bal Tashchit – Do Not Destroy This...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This is a quick update as the Passover prep begins in earnest! Last week, I sent out a survey asking if you wanted to receive resources only, an email course on writing engaging lesson plans, or both. Thank you to all of those who replied. Your replies led me to create a detailed email course on building lessons infused with Judaic content, standards, and skills. As I work on this new project, please check out some Passover resources that are ideal for religious school settings...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, So, last week, I sent an outline of how I plan my lessons and resources. I had planned to send a seven-week email course on creating effective lessons that blend Judaic content with general studies skills and standards, but then I stopped in my tracks and started second-guessing myself. -Do you really want this type of information? -Would you prefer I send links to resources already created? -Or, you want both, which is perfectly legit! So, let’s get this settled. Reply to this...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Let me ask you something… Are you like me? I’ve been feeling really behind in my work. It’s almost April/Passover already, and all the “big plans” I had for the year feel like they’re slipping through my hands. You know…you have accomplished a lot of good stuff so far this year, but you still focus on that one thing you keep putting off? Are you ignoring all the “did accomplish” stuff and instead just feeling bad about the “did not accomplish” category? Yeah, me too. I figured I...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi, Reader, I came across a quote the other day. "The future of the world is in my classroom today." - Ivan Welton Fitzwater Wow. It stopped me in my tracks. At first, I thought that's a lot of pressure for a teacher. But the more I thought about it, the more amazing I found the quote. I love how it returns the focus of a teacher's job to the children and their great potential, giving credit to a teacher's role in fulfilling that potential. I’m a sucker for a good quote. An inspirational...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read