With a background in both Judaic and general studies combined with 30 years of teaching in Jewish educational settings, I saw the same challenges again and again. Jewish educators were being asked to plan meaningful lessons without enough time, structure, or support. So, I began creating tools that bridge the gap between Judaic content and real classroom practice. Teachers need purposeful lessons that help students think deeply, build skills, reflect on Jewish values, and connect learning to their own lives. That is why I created Menschenables, my 5-step Jewish lesson planning framework, and the Kehillah Collective. My work is designed to help Jewish educators stop starting from scratch and start planning with more clarity, confidence, and joy. Because meaningful Jewish learning should feel thoughtful, doable, and deeply connected — for both teachers and students.
Breathe
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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! However, the school year is quickly coming to a close, and stress levels are rising. But, you got this! At this time of year, I start making a list of the areas I want to revisit and reflect on for the new school year. Did the B’nai Mitzvah class learn all they needed to be prepared? How can we more easily infuse Jewish values into our lessons, school culture, and other aspects? How can we utilize and provide programming for post-confirmation students to keep them engaged and involved? And the list goes on. I also reflect on areas of success and achievement, continually seeking ways to congratulate and thank those who are involved. We doubled the number of students learning Hebrew in person midweek! The Sunday Religious School students are engaged and love learning with their friends! More members are attending Family Shabbat services! All of these are wins! So, find your wins, reflect on areas for growth, and breathe! You got this! Take care, Reader! B’Shalom - בשלום Frannie P.S. Let me know what your wins and areas for growth are for this school year! Just hit reply! P.P.S. Explore some End-of-the-Year resources here! |
Menschenables
With a background in both Judaic and general studies combined with 30 years of teaching in Jewish educational settings, I saw the same challenges again and again. Jewish educators were being asked to plan meaningful lessons without enough time, structure, or support. So, I began creating tools that bridge the gap between Judaic content and real classroom practice. Teachers need purposeful lessons that help students think deeply, build skills, reflect on Jewish values, and connect learning to their own lives. That is why I created Menschenables, my 5-step Jewish lesson planning framework, and the Kehillah Collective. My work is designed to help Jewish educators stop starting from scratch and start planning with more clarity, confidence, and joy. Because meaningful Jewish learning should feel thoughtful, doable, and deeply connected — for both teachers and students.
Hi there, Reader, Have you ever sat down to plan a Jewish lesson and immediately felt like there were too many pieces to hold at once? The Parsha. The holiday. The Hebrew. The Jewish value. The activity. The classroom management. The meaningful takeaway. And somehow, all of that is supposed to fit into one short class period. If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this: It is not you. Jewish lesson planning often feels overwhelming because so many educators plan with limited time,...
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...
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,...