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.
Not An Official Jewish Holiday - Earth Day
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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 DestroyThis significant Torah value, found in Deuteronomy, teaches us not to waste or needlessly harm the environment—even during tough times like war. It reminds us that our responsibility to the earth is constant. Shomrei Adamah – Guardians of the EarthIn the story of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve are called to be caretakers of the land. Being a guardian means paying attention and learning about the world around us. L’Dor Va’Dor – From Generation to GenerationThis beautiful phrase appears in both the Psalms and our daily prayers. It reminds us that our job is to pass wisdom and care to the next generation. Bracha – BlessingGratitude is at the heart of Jewish life. Our tradition encourages us to say blessings over the many beautiful things we encounter, including natural wonders. And of course, we all say: Amen! Frannie PS. Explore more exciting resources that bridge the gap between Judaic and General studies 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,...