Its Wednesday evening about 7:30pm and I am in the area of the open air market here in Jerusalem called the shuk. I decide to walk over to pick up a few fruits and vegetables, knowing its a busy time and preparing myself for the hustle and bustle of the loud, dirty and crowded aisles of the shuk.
Standing on the side of an aisle, a religious woman pushes me as she passes by, doesn't acknowledge it and I react with a loud sigh...
An Arab man working in the shuk collecting all the empty vegetable cartons and tossing them in a massive metal cart parked in the center of the aisle, sees me and says with a smile, "everyone pushes in the shuk, doesn't matter who..." I agree and laugh and he continues, "צריך לזרום - you need to flow."
This word לזרום (to flow) can be used in lots of contexts, and is often used in slang to answer when someone asks what you want to do tonight - you reply אני זורמת - I'm chill, I'm flowing, as if to say I'm up for whatever. Rivers also זורמים - water, people, we're all flowing and chilling.
This is a perfect example of the infinite number of beautifully rich vignettes I've been stopping to appreciate these past few weeks as I begin to say my goodbyes to this period of my life.
This place Israel, and Jerusalem in particular, has come to be very dear to me, in a different way than my previous experiences in Israel.
I am so enamored by its complexity, its diversity and its vibrancy.
When I think back to when I arrived in Jerusalem two years and I recall that period of a couple months when I actually blogged and captured these a-ha moments, these observations, these reflections of incredible daily experiences, these vignettes of encountering the magic that is Israel and its peoples, and frankly I feel a little upset with myself.
I wish I had been able to be more mindful about recording these moments, these surreal connections, these truly beautiful opportunities to experience Israel with my senses- taste, scent, sight, sound and touch.
Having said that, I am thankful that life eventually became just that, life. I actually lived here.
While living here, I had my pauses of appreciation for the moment and thought, oh I should totally blog about this very cool experience, but overall I released that desire and just lived here.
As I think about returning to living in the states after two years of living in Israel, I know that I will recall these magical vignettes with a smile.
I also know that they will help me to communicate what Israel is to me... why do I love Israel? what is it like to live there? what is it like to get to know some of the many different peoples living here? what is it like to explore their cultures? and what is it like to explore their culinary cultures?!
I am very thankful to be sitting with the shuk man's words of wisdom - צריך לזרום - you need to flow.
Here's to 11 more days of flowing in Israel.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Torah Study on an iPad? Yes? No? Absolutely!
As a Master of Jewish Education student I have been introduced to many educational theories, developmental psychology and pedagogical practices. In addition to all these areas we also focus on the place of 21st century learning in today's educational world, which of course includes the discussion of technology's role in education. Currently I am enrolled in a class called Technology and the Jewish Day School. Our learning is largely oriented around the 6 Cs identified as 21st century learning outcomes: Connectivity - Communication - Collaboration - Creative Expression - Critical Thinking - Customization. Although there are also other aspects of 21st century learning, including skills that ensure students are prepared to work in the global job market, for me these six areas reflect the main rethinking necessary for truly integrating technology into education.
A perfect example of this rethinking is how we use technology in a way that is not just a bells and whistles addition but rather a comprehensive ecological change in the school culture- how do we integrate the use of an iPad or SMART Board to provide our students with opportunities to engage with and develop these different learning outcomes? These may seem like simple examples, but they are not. This kind of conversation is really about how do we challenge the assumed and accepted ways we "do school" and open up to innovating education, to breaking down the brick walls of the school and to connecting with the global, connected and largely online world.
This revolutionary change must happen in Jewish education as well. Therefore when my professor asked me to reflect on the question, "Should our students be allowed to study Torah on an iPad?" I felt comfortable and confident to say, "Absolutely, yes, 100% yes!" Because I believe that we must allow for widespread systematic change with regards to technology, I feel that this must include the study of Torah. If we are really discussing revolutionary change then I believe there is no danger of disrespecting or dishonoring our sacred texts. I also believe that relevance and authenticity are essential when it comes to teaching young Jewish American students to love and engage with Torah study. How can we allow for relevance and authenticity if we restrict our students from engaging with the 6 Cs listed above when it comes to Torah learning? Some may argue that to study Torah on an iPad is unacceptable, that bringing our holy texts to the mundane technological world which includes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sends the wrong message. I cannot tell these people that their beliefs are not valid nor can I make them rethink the way they engage with Torah study, but these people are not my future students. My future students have grown up in this 21st century culture and will continue to engage with technology regardless of what happens in their classroom. Although I feel a part of the whole, the multi-generational Jewish people, I feel more committed to the next generation, to my future students. I am passionate about engaging my students in an honest, integrated and exciting Jewish life, which like it or not, includes Torah study on an iPad. I welcome comments.
A perfect example of this rethinking is how we use technology in a way that is not just a bells and whistles addition but rather a comprehensive ecological change in the school culture- how do we integrate the use of an iPad or SMART Board to provide our students with opportunities to engage with and develop these different learning outcomes? These may seem like simple examples, but they are not. This kind of conversation is really about how do we challenge the assumed and accepted ways we "do school" and open up to innovating education, to breaking down the brick walls of the school and to connecting with the global, connected and largely online world.
This revolutionary change must happen in Jewish education as well. Therefore when my professor asked me to reflect on the question, "Should our students be allowed to study Torah on an iPad?" I felt comfortable and confident to say, "Absolutely, yes, 100% yes!" Because I believe that we must allow for widespread systematic change with regards to technology, I feel that this must include the study of Torah. If we are really discussing revolutionary change then I believe there is no danger of disrespecting or dishonoring our sacred texts. I also believe that relevance and authenticity are essential when it comes to teaching young Jewish American students to love and engage with Torah study. How can we allow for relevance and authenticity if we restrict our students from engaging with the 6 Cs listed above when it comes to Torah learning? Some may argue that to study Torah on an iPad is unacceptable, that bringing our holy texts to the mundane technological world which includes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sends the wrong message. I cannot tell these people that their beliefs are not valid nor can I make them rethink the way they engage with Torah study, but these people are not my future students. My future students have grown up in this 21st century culture and will continue to engage with technology regardless of what happens in their classroom. Although I feel a part of the whole, the multi-generational Jewish people, I feel more committed to the next generation, to my future students. I am passionate about engaging my students in an honest, integrated and exciting Jewish life, which like it or not, includes Torah study on an iPad. I welcome comments.
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