Page 42 - Jewish News_March 2021

42A March 2021 FOCUS ON YOUTH

Expose, don’t force: a parent’s perspective

on Jewish education today

there were fewer conflicts with syna- States,” the enrollment in day schools kowitz, agrees with the school’s phi-
gogue or religious school. not funded by ultra-Orthodox Jews has losophy. “Expose them, give them the
I was born into a world where I declined significantly. This is not sur- experience, and engage them to make
couldn’t take Israel’s existence for prising if you read the Aish article from them think analytically, emotionally
granted because I heard firsthand my 2003 that identified the reasons for the and spiritually because, ultimately, we
grandparents’ experiences during and “Jewish Day School Crisis” that both want them to have a belief system that
after the Holocaust. This set the foun- clearly predicted this decline and out- will help them navigate the world and
dation for my Jewish identity that I lined specifically the reasons why. In a be strong leaders,” she says. “If you
took with me into adulthood and rais- nutshell, parents are not considering a can have peace on the playground, you
ing my own family. The challenge for Jewish education unless it is pluralistic, can have peace in the world.”
me was and remains to help my chil- meaningful and evolving to adapt to to- Forcing children to eat spinach
dren find their passion and build their day’s learning and cultural environment. doesn’t necessarily help them develop
Education Corner Jewish foundation. This is precisely the philosophy of a taste for it, but continually preparing
Today, the competition for our
By Rachel Saltzberg children’s attention is fierce. They are Sarasota’s Hershorin Schiff Communi- it with different flavors may entice them
ty Day School and why the demand for
to include it in their meals when they
ince moving to this community bombarded by information every min- its education (i.e., enrollment) has in- leave the nest. I believe that, through
in 2004, I have immersed my- ute of their lives. How do we infiltrate creased and its recognition has reached ongoing, daily exposure to Jewish tra-
Sself in the education world. The and make our values stick in their de- national levels. In fact, we were re- ditions, values and belief systems, our
lens through which I became involved veloping minds? How do we instill a cently honored to receive a proclama- students will go off to college and seek
in education – and the community in love of Judaism and the responsibility tion from U.S. Representative Vern those same experiences, participate in
general – has always been as a Jewish to carry on Jewish life – L’dor V’ador Buchanan celebrating our school’s un- Jewish traditions and build the foun-
mother raising her three children in – with children who will grow up with precedented growth, success and im- dation for meaningful Jewish journeys
Sarasota-Manatee. But this communi- the same pride and desperate desire for pact on our region. for their own children.
ty, its educational options and the era in Jewish continuity? Making Judaism accessible and Rachel Saltzberg is Co-Chair of the
which I found myself was nothing like Herbert Schiff, the namesake of enjoyable is key to its effectiveness. Community Day School Board of
what I grew up with. our school, and Barbara Blumenthal, Our school rabbi, Rabbi Anat Mos- Trustees.
If you are my age or older, you the mother of my co-chair Mitch Blu-
menthal, echoed the same sentiments
grew up without social media, smart- using the same exact words: “Expose The Gan at Temple Sinai and
phones or 24-hour news. Perhaps you
We know that Jewish day schools, Religious School events
grew up in a community with multi- them. Don’t force them!”
ple Jewish day schools – schools that
learned half a day in Hebrew and half Jewish summer camps and trips to Isra- By Gail Glickman
a day in English, where children were el are the experiences that best ensure o much has been happening to the Outdoor Teaching Garden. All the
surrounded by other Jewish children kids will stay engaged with Judaism keep Temple Sinai students en- tree creations were displayed. Every-
and families. Or maybe you grew up in throughout their lives. But, since 2003, Sgaged. On December 13, the one wished the trees a happy birthday
a community where, as a Jewish kid, according to the AVI CHAI Founda- SAFETY board put together “Holiday while remaining physically distanced,
you were not permitted to join certain tion’s 2018-2019 study, “A Census Bags” for front-line workers at both too.
clubs or play on particular teams, so of Jewish Day Schools in the United Aravilla and The Fountains at Lake A family-friendly drive-through Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha
Pointe Woods. SAFETY board mem- intergenerational Tu B’Shevat cel-
U
bers and Religious School students ebration on January 31 was held in
created holiday cards that expressed the parking lot. It included crafts and
their love and appreciation for all that snacks inspired by the holiday, pre- For more information about the non-profit,
these people do with the elderly in our packaged and safely handed out by community, Jewish Burial Society, contact:
community. For men: 941-484-2790
The Gan at Temple Sinai
and Religious School cel- For women: 941-346-6446
1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237
ebrated a festive Zoom Tu
BEST FIT B’Shevat Seder on January
27, giving the fruits and trees
of Israel symbolic meaning

Find your career passion by eating specific fruits. The
students learned about the en-
vironment and that Tu B’She-
Students ages 15-19, are you thinking about vat is the Israeli Arbor Day. Temple Sinai Chazzan Cliff Abramson and Rabbi Samantha
the career path you want to take after you During the week leading up Kahn offer blessings at the Tu B’Shevat drive-through
graduate? We’ve teamed up with college career to the holiday, the Gan students created Religious School staff and clergy.
counselor Debra Landesberg, of My College a “class tree” using different materials, Participants also performed a mitzvah
Resource, to help you find your career passion such as recycled items, art supplies of taking care of the environment by
with the Best Fit U program, a student-driven and poster board. Gan classes creat- donating a flower to plant on the tem-
process for helping students achieve their “best ed “seed bombs” and planted them in ple grounds.
fit” college experience. The Gan continues to provide edu-
cational and fun activities for the kids,
Course includes Two Zoom Sessions “ Discover options and a pajama Havdalah is scheduled
Wednesday, March 2 & 9 for YOUR future for Saturday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m.
6:30-8:30pm with BestFitU! ” Laura Freedman, Director of Early
COURSE FEE: $18 For almost 20 Childhood Education, says, “Get com-
fy and join Geveret Laura on Zoom to
years, Debra say, ‘Goodbye to Shabbat and hello to
Please Register at Landesberg
JFEDSRQ.org/Teens has provided a new week.’ Everyone will sing songs,
say the blessings, hear a story, make a
information on craft for Havdalah and wish each oth-
financial aid,
scholarships, er a shavuah tov (good week). Craft
college essays, kits will be sent home or available for
resumes and pickup.” RSVP to laura@templesinai-
For more information, contact Jessi Sheslow at more! sarasota.org to receive a kit and link.
jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109. If interested in joining Temple
SPONSORED BY Sinai events, please contact Bethany
Temple Sinai Devorim students monitor Leinweber at bleinweber@templesinai-
a tree planted at a previous Tu B’Shevat sarasota.org.