Reshet JD: A New Professional Network for Judaic Studies Leaders

RAVSAK

In creating Reshet Judaic Directors, we have identified a deep and serious need to nurture the educators who are providing Jewish leadership in our schools. These are the individuals who spend their time thinking about Jewish life and learning and what it might look like as we move into the world of twenty-first century education. Beginning with an online forum of a small core of Judaic directors, we have identified common interests and needs. The next step is to expand the core group with ever-widening circles of colleagues who share a focus on Jewish life and learning in RAVSAK schools.

We have identified several topics that the Reshet may explore in the future:

  • How to align the Jewish studies director’s vision as a community school with those of the faculty
  • How to bring staff on a journey to understand and implement the Judaic program
  • How to promote cooperation and understanding within a Jewishly diverse staff
  • How to grow the next generation of Jewish studies leaders
  • How to demonstrate the Jewish studies director’s value to the board and to the community
  • How to articulate the nature of a community day school, as opposed to an independent school with Jewish students
  • How to supervise and evaluate Judaic staff when there are often unique relationships
  • How to help parents understand and appreciate the value of the Judaic program

One thing is very clear: Judaic directors are eager to work together to benefit from shared wisdom and experience, and to identify colleagues who will become great new “chevruta” professional study partners.

Beshalom from the co-chairs,

  • Sharon Freundel (Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation’s Capitol)
  • Tzivia Garfinkel (Bernard Zell Ansche Emet Day School, Chicago)
  • Rabbi Stuart Light (Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle)
  • Rabbi Jack Nahmod (Abraham Joshua Heschel School, New York)

To join Reshet JD, contact Dr. Marc Kramer at [email protected].♦

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HaYidion Whole_Student Winter 2012
The Whole Student
Winter 2012