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Dear Shalom:
The Orthodox Caucus' Torah Ethics Project seeks to clarify and implement,
on a community by community basis, fundamental Torah bein adam le-chaveiro
teachings on a multi-dimensional level: in the classroom, in
extra-curricular school activity, in the synagogue, around the family
Shabbat table, and in community media. Ideally, we are aiming to have
these different elements each reinforcing the other.
Pivotal to that effort is the yeshiva/day school. The (relatively) easy
part is to assemble source materials, and even lesson plans on a given
topic (Geneivat Daat, Kevod ha-Beriyot, Hatznei'a Lechet, Dina
de'Malchuta, Ahavat Yisrael, etc.) The real challenge is to identify the
methodologies, techniques, media, special programs, and teaching
modalities (in and outside the classroom) that will make these Torah
teachings come alive, with real impact on students.
One approach is time-limited (e.g., a two week in-depth focus). Some feel
this is too limiting, with little long-term impact. Another approach is
more extended (e.g., a year long theme, with the given topic brought in at
various points over the course of the semester.) Some suggest that a
senior teacher in each school be appointed the "Ethics Specialist", with
responsibility to identify (and then implement together with teachers)
appropriate ethics learning opportunities within the school year, given
each school's human and material resources.
What reactions do Torah educators have to these approaches? Are there
other proven approaches to teaching values, or so-called
"character-building interventions," appropriate to the Yeshiva Day
School setting, given competing priorities and limited resources? Beyond
the obvious impact of the teacher/administrator as a living role model
to students, what other modalities can be utilized by a teacher, or
school, with demonstrated effectiveness in producing an graduate who is
more sensitive, civic-minded, tolerant, and "menschlig?"
Any discussion and exchange among Lookjed readers that would help to
clarify these questions will be much appreciated.
Gemar Tov.
Basil Herring
The Orthodox Caucus
[
www.orthodoxcaucus.org<];
