<HTML>Dear Lookjed list readers,
As we begin the new Jewish and academic year, I would like to turn to you
and report on some of the accomplishments of the first few months of this
list, and share with you some of our hopes for the future.
My initial objective was to create a "virtual" community of educators who
share ideas and information, as well as their frustrations and successes,
with one another. This mission has enjoyed some measure of success. Aside
from the on-line postings of educational discussion, I know of many
off-list conversations between people who have discovered old friends, and
developed new ones with similar interests. The Lookjed Announcements
postings have created a forum for professional information that have led
to readers finding jobs and securing fellowships.
On a technical note, we are fast approaching the posting of our 100th
Lookjed Digest and our 20th Lookjed Announcements mailing. Well over 500
educators - teachers, principals, academics and lay leaders read and
participate in these postings, with more joining every day.
Those of you who read the list regularly know that beyond the statistics,
the discussion has ranged over a wide range of educational, pedagogic and
text-based questions that have stimulated serious thinking about issues
both inside and outside the classroom. Some of you have taken full
advantage of this forum, and know that beyond the list, the Lookstein
Center has the resources to assist and offer materials and collaboration
in improving Jewish schooling and instruction.
We would like to further develop the potential that has been realized up
to this point. For this forum to become a true community of educators,
we need as many voices as possible contributing to the discussion. Towards
this end we are asking you to invite four or five colleagues or peers to
join in this conversation. As there is no cost involved to subscribe,
anyone with internet access can only gain from becoming a member of this
growing community. I suggest forwarding this digest to people you believe
can gain from and contribute to this list, together with a personal note
explaining what you find valuable about participating. It will act both as
an invitation to join and as a sample of the kind of conversation that
takes place.
As educators, we all know the value of collaboration and teamwork. Tovim
HaShnaim min HaEhad - V'HaHut HaMeshulash lo bimhaira yinataik (Kohelet
4:9,12). We look forward to upcoming years of partnership, working together
towards a goal of greater success in educating our children.
Rabbi Shalom Berger,Ed.D.
=09The Lookstein Center
=09Bar Ilan University</HTML>
