Online Panel Discussion: Open-Mindedness and the Yeshiva High School
Welcome to the online panel discussion, in which Hillel Broder, CB Neugroschl, Ari Segal and Tzvi Sinensky, will be discussing Jack Bieler’s “Open-Mindedness and the Yeshiva High School: Musings on the Range of Views to Which Our Students Should be Exposed.”
The members of the panel will take the conversation in the direction that they feel is most appropriate, but below you will find some leading questions suggested by Rabbi Bieler. To follow the conversation, which will take place during the week of July 10, just click on the button below.
I would love to hear your feedback on this conversation.
Shalom Berger
shalom@lookstein.org
1. Despite the article originally being published 27 years ago, the issues concerning the Middle East in general and Israel in particular remain a deep concern. To what extent are students, particularly those graduating and going on to secular campuses, being prepared to deal with hostile points of view regarding Zionism, “occupation,” BDS, etc. To what extent does the school consider it part of its mission to prepare students for hostile attitudes in this regard?
2. To what extent do/should Judaic studies faculty involve themselves in the learning experience and the materials presented in general studies classes, as well as extra-curricular activities such as drama, current events clubs, school trips, etc.? Is/should this (be) done exclusively on an administrative level? (An illustration from my personal experience:
When the 1994 film “Quiz Show” was in theaters, the general studies principal planned to rent-out a movie theater so that the entire high school could watch it together, and then have a discussion regarding cheating. One of the Judaic studies faculty members refused to attend because he does not go to movies, and the entire project was cancelled in order not to draw attention to this individual’s personal preference. Do you think that this was the right thing to do?)
3. What contemporary issues do you feel that the school should be presenting by means of drawing upon a wide range of perspectives in order to best prepare the students for engaging the broader society and community?
4. Are there prerequisites/qualifications for a teacher who will be presenting “sensitive” material to his/her students with regard to any number of particular topics?
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