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Shiurim >> Archive >> December 2007
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Shiurim
USCJ EC Staff Meeting Shiur - December 2007
In North America today, at least 100,000 non-Jewish women are raising their children as Jews. These women deserve the support, encouragement, and gratitude of the organized Jewish community. A woman makes a great sacrifice and undertakes a great commitment when she raises a child in a religious tradition different from her own.
- from The Mother’s Circle Program FAQ
R. Samuel bar Nahmani said in R. Jonathan’s name: Whoever teaches Torah to the son of his neighbor it is as if he gave birth to him.
- Sanhedrin 19b
Questions for Discussion:
(Note - this shiur is the first of two addressing the issues of non-Jews in Jewish schools. In February 2008 we will look at these quotes again, with more questions to ponder. Each of these shiurim will have only two questions, to encourage meatier discussions.)
- Many Jewish early childhood programs today are populated by two-Jewish parent families, intermarried families (with one Jewish parent) and non-Jewish families (with no Jewish parent). Additionally, many Jewish early childhood programs employ both Jewish and non-Jewish teachers, and although this is less common may be run by a non-Jewish director. The role of non-Jews in Jewish schools is a heavily debated topic. If your school fits this description in any way, discuss the benefits and challenges a mixed population presents to a Jewish school.
- Have you ever wondered how to handle the circle-time conversation when a child wants to talk about his Christmas tree? Ever listened to a group of children discuss who “is Hanukah” and who “is Christmas” and been unsure of whether to jump in and what to say? Ever felt embarrassed because you weren’t able to pronounce the words of the blessing you’re supposed to say before snack? Ever felt really proud of yourself for learning which blessing goes with which food, but then had no answer for the parent who asks you why we light two candles for Shabbat? What does it feel like to teach in a Jewish school with lots of non-Jewish kids? What does it feel like not to be Jewish and to teach in a Jewish school? What makes it a positive situation? What could make it feel better?
Maxine Segal Handelman
Consultant for Early Childhood Education,
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
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