As a sophisticated working mother in the 21st century I am quite reticent to admit that I am an Oprah Winfrey fan. But there is something so appealing about her—a woman who has truly accomplished EVERYTHING that she has set out to do. Oprah has a philosophy, “Live Your Best Life.” This philosophy has truly resonated with me—not only because I believe in it, but because I see it as a motto that I would like for us to adopt at Ohabei Shalom (with one small addition, ie… “Live your best Jewish life.” I believe that this motto is an expression of who we can become.
Our educational philosophy at Ohabei Shalom is one of experiential education. John Dewey, the American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer, teaches us that education should consist of experiences that lead to positive growth. He also teaches that an educator’s job is to use his/her greater insight to help to create and facilitate such experiences. Dewey believed that, ““Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
It is with this philosophical foundation that we are (re)creating and growing our new education programs. At our schools we teach through experience. In the Trust Center for Early Education our youngest students do not simply learn about Shabbat through stories or pictures. Rather, they experience Shabbat each week with a school wide celebration. Together they taste, touch and feel what a warm community Shabbat experience can be.
In the Ansin Religious School many of our new programs have been inspired by Dewey’s philosophical approach to education. This year, our third graders are involved in a pilot project: an experiential education curriculum that allows them to learn through living the Jewish calendar. Additionally, our Shabbat B’yachad program is allows our children and families to LIVE their education through participation in our vibrant community. What could be easier than coming to the synagogue for a few hours on Shabbat morning, eating, praying, learning and living our Jewish traditions together?
No matter our philosophy, our task is not easy. We all struggle to keep up with the many, many demands of modern life. Let’s begin by making the choice to be proud of our Jewish traditions so that they will be passed down from generation to generation. Exposing our children to a vibrant Jewish community is another important step in giving each of them the tools to participate in their Jewish community, as both children and adults. Come visit our schools, recommend them to your neighbors and friends, join a committee, pray with us on Shabbat. Embrace our tradition and make it yours! As Oprah says, “Live Your Best [Jewish] Life!”
Shalom,
Shari
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