Mishpatim

Reading through this upcoming parasha I realized how important it is to remember that we are Rabbinic Jews, whose understanding of Judaism is filtered through the multiple lenses of those wise people who have interpreted Torah in ways that are meaningful to us in our time and continue to be meaningful for all time.

For those who read the words of Torah literally I would suggest that you do our religion no favors. Fundamentalism in all its varieties has the potential to do much more harm than good.

Please look at the suggestions for study of parshat Mishpatim from last year with this in mind.

Also, be sure to click on Parsha 4 Kids for an idea for a conversation you can have with students about parshat Mishpatim.

Engaging Teenage Boys in Jewish Life

I just read about a program for post-Bar Mitzvah boys that sounds very interesting.  The organization that has created it is the same one that sponsors "Rosh Hodesh, It's a Girl Thing!"  I hope people will think about bringing it to the New York area.  There is certainly a very large potential pool of participants.

Moving Traditions

I believe the teaching of Torah must reach for Big Ideas and Important Issues.  The posts already on this blog are an attempt to help teachers in Jewish educational settings identify and share these ideas and issues with students.
This year I will be posting weekly to my other blog - http://parshakids.blogspot.com/ - which is specifically designed for use with middle school or high school students.  I invite you to look at that blog and, if you find it appropriate, to use it with your students.
If you would like suggestions for using this blog effectively, please send me a note and I will be happy to share ideas with you and with other teachers.
The posts from last year will continue to be accessible on this blog - http://bettyannsbestbets.blogspot.com/

Please read the new post on Parsha 4 Kids.  If you use it with your students, I urge you to have them post directly to the blog so other young people can share their thoughts in a collaborative effort to understand Jewish thinking in today's world.