Choosing and Using Primary Texts - 3 part Webinar Series
One of the most fundamental elements of the DRJC (Deep Rich Jewish Content) Methodology is incorporating primary Jewish texts in our learning environments. Yet it is not always easy to know which texts to choose or how to integrate them into curricula and programming.
This three-part series is designed to equip Education Directors, Assistant Directors and classroom teachers in the part-time Jewish education space with tools, skills and resources to recognize the right texts for their settings, and gain confidence in utilizing those texts.
Session One – What is Jewish text and how do I use the different genres of the Jewish cannon?
Session Two – Teaching Jewish Values – How do I utilize Jewish texts to enrich the conversation?
Session Three – Teaching the Holidays – When and how can I use Jewish text in holiday learning and celebrations?
Each session will include both modeling, hands on workshopping, and strategies for finding and integrating Jewish texts.
Guided by experts Mara Braunfeld and Rabba Yaffa Epstein, participants will also have the opportunity to dive deeper into their existing curricula and identify where primary texts can enhance learners' experiences and access.
All sessions will be recorded, and available to participants after the sessions. Those who complete the series will also be offered an optional individual or small group coaching session.
- After School and Beyond
- Early Childhood Education
- Educator Training
- Camp
- Congregational Learning
- Early Childhood
- Family Engagement
- Teen Engagement
Rabba Yaffa Epstein is the Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence at the Jewish Education Project. Formerly, she served as the Director of the Wexner Heritage Program at the Wexner Foundation. Epstein has also served as the Director of Education, North America for the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and was a member of the faculty. She has served on the faculties of Yeshivat Maharat and the Drisha Institute. Epstein has served as an Educator and Scholar in Residence for the Dorot Fellowship, Moishe House, Jewish Federation of North America, the Covenant Foundation, the Nahum Goldmann Fellowship, Repair the World, the Meorot Fellowship, and the KADIMA Fellowship. She has lectured at numerous Limmud events around the globe, has written curriculum for the Global Day of Jewish Learning and has created innovative educational programming for Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. She received Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshivat Maharat, earned an additional private Ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes, holds a Law Degree from Bar-Ilan University, and studied at the Talmud Department at Hebrew University.
Rabba Epstein is passionate about making Jewish learning accessible and exciting, and creating learning environments that are welcoming, diverse, and inclusive to all who wish to participate. She has taught educators, rabbis and lay leaders from across the spectrum of Jewish denominations. Rabba Epstein is the winner of the prestigious Covenant Award.
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