Nearly 40 faculty from area congregation religious schools participated in a recent day of professional Jewish learning and networking.
Teachers took part in a workshop that focused on the topics of teaching Israel and antisemitism in the classroom.
The program took place at Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
Noa Dovrat, community shaliach, led “Talking About Israel in the Classroom.” Teachers explored the role of Israel in their own lives and discussed ways everyone can address and be respectful of different opinions and the news stories we hear.
Sarah Markowitz, director of education and programs for JCRB|AJC, led a session on “Talking About Antisemitism in the Classroom.” Teachers often find themselves in situations where they have to address tough topics related to antisemitism, intolerance, and discrimination.
Faculty explored strategies about how to talk with students of all ages about antisemitism and how to respond to students’ questions, concerns, and the experiences that they share with regard to antisemitism.
Following remarks by Rabbi Moshe Grussgott, who recognized and expressed appreciation to teachers for the work they do in the community, teachers had an opportunity over lunch to discuss what they learned over the morning and create an age-appropriate group lesson plan centered around one of the topics addressed.
This program was coordinated by area religious school education directors including Morgan Fasbinder (Beth Torah), Dayna Gershon (The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah), Shelley Hedrick (New Reform Temple), Shelley Rissien (Kehilath Israel), Civia White (Beth Shalom), and Annette Fish (Rabbinical Association).
This workshop is an annual effort of the Rabbinical Association and area congregation religious schools and is funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.